Has your dentist ever told you, "This is going to require a bit of major surgery, let's refer you to a specialist"? Or have you had a complicated problem with your face, mouth, or jaw after an accident? That's when we need the help of a 'Maxillofacial' surgeon. Even though the name may sound a bit complicated, there's nothing to be afraid of. Let's talk about this simply and clearly today.
Simply put, what is Maxillofacial Surgery?
This is a special branch of dentistry. It is very similar to the ``Oral Surgery`` that we usually know. The difference is that these specialists treat not only problems inside the mouth, but also various diseases and injuries caused by accidents related to your jaw, entire face and neck .
Simply put, it covers a wide range of treatments, from something as simple as a tooth extraction to something as complex as a jaw implant. If your dentist feels that you need this type of specialized treatment, he or she will refer you to a specialist for this.
What are the main conditions treated with these surgeries?
There are several conditions that maxillofacial surgeons can treat. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Condition being treated | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Broken Jaws | Resetting a hook when it is broken due to an accident or an attack. |
| Chronic facial pain | Finding the cause and treating long-lasting facial pain for which the cause is difficult to find. |
| Congenital facial deformities | Surgical correction of congenital conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate . |
| Facial Fractures | Treatment for fractures of any facial bone, such as the cheekbones, bones around the eyes, and jaw. |
| Head and neck cancer | Surgery for cancerous conditions of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and neck. |
| Boils and blisters on the skin | Removal of tumors and cysts that develop in or around the jawbone. |
| Sleep Apnea | Treating severe sleep snorers by changing the position of the jaw and opening the airway. |
| TMJ Disorders | Treatment of conditions such as pain and clicking noises in the joint that connects the ear to the eardrum. |
What happens on the day of surgery?
This will vary depending on the type of surgery you are having. Some surgeries can be completed in one day. Other complex surgeries, such as facial reconstruction, may need to be performed in several stages over several days.
Your doctor will explain all of this to you clearly before the surgery, so don't worry about it.
Let's take a look at some of the things that typically happen on the day of surgery:
1. Coming to the hospital: You should come to the hospital with a friend or family member you trust.
2. Anesthesia: Before the surgery begins, an anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to put you completely asleep. So you won't feel any pain during the operation.
3. Surgery: After you are asleep, the surgeon will make incisions in the necessary places and begin the surgery. Where these incisions are made will depend on the type of surgery you are having. Most of the time, these incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are minimal visible scars.
4. Suturing: After the surgery is complete, the doctor will place dissolvable stitches in the incisions and cover the wound if necessary.
What to expect after surgery?
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room. As the effects of the anesthesia wear off, you will gradually regain consciousness. You may feel some pain at that time. The doctor will give you the necessary painkillers .
Common side effects that may occur include:
- Slight bleeding
- Bruising and blueness
- Swelling
These are normal things. Your surgeon will come to you and tell you how the surgery went and what precautions you need to take when you go home. When you are allowed to go home, it is essential that someone accompany you.
What are the benefits of these surgeries?
No one likes to be told, "I need to have surgery." But sometimes the benefits of having surgery are worth it.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Loss of pain | These surgeries can completely eliminate facial pain, headaches, and toothaches caused by misaligned jaws or teeth. |
| Good performance | Problems with the jaw or face can interfere with things like chewing and speaking. All of these can be restored after surgery. |
| Improving health | Infections and tumors in the mouth or face can affect the health of the entire body. Surgery can remove these problems and prevent further damage. |
| To look beautiful | These surgeries help correct the appearance of things like crooked teeth, a protruding jaw, or congenital deformities. |
Are there risks and complications?
As with any surgery, there are some small risks involved with these surgeries. However, these are rare. Your medical team will be monitoring these closely.
Some possible complications:
- Excessive bleeding
- Nerve damage (this can cause numbness in the face or mouth)
- Infections
- Dry Socket
- Damage to the bone or surrounding tissues
If something like this happens, your doctor is ready to provide the necessary treatment.
What can you do to recover quickly?
The recovery time will vary depending on the surgery you had. While something like a tooth extraction might take a week or two, a major surgery on your jaw might take several months. But you should be able to resume your normal activities soon.
Here are some things you can do and things you should avoid to recover quickly.
| ✔️ Things to do | ❌ Things not to do |
|---|---|
| Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. | Avoid hard, crunchy foods. |
| Rest with your head up. | Stop using tobacco and alcohol completely. |
| Rest well. | Avoid strenuous activities such as exercising and lifting weights. |
| Take all the medications prescribed by the doctor on time. | Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or spitting. |
When should you see a doctor immediately?
If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately:
- Fever or chills.
- Pus draining from the wound.
- A salty, metallic, or bad taste in the mouth.
- Severe pain that does not subside even with medication.
- Swelling to the point where it is difficult to breathe. (In this case, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.)
Having surgery on your face or mouth can be a daunting prospect. But if left untreated, your condition can worsen. With today's advanced technology, these surgeries can be performed very safely and with a quick recovery. If you have any questions or concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it openly.
Take-Home Message
- Maxillofacial surgery is a specialized type of surgery performed to treat diseases and injuries related to the mouth, jaws, face, and neck.
- It treats many conditions, such as jaw fractures, birth defects, cancer, and facial pain.
- Don't be afraid of surgery. Thanks to modern technology, these are very safe and you won't feel any pain.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly to ensure a speedy recovery. Getting plenty of rest is very important.
- Seek immediate medical attention if warning signs such as fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing occur.
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