If you or someone you love has been referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon — or if you’re researching facial pain, jaw problems, oral cancer, or facial injuries — this guide is for you. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) is one of the most specialized fields in medicine, sitting at the intersection of dentistry, surgery, and facial medicine.
Dr. Reena Yadav is a leading oral and maxillofacial surgeon based in Mumbai, with over 11 years of experience treating complex conditions including oral cancer, facial trauma, TMJ disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, and mucormycosis. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) is the surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. An OMS specialist undergoes both dental and medical training, making them uniquely qualified to manage conditions that overlap between these two disciplines.
The scope of maxillofacial surgery includes the following:
- Surgical removal of oral tumours and cancers
- Corrective jaw and bite surgery (orthognathic surgery)
- Treatment of facial fractures and trauma
- Management of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
- Facial nerve conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and facial palsy
- Mucormycosis (fungal infection) resection and reconstruction
- Dental implants, bone grafting, and oral rehabilitation
- Salivary gland surgeries and cyst removal
In India, maxillofacial surgeons are registered specialists who complete an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) with an additional surgical fellowship. Dr. Reena Yadav also holds a TMJ mini-residency from the University of Maryland, USA—bringing global expertise to her Mumbai practice.
Why Choose a Maxillofacial Specialist Over a General Dentist?
General dentists are trained to manage routine dental care — fillings, extractions, and cleanings. However, conditions like jaw tumors, facial nerve pain, complex fractures, or oral cancer require a different level of expertise. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon has the surgical training and diagnostic tools to
- Perform biopsies and manage oral pathology
- Reconstruct facial structures after trauma or cancer removal
- Work collaboratively with oncologists, neurologists, and ENT specialists
- Handle anaesthesia and hospital-based surgical procedures
If your dentist, GP, or ENT has referred you to a maxillofacial surgeon, it means your condition requires a higher level of surgical care — not something to be alarmed about, but rather reassured by.
Conditions Treated by Dr. Reena Yadav in Mumbai
Dr. Reena Yadav offers comprehensive OMS care across two Mumbai locations — Jai Ambe Hospital and RMS Multi-Speciality Hospital, both on Mira Road East.
1. Oral Cancer Surgery
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, particularly linked to tobacco and betel nut (pan masala) use. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Dr. Reena Yadav specializes in:
- Biopsy and histopathological diagnosis
- Wide local excision of tumours
- Neck dissection (removal of affected lymph nodes)
- Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy when required
- Reconstruction using flaps and bone grafts
2. TMJ Disorders (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)
The TMJ is the hinge joint connecting your jaw to your skull. When it malfunctions, it causes jaw pain, clicking sounds, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Dr. Reena Yadav has undergone dedicated TMJ training at a US university—one of the few surgeons in Mumbai with this specialization.
- Diagnosis through MRI and clinical examination
- Conservative management (splints, physiotherapy, medication)
- Arthrocentesis and arthroscopy for advanced cases
- Joint replacement surgery when indicated
3. Facial Trauma & Fracture Management
Facial injuries from road accidents, falls, assaults, or sports injuries require immediate, skilled surgical care. Untreated facial fractures can lead to permanent disfigurement, vision problems, or breathing difficulties.
- Fractures of the nose, cheekbone (zygoma), orbit, mandible, and midface
- Soft tissue lacerations and reconstruction
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using titanium plates
- Reconstruction after severe traumatic loss
4. Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is described as one of the most painful conditions known to medicine — sudden, electric-shock-like facial pain triggered by everyday activities like talking, eating, or brushing teeth. Dr. Reena Yadav offers both medical management and surgical options, including microvascular decompression.
5. Facial Palsy
Facial palsy involves weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, often following Bell’s palsy, trauma, or tumour removal. Treatment may involve physiotherapy, Botox, or reconstructive surgery to restore facial symmetry and movement.
6. Mucormycosis Treatment
Mucormycosis (black fungus) gained widespread attention during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This aggressive fungal infection affects the sinuses, jaw, and eye socket and requires urgent surgical debridement combined with antifungal therapy. Dr. Reena Yadav has extensive experience in mucormycosis resection and post-operative rehabilitation.
What Happens During Your First OMS Consultation?
Many patients feel anxious before seeing a maxillofacial surgeon for the first time. Here is what to expect:
- Detailed review of your medical and dental history
- Clinical examination of the mouth, jaw, face, and neck
- Review of existing X-rays, CT scans, or MRI reports
- Additional imaging may be requested (OPG, CBCT, contrast CT, or MRI)
- Biopsy if a suspicious lesion is detected
- Clear explanation of diagnosis and all treatment options
- A second opinion is always welcome and encouraged
Dr. Reena Yadav’s philosophy: ‘A scar does not matter; life matters.’ Every patient deserves honest, evidence-based care — not myths or unnecessary procedures.
Is Maxillofacial Surgery Painful? What Is Recovery Like?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask. The answer depends on the procedure:
- Minor procedures (biopsy, cyst removal): performed under local anaesthesia, with minimal downtime
- Moderate procedures (TMJ arthrocentesis, fracture fixation): 2–5 days of rest, pain well-managed with medication
- Major procedures (cancer resection, jaw reconstruction): hospital stay of 5–10 days, followed by 4–8 weeks of recovery
Dr. Reena Yadav and her team ensure that every patient has a detailed pain management plan, post-operative diet guide, and regular follow-up schedule.
How to Identify Early Warning Signs You Need a Maxillofacial Surgeon
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. Consult Dr. Reena Yadav if you notice any of the following:
- A non-healing mouth ulcer lasting more than 3 weeks
- Persistent jaw pain or clicking when chewing
- Facial swelling or numbness that won’t resolve
- Sudden severe facial pain triggered by touch or cold air
- Asymmetry in the face, jaw, or bite
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- White or red patches inside the mouth (leukoplakia or erythroplakia)
- Any lump or growth in the mouth, jaw, or neck
These symptoms do not always indicate cancer or a serious condition, but they do need professional evaluation. Early diagnosis almost always leads to better outcomes.
Why Mumbai Patients Trust Dr. Reena Yadav
- 13+ years of specialised OMS experience
- TMJ Mini Residency, University of Maryland, USA
- Expert in oral cancer, mucormycosis, facial trauma, and TMJ
- Two clinic locations on Mira Road — Jai Ambe Hospital & RMS Multi-Speciality Hospital
- Patient-first philosophy with transparent, evidence-based care
- Multilingual consultations (Hindi, Marathi, English)
Book Your Consultation
Whether another doctor has referred you or you are seeking a second opinion, Dr. Reena Yadav’s clinic is open for consultations at both Mira Road locations.
