Who are the top oral and maxillofacial surgeons in India?
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Who Are the Top Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in India?
Patients often ask me, "Doctor, who is the best maxillofacial surgeon in India?" It's an understandable question. Jaw, face and skull surgery is delicate work, and the surgeon you choose matters a great deal.
The honest answer is that there is no single "best" surgeon for everyone. Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers many sub-specialities: TMJ (jaw joint) disorders, cleft and craniofacial surgery, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, oral cancer and reconstruction. The right surgeon is the one with deep experience in your specific problem.
In this article, I'll introduce some of the respected names in Indian maxillofacial surgery, and, more importantly, explain how you can judge any surgeon for yourself.
What Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMFS) is trained in both dentistry and surgery of the face, jaws and mouth. Common treatments include:
- TMJ disorders: arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, open joint surgery and total joint replacement
- Cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial deformities
- Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery for bite and facial balance
- Facial fractures and trauma reconstruction
- Oral cancer surgery and reconstruction
- Impacted wisdom teeth, cysts, tumours and dental implants
Some Respected Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in India
The surgeons below are listed in no particular order. Each is well known for contributions to a particular area of the speciality.
Dr. Tofiq Bohra, Mumbai
That's my own practice, so I'll keep it brief. I completed fellowship training in TMJ Arthroscopy and Total TMJ Replacement at the University of Maryland, USA, and in Cleft & Craniofacial Surgery in Zurich. I was one of the early adopters of minimally invasive TMJ arthroscopy in India, and have performed over 1,000 surgeries across TMJ, cleft, jaw, trauma and oral cancer reconstruction. You can learn more about my work as a TMJ arthroscopy surgeon in Mumbai.
Dr. Ajoy Roychoudhury, New Delhi
A senior academic surgeon at India's premier medical institute. His team at AIIMS was reported to have performed one of India's first total TMJ replacements, for a young patient with a fused jaw joint (ankylosis).
Prof. Dr. Srinivas Gosla Reddy, Hyderabad
Internationally recognised for cleft and craniofacial surgery. He holds both dental and medical degrees, a PhD from Radboud University (Netherlands), and fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh, England and Glasgow. He is a former President of the Indian Society of Cleft Lip, Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies.
Dr. Krishnamurthy Bonanthaya, Bangalore
One of India's most experienced cleft surgeons and a long-time Smile Train partner. He is a former President of the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India (AOMSI) and has led the Indian Society for Cleft Lip, Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies.
Prof. Dr. S.M. Balaji, Chennai
Known for cleft, jaw reconstruction and facial asymmetry correction, and for his academic work as Editor-in-Chief of the Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery. He is a recipient of the Dr. B.C. Roy National Award.
This list is for patient awareness only and is not an official ranking. Many other excellent maxillofacial surgeons practise across India in government institutions, teaching hospitals and private centres.
How to Choose the Right Maxillofacial Surgeon
Rankings on the internet can be misleading. Here's the checklist I'd use if I were choosing a surgeon for my own family:
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Qualifications | Look for MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, plus fellowships or board certification (for example, Indian Board of OMFS). |
| Sub-speciality experience | A cleft expert may not be a TMJ expert. Ask how many cases like yours the surgeon treats each year. |
| Specialised training | Procedures like TMJ arthroscopy, total joint replacement or craniofacial surgery need dedicated training. |
| Hospital facilities | NABH accreditation, ICU backup, CT/MRI imaging and an experienced anaesthesia team are essential for major surgery. |
| Treatment approach | A good surgeon tries conservative and minimally invasive options first and explains why surgery is needed. |
| Communication | You should leave the consultation understanding your diagnosis, options, risks, recovery and cost. |
Questions to Ask at Your Consultation
- What exactly is my diagnosis, and what do my scans show?
- Are there non-surgical options I should try first?
- How many of these procedures have you performed?
- Is there a less invasive option, such as arthroscopy instead of open surgery?
- What will recovery look like, and how much will it cost?
My Advice
Don't choose a surgeon just because of a "top 10" list or a high number of online reviews. Choose the one who has the right training and experience for your condition, explains things clearly, and doesn't rush you into surgery. A second opinion before any major jaw or facial operation is always reasonable, and a good surgeon will welcome it.
If you have jaw pain, clicking, locking or limited mouth opening, read more about minimally invasive TMJ arthroscopy in Mumbai to see whether it may be an option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best maxillofacial surgeon in India?
There is no single best surgeon for every patient. The right choice depends on your condition. Look for a surgeon with specific experience in your problem, such as TMJ, cleft, jaw correction, trauma or oral cancer.
What qualifications should a maxillofacial surgeon in India have?
At minimum, a BDS and an MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Many leading surgeons also hold fellowships, board certification or international training in sub-specialities.
Is a maxillofacial surgeon the same as a dentist?
No. A maxillofacial surgeon has advanced surgical training beyond general dentistry, and treats complex conditions of the jaws, face, joints and mouth, often under general anaesthesia in a hospital.
Which maxillofacial surgeon should I see for TMJ problems?
Choose a surgeon with specific training in TMJ disorders, ideally one who offers the full range of care, from non-surgical treatment and arthrocentesis to arthroscopy and joint replacement.
Should I get a second opinion before jaw surgery?
Yes. A second opinion is sensible before any major jaw, TMJ or facial surgery, and an experienced surgeon will support it.
Looking for an experienced maxillofacial surgeon in Mumbai?
Book a consultation with Dr. Tofiq Bohra for an accurate diagnosis and a clear treatment plan.
Book an AppointmentDisclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Surgeon details are based on publicly available information and may change over time.
