Beyond 32 Teeth: Dr. Mohan Reghu’s Perspective on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Part-2)
Dr. Mohan Reghu, an aspiring Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon from Chennai, completed his Bachelor's in Dental Surgery at Rajas Dental College and Hospital, Tirunelveli. Currently practicing in Chennai, he has three years of experience as a general dentist and a profound interest in oral surgery. His passion has driven him to explore the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery extensively, with aspirations to pursue an MDS in the same specialty.
Joining him in this conversation is Dr. Jude Bencia G from MedBound Times. In this Q&A session, Dr. Mohan shares valuable insights into the expanding scope of dentistry beyond just treating 32 teeth.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: Can one eat normally right after surgery?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: It depends on the type of surgery performed. Most procedures, from impacted tooth removal to fracture management, require patients to follow a soft, semi-solid diet to minimize stress on the surgical site while ensuring proper nutrition. As healing progresses, they can gradually transition to harder foods until they return to their normal diet.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: Oral hygiene reflects personality and health. How can one maintain oral hygiene while immobilized after surgery?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: Maintaining oral hygiene post-surgery is challenging but essential. One of the most common causes of pain after a tooth extraction is the accumulation of food debris, which hampers healing. After 3–4 days, gentle cleaning of the extraction site with a soft toothbrush is recommended to prevent debris buildup. In cases involving fractures, where jaw immobilization prevents regular brushing, using a chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily is an effective way to maintain oral hygiene until normal brushing can resume.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: Is smoking or drinking allowed after surgery? Could it cause complications in healing?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: That's a tricky question, LOL! Smoking and drinking are harmful in general, but given current social trends, many people do not see them as such. I strongly advise avoiding both for at least a week after minor surgery to prevent adverse drug interactions and delayed healing. In the case of implant surgery, smoking should be avoided for at least three months to ensure proper osseointegration, as smoking can lead to implant failure due to poor bone healing.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: How long does it take to resume normal activities after oral surgery?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: It depends on the procedure. A simple extraction may cause discomfort for 2–3 days, after which recovery begins. Impaction surgeries, especially those involving bone removal, take around a week. Major surgeries can require weeks or even months of healing. The time to return to normal activities varies based on the complexity of the procedure, but post-surgical restrictions are a standard part of recovery.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: Can oral surgery be considered an aesthetic treatment?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: Yes, to an extent. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons perform a range of aesthetic procedures, including orthognathic surgeries, rhinoplasties, and semi-permanent aesthetic treatments. Additionally, many maxillofacial surgeons are now trained in hair transplants and beard transplants, further expanding their role in aesthetic medicine.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: What is your opinion on the common misconception that extracting an upper jaw tooth affects eyesight?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: I have heard this myth countless times. It is completely baseless. The nerves supplying the eyes and teeth are distinct, so extracting an upper tooth has no connection to vision loss.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: Is an MDS required to perform oral surgeries, or can a BDS-qualified dentist practice in this field?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: Every BDS student studies Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in their final year, which includes theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with basic extractions. During their internship, they gain exposure to more complex extractions and minor procedures. While BDS graduates cannot independently perform major surgeries like trauma or orthognathic procedures, they can handle basic oral surgical procedures such as impactions, biopsies, and intermaxillary fixation for trauma cases. With proper training and exposure, they can build a strong foundation, which may motivate them to pursue an MDS in oral surgery to expand their surgical expertise.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: Many people believe dentistry is only about treating 32 teeth. What are your thoughts on this misconception?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: Unfortunately, this is a very common misconception. Even though my father was a dentist, I initially believed the same. Only after joining dental school did I realize how vast the field truly is. Dentistry encompasses treatment of the mouth, jaws, and face, not just teeth.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: How can we educate the public about the broader scope of dentistry?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: Awareness is key. Like my own realization in dental school, people need exposure to the true scope of dentistry. When patients are referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, explaining the surgeon's role helps them understand the broader aspects of the field. Fortunately, in the digital age, people have better access to information about medical specializations. Leveraging online platforms can help spread awareness about oral surgery and its significance beyond just dental treatment.
Dr. Jude Bencia G: What inspired you to specialize in oral surgery over other branches of dentistry?
Dr. Mohan Reghu: I've been fascinated by surgery since childhood. The idea of performing surgical procedures to heal people always intrigued me. Initially, I dreamt of becoming a neurosurgeon, but life led me to dentistry. When I was introduced to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, I was instantly hooked. It became my passion—my first love in dentistry—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And who knows? If I ever slip, I might end up doing brain surgery anyway—just kidding! (laughs)
