Let’s protect the mirror of our soul
According to a Japanese proverb “the face is considered the mirror of our soul”. True to this, we all know our face reflects almost all the hidden secrets of our body and mind. Not only that, the face and mouth are very important in many vital functions like breathing, speech, feeling sensations, and play a unique role in our appearance. In today’s society people are concerned about maintaining good oral health and care a lot about their looks. But unfortunately, this area of our body is prone to a vast array of disease conditions and accidental injuries.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) is a unique surgical speciality, that treats by way of surgery and medicaments, the diseases that affect the face and mouth region.
The International Oral and Maxillofacial Day fell on February 13. To mark this day the Sri Lanka Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons organized various events and aims to educate the public about this surgical speciality, and what treatments and advice they can get from OMFS clinics that are widely available throughout the country.
Here is a brief description about the areas that you can seek advice for, from an OMFS clinic.
Oral cancer
This is a grave health problem that Sri Lankan society is facing at present. Oral cancer is the commonest cancer among males of our country, whereas in females it is breast cancer.
The main culprits that cause oral cancer are betel chewing, smoking and alcohol. These bad habits which are deep rooted in our society, lead to many diseases including oral cancer. This deadly disease causes a number of deaths, oral and facial disability, and facial disfigurement per year.
Though this is a condition that can be prevented easily, ignorance, lack of knowledge etc. has led to a high prevalence. It is very important to keep away from those risky habits for one to not be a victim of oral cancer. It is also important to do a self-oral examination at least once in three months. If you detect any white or red patch, or any suspicious growth, consult your dental surgeon / doctor immediately.
The mainstay of treatment for oral cancer is surgery. Apart from that Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy also play a role. It is a complex task to reconstruct the resected part to bring back the normal function and to prevent disfigurement.
The necessary advice and treatments can be obtained from any Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic as well as Oncosurgery clinics island wide.
Facial trauma
Facial injuries can be caused by many reasons, such as road traffic accidents, interpersonal violence, falls, sports injuries or animal attacks. Whatever the mode of injury, this can case damage to facial soft tissues, and cause breakage of facial bones and teeth.
As the facial skeleton is a complex structure, bringing back the normal form, function and aesthetics, to pre-injury status is a difficult task, which is performed in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Units.
As we all know prevention is better than cure. Respecting the road rules, wearing seat belts and helmets are of prime concern and we need to pay attention so that everyone stays safe.Cleft lip and Palate and other craniofacial anomalies
The second most common birth defect after “club foot” is the cleft lip and palate deformity. It is estimated that this happens one in every 700 hundred live births. Children who are born with this defect face many problems, but luckily thanks to the advancement of surgical facilities and techniques, they can be treated to bring them back to near normal and face society with confidence.
Those with this condition have to undergo a series of operations from early childhood to the time they reach their early 20s. Due to the complexity of care, it is always better for them to be followed up in specialized centres. In Sri Lanka we have three such centres – the Faculty of Dental Sciences Peradeniya, Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, and Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, Colombo.
The required operations and advice also can be obtained from Oral and Maxillofacial Units in Hospitals throughout the country.Orthognathic Surgery
As the name suggests, the orthognathic means the correcting the jaws. In simple words it is the repositioning of the jaw bones and correcting facial asymmetries.
All of us have seen people with retruded or protruded upper or lower jaws, and significant asymmetry of face. These anomalies are corrected by surgery with the help of orthodontic treatment.
Dento Alveolar surgery
Here, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons treat the diseases that occur in dentition and associated structures by means of surgery. This may be the teeth that are stuck within jaw bones (eg.wisdom teeth), cysts and tumours, or abscesses and infections.
Facial cosmetic surgery
We all like to have a beautiful face but certain things may worry us – it could be a scar or sagging facial tissues, or age changes that cause wrinkles etc. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons will help, advise and treat you in such instances.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons will also treat you for diseases in salivary glands, Temporomandibular joint (Joint in the Face), oral mucosal diseases, facial skin cancers and oral pre-cancer conditions.
(The writer is a Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon)