“Oral surgery” is a term that was coined by James E. Garretson in the middle of the nineteenth century.[1] The history of oral surgery can be traced back to the Edwin Smith Papyrus, which is said to be from around 1700 BC but probably dates back even further to 3000 BC. Additionally, writings of Hippocrates and Aristotle report on dental extraction, while maxillomandibular wire fixation was practiced between 300 and 500 BC.[1]
The purpose of the present editorial is to bring in front the perceptions held by medical and dental students enrolled or completed in the clinical program and to provide insight in relation to the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). It has been seen many times that even in today’s times, students studying or having studied medical or dental subjects still go to other specialist dentists for specialty related surgeries.
The scope of practice of OMFS is often poorly understood by healthcare practitioners. It often overlaps with similar professions in general practice or in academic institutions, including otorhinolaryngology (ENT), plastic and reconstructive surgery (plastic), ophthalmology, and dentistry. It’s common to see referrals intended for an OMFS as “jaw plastic surgeon” or “maxillofacial dentist” with inappropriate indications.
It is widely seen and found in minor surgeries like extractions, third molar extraction etc. Impaction, despite being the most common procedure in dental problems, is also associated with several complications, which mostly occur postoperatively, such as post-operative swelling, dry socket, pain and trismus (reduced mouth opening). Intraoperative complications include uncontrolled bleeding, hemorrhage, Suture Dehiscence, neurological damage, lingual nerve the most common injured nerve, followed by the paresthesia of inferior alveolar nerve, dento-alveolar fracture and mandibular fractures (rare). Complications are common, but the measures taken to evaluate the severity of complications and the measures taken to address them make all the difference.
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