Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has a wide range of treatment areas, including:
- Impacted tooth surgery
- Placement of dental implants that mimic the natural tooth root to replace missing teeth
- Treatment of dental granulomas and abscesses
- Removal of cysts or tumors in the face, mouth, and jaw
- Treatment of jaw fractures
- Operations related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Correction of the shape and size of facial bones
- Orthognathic surgical procedures to treat jaw anomalies and functional disorders
Surgical procedures can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation, depending on the patient’s needs. Patients generally do not feel any pain during the procedure. In some individual cases, mild discomfort may be experienced.
Recovery After Jaw Surgery
Certain effects are a normal part of the postoperative period following jaw surgery, and understanding them clearly helps patients manage the process more comfortably:
- Facial swelling: Jaw surgery is often accompanied by facial swelling. This is a normal postoperative reaction that may vary in intensity from patient to patient. Swelling typically peaks within the first day after the procedure and may remain noticeable for up to two weeks. It gradually subsides over the following weeks. Applying ice packs to the face after surgery can help reduce swelling.
- Diet: Patients may be advised to consume liquid and soft foods for a few days after the procedure. This allows adequate time for the surgical site to heal.
- Hygiene: Since all surgical sutures are inside the mouth, maintaining optimal oral hygiene is essential to prevent infection. Smoking negatively affects the success of the surgical procedure.
- Nasal congestion: The nose may be partially or completely blocked for a few days after the procedure. This usually resolves within a few days.
- Pain: The procedure itself is painless. For any postoperative discomfort, patients are routinely prescribed appropriate medications.
