Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a branch of dentistry which deals with correction of defects, diseases and injuries in head, face and neck region. It is an internationally recognized specialty. It bridges dentistry and medicine, hence is a unique branch. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons perform a wide spectrum of surgeries which include tooth extraction, third molar surgeries, maxillofacial pathology, space infection , maxillofacial trauma, cleft lip and palate , temporomandibular joint disorders , oral cancer , defects in maxillofacial region.
In the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, KLE Viswanathan Katti Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital, (constituent unit of KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research) Belagavi the oral surgical procedures are performed on outpatient basis. The Department is also attached to KLE’s Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre where the major surgical procedures are performed on inpatient basis. The department provides clinical and surgical training for undergraduates, postgraduates, emphasis is also laid on research.
Every year February 13, is celebrated as International Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Day. The theme for 2023 is “Maxillofacial Trauma”. Road traffic accidents are the most common cause of maxillofacial trauma. Maxillofacial trauma leads to aesthetic as well as functional problems. Functionally, patients suffer from difficulty in chewing, mouth opening, etc. Facial disfigurement due to trauma can cause low self-esteem, isolation, addiction leading to psychosocial impact. Maxillofacial trauma cases are routinely managed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital and KLE’s Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Belagavi. The surgery is performed to restore function and aesthetics. The facial bony fractures are treated by intra oral incisions in most of the cases making them scarless surgeries. The road traffic accidents can be prevented by proper reinforcement of traffic rules. Hence it is advised to follow the traffic rules:
- Wear helmets, seat belts
- Don’t use mobile phones while driving
- Avoid alcohol while driving
- Avoid over speed
“Drive, don’t fly”
Authors:
Dr. Vijaylaxmi Shettar, Reader
Dr. S D Baliga, Professor and Head of the Department,
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,
KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences & Hospital (constituent unit of KAHER),
Belagavi
