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Mr Stefano Stea Consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Oral & Maxillofacial
Surgery

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When Should You See an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Jaw pain, clicking, locking, malocclusion, facial asymmetry, and lesions of the face or oral cavity are among the most common symptoms that may require a maxillofacial specialist’s opinion.

If you are experiencing persistent, recurrent or functionally limiting symptoms affecting the jaw, TMJ or face — or if your dentist or GP has recommended a specialist assessment — an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the right specialist to evaluate your case and advise clearly on whether a maxillofacial treatment pathway is appropriate, and if so, which one.

Restoring Function and Improving Quality of Life

Oral and maxillofacial surgery primarily addresses the jaws, joints, soft tissues and oral cavity — and in some cases the neck — treating conditions that can affect essential functions such as chewing and mouth opening.
The specialty pursues three core objectives:

Restoring function

Ripristinare la funzione: masticazione, apertura/chiusura della bocca, fonazione, deglutizione e, quando coinvolto, il respiro.

Balance

Ristabilire equilibrio e stabilità del sistema cranio-facciale: corretta relazione tra mandibola/mascella, articolazione temporo-mandibolare (ATM) e occlusione.

Trauma

Ricostruire o correggere conseguenze di traumi, malformazioni o malattie, migliorando anche l’aspetto quando è parte integrante del problema clinico.

Areas of Expertise

Mr Stea’s clinical areas of expertise are in oral and maxillofacial surgery across his locations in Italy and the United Kingdom.

The Approach

Every maxillofacial case requires a precise clinical assessment: similar symptoms can have different underlying causes and, consequently, require different treatment pathways. The purpose of the consultation is therefore to establish a clear diagnosis and determine the most appropriate medical or surgical course of action.

Listening

A thorough assessment of symptoms and clinical history to build a complete picture that goes beyond a single investigation.

Priorities

A clear distinction between what requires prompt attention and what can be managed over time to guide decisions rationally and efficiently.

Expectations

Realistic objectives and anticipated outcomes defined with precision to avoid uncertainty and ensure every decision is based on clinical evidence, not assumptions.

Your Consultation

How It Works

  • Assessment

    We gather the essential information and assess whether a maxillofacial consultation is indicated, ensuring your enquiry is directed appropriately from the outset.

  • Preparation

    Where a consultation is indicated, we arrange the appointment and provide clear guidance on what to bring — so you arrive fully prepared.

  • Evaluation

    During the consultation, diagnosis and treatment options are defined, with a clear explanation of next steps and timelines.

Would you like more information?

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the most common questions about when to seek specialist advice, what oral and maxillofacial surgery involves, and what treatment options are available.

  • An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the specialist responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and disorders of the craniofacial region: the jaw bones (maxilla and mandible), the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the soft tissues of the head, neck and oral cavity. In practice, the surgeon assesses and manages functional and structural conditions that may affect chewing, mouth opening and closing, and mandibular balance. he role is not simply to perform surgery — it is to establish a diagnosis, define the clinical indication and determine the most appropriate pathway, whether conservative or surgical, for each individual case.

  • The consultation begins with a thorough clinical history (symptoms, duration, previous treatments) followed by a clinical examination of the craniofacial region. Any available investigations or reports, such as radiographs or other imaging, are reviewed. Based on the clinical picture, the specialist may recommend further targeted investigations. The outcome of the consultation is a clinical assessment and a clear, reasoned recommendation: what is indicated, what to avoid, and the most appropriate next steps.

  • An oral and maxillofacial surgeon diagnoses conditions involving the mandible, maxilla, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the broader craniofacial region. Common presentations include temporomandibular disorders (pain, clicking, locking), functional mandibular conditions, skeletal malocclusion, the consequences of facial trauma, and other maxillofacial conditions frequently identified on referral from a dentist or GP. Diagnosis is not based on a single symptom, but on a comprehensive assessment that combines clinical history, examination, and targeted investigations.

  • In the UK, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dually qualified specialist — holding degrees in both medicine and dentistry — with dedicated surgical expertise in the craniofacial region. The specialty frequently works alongside dentists and orthodontists, but is a distinct discipline. A dentist (or dental surgeon) is primarily concerned with teeth, gums, prevention and restorative dental treatments. In practice: if the problem involves the TMJ, jaw, facial trauma or any condition requiring a surgical assessment of the craniofacial region, a maxillofacial opinion may be indicated. In many cases, management is integrated and multidisciplinary.

  • A maxillofacial assessment is indicated when symptoms involving the jaw, maxilla, TMJ or face are persistent, recurrent or functionally limiting. Typical presentations include jaw pain, TMJ clicking or crepitus, jaw locking, restricted mouth opening, pain on chewing, mandibular deviation on opening, progressive facial asymmetry, facial trauma or suspected fractures. A referral from a dentist or GP is also appropriate where a clear diagnosis and clinical indication are needed. The earlier a case is correctly assessed, the easier it is to identify the right treatment pathway.

  • Surgery is indicated only when a clear clinical indication exists, established following a specialist maxillofacial assessment. In general, surgical intervention is considered when the problem is structural or functional in nature and cannot be effectively managed through conservative means — for example, in cases of skeletal malocclusion with significant functional limitation, facial fractures or trauma, or specific TMJ conditions where surgical criteria are met. The decision is not based on a single symptom, but on diagnosis, severity, functional impact and treatment objectives. During the consultation, alternatives, expected outcomes and risks are clearly explained to support an informed decision.

Contact Mr Stea

Briefly describe the concern for which you would like to seek a specialist opinion. Mr Stea’s secretary will be in touch promptly and, where appropriate, will arrange an appointment at the location most convenient for you.