Are you afraid of having oral surgery? Let's be aware of this!

Have you ever had a severe toothache and the doctor said, "This tooth has to be extracted"? Or have you ever been troubled by a wisdom tooth that is stuck in your jaw and is causing you pain? In such cases, one thing we have to face is oral surgery, which is an operation performed on the mouth. It is normal to feel a little scared when we hear this name. But it is actually not as scary as we think. So, today we will talk about oral surgery, or `(Oral Surgery)`.

Simply put, what is oral surgery?

Oral surgery refers to any type of surgery that is performed inside your mouth. This includes surgery on your teeth, gums, tongue , or anywhere else inside your mouth. These are often performed by dental surgeons.

A large number of such surgeries are performed every year. Here are some of them:

• Wisdom Tooth Extraction: This is done to prevent or treat pain and infection.
• Tooth Extractions: Remove teeth that are severely decayed, broken, or unsalvageable.
• Dental Implants: Replace missing teeth with new artificial teeth.
• Dental Bone Grafts: This is done to improve the strength and thickness of the jawbone if it is not strong enough.
• Gum Grafts: Treat thin or receding gums.

What conditions require oral surgery?

There are many reasons why you may need oral surgery. Your dentist may recommend surgery in the following situations:

What is the difference between Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery?

These two names are a bit confusing, aren't they? Although they are related, they are not entirely the same.

• Oral Surgery: This is directly related to the inside of your mouth . That means surgeries on things like your teeth and gums. This includes things like tooth extractions and dental implants. These are usually done in an outpatient surgery center or, if necessary, in a hospital.
• Maxillofacial Surgery (Oral, Jaw and Throat Surgery): This is a much broader field . These surgeons treat problems related to the mouth, jaw, face and neck. For example, if you have a broken jaw, such as in a car accident, or if you need to repair a condition such as a cleft lip, a ``Maxillofacial Surgeon'' would treat it.

How should I prepare before surgery?

The way you prepare will vary depending on the type of surgery you're having and whether you'll be under anesthesia. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. But here are some general things to keep in mind.

• Arrange a vehicle: Talk to a friend or family member who will pick you up and take you home. You won't be able to drive if you're under anesthesia.
• Avoid eating and drinking: Your doctor will tell you to avoid eating and drinking for a few hours before surgery. Follow the timing exactly.
• Buy your medication in advance: Buy the medications you need to take after surgery (painkillers, antibiotics) from the pharmacy in advance.
• Take a break: Since it takes time to heal, it's wise to take at least two or three days off from work .

What happens during surgery?

This will also vary depending on the type of surgery you have, but here are some general things to expect:

1. Numbness: First, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. So you won't feel any pain . You may also be given other medications to put you into a light sleep or to reduce your anxiety.

2. A small incision: Next, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth at the desired location.

3. Surgery: Surgery is performed using specialized, small instruments. At this time, a tooth may be extracted, an implant may be placed, or bone/tissue may be repositioned.

4. Suturing: After the procedure is complete, a dissolvable suture is placed to close the incision.

The time it takes varies depending on the surgery. While it may take about 30 minutes to extract a single tooth, something like a gum graft can take an hour or two.

What happens after surgery? And what are the risks?

The medical staff will watch over you until the anesthesia and numbness wear off. After that, you will be given a series of instructions on how to take care of yourself at home. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly to reduce the risk of bleeding, infection, and other complications .

Like any surgery, this one may have some risks.

• Infection: If the wound is not kept clean, it can become infected.
• Damage to nearby teeth: There is a possibility of minor damage to the upper and lower teeth during surgery.
• Dry Socket: A condition where the blood clot has been removed from the tooth socket, exposing the bone. This is a somewhat painful condition.
• Numbness: The lips, tongue, or chin may temporarily become numb due to nerve damage.
• Sinus perforation: When an upper tooth is extracted, a small hole is created in the nearby sinus cavity.

How long does it take to heal?

Recovery time varies from person to person, but most people can return to normal in two to three days. If your surgery was major, it will take a few more days to recover. There will be no significant pain, but you may feel a little discomfort. The doctor will give you painkillers for that.

Even if you feel better, it will take time for the wounds inside your mouth to heal completely. It can take about a month for the soft tissues to heal and up to six months for the bones to heal .

Do these things to be careful during recovery.

• Avoid spitting and rinsing your mouth vigorously. This can dislodge the blood clot from the wound and cause a condition called ``Dry Socket''.
• Avoid exercise for at least 48 hours. When blood pressure and heart rate increase, the risk of bleeding increases.
• Keep your head elevated. For the first few days, sleep with your head slightly elevated with a couple of pillows. This will reduce swelling.
• Eat liquid and soft foods. Eat things like yogurt, soup, mashed lentils with rice, steamed potatoes, pudding, and eggs.
• Take your medicine on time.
• Cold and hot therapy: Applying an ice pack to the outside of the jaw for the first few days will reduce swelling. In the following days, applying a warm cloth to the area will improve blood circulation and help the wound heal faster.

If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

If you develop any of these signs of infection after surgery, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .

• If you have severe pain that cannot be controlled even with medication.
• If you have a fever higher than 38.9 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) .
• If pus is coming from the wound.

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