Benefits of Oral Surgery and Its Recovery

Oral surgery is one of the operations performed to correct problems in the mouth and jaw. One of the main reasons that oral surgery is performed is to remove wisdom teeth. In addition to wisdom teeth problems, there are various conditions that require oral surgery as a treatment measure, to maintain or restore the function of the oral cavity as a whole. This procedure is performed by a dental surgeon.

Conditions that require Oral Surgery

The duties of an oral surgeon include examining, diagnosing, treating wounds and oral cavity abnormalities, as well as diseases of the jaw and teeth area. Here are some conditions that allow a person to need oral surgery:

• Tooth impaction

Impaction is a condition when a tooth fails to grow, which is influenced by lack of space in the jaw or the wrong position of teething. This mostly occurs in wisdom teeth, but can also occur in other teeth. If wisdom teeth have an impact, then in certain conditions can increase the risk of causing tooth decay and gums, maybe even cause abscesses. The oral surgeon generally recommends extracting wisdom teeth before they cause problems.

• Implants

You can replace missing teeth with dental implants. An oral surgeon can perform the procedure of inserting a dental implant into your jawbone. This is done to ensure that the position of the special dentures that are installed is really sturdy.

• Jaw joint problems

Jaw problems here include, uneven growth of the jaw, repair of dentures, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause problems such as stiffness in the jaw (jaw locked or unable to close), jaw pain, and headaches.

• Fracture

Various conditions related to fractures on the face and jaw that can cause disruption in mouth function, can be treated by a dentist oral surgeon. Including due to injury due to traffic accidents, or acts of violence.

• Harelip

The condition of a cleft lip can interfere with the function of the mouth to talk and eat to a child, which of course also impacts on the process of growth and development. To treat this condition, oral surgery is the only effective way to improve these functions.

Other procedures that can be performed by oral surgeons include biopsy, treatment of tumors and cysts in the oral cavity, efforts to treat breathing disorders during sleep (sleep apnea), as well as handling severe infections of the oral cavity and surrounding areas.

How to recover from oral surgery

Generally, one hand after going through the surgical procedure, wants to recover quickly. One of the first recovery suggestions is rest. The doctor will give recommendations for more rest at home. After oral surgery, you are not advised to drive a car or do strenuous activities. A few days after oral surgery, generally the pain is still felt. You can take paracetamol. If necessary, ask your doctor to prescribe painkillers. You can also compress with ice for a few minutes if swelling or bruising occurs. However, of course you must consult with a doctor first so that things don't happen that are not desirable. In addition, some other remedies needed after oral surgery include:

• Do not brush your teeth for a while

Usually doctors recommend not to brush their teeth or use mouthwash after oral surgery. You can clean your mouth by rinsing warm water mixed with salt every 2 hours to reduce the chance of infection and help heal wounds.

• Keep eating

In the interim, during the recovery period, you may be asked to eat soft foods that are easily digested, such as yogurt, porridge, and cereal. Stay away from foods that are too hot, cold, hard, chewy, or spicy. This is to help heal the scars from surgery, and avoid worsening the wound condition.

• Avoiding drinks containing alcohol, soda or smoking

This aims to prevent tissue that has undergone healing after surgery again injured. You also may not be advised to use straws, toothpicks and spit. At least avoid these things for 3 days after your oral surgery procedure

Be alert for signs of infection, numbness that doesn't go away or bruises around the jaw. There is also the possibility of an allergic reaction from the anesthetic during oral surgery. Consult a doctor immediately, if any of these signs appear.