JARGON BUSTER

MEDICAL terms decoded. This week: maxillofacial. MAXILLOFACIAL refers to anything involving the jaw, face and neck, writes Olivia Gavoyannis.

The maxilla is the area of the skull comprising the centre of the face, the upper jaw and the roof of the mouth. It is formed of two bones, which fuse together in the middle of the face. Maxillofacial pain refers to any pain in the jaw or face — oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialise in diseases affecting this area. Specialists who work in this field are required to have a dual degree in medicine and dentistry.