USE OF MOUTH GAG AS SURGICAL INSTRUMENT

In the medical world, there are multiple of devices being used every other day. One of the most common devices is a Mouth Gag. This device is used to hold the mouth open or to prevent the wearer from speaking or making any mouth movement. Mouth gags are made in a variety of different ways and can vary from rubber to stainless steel. This device is mostly used by Dentist and surgeons to hold patient’s mouth open.

This instrument can only help if the patient has been sedated or given anesthesia. It also helps patients who find it difficult to open their mouth for longer or are afraid of dental surgeries. When mouth gag is placed in the mouth, it keeps the teeth apart which helps dentist or surgeon to perform their task.

However, mouth gags are made up of different material, but the most common and widely use type is stainless steel as it can be easily sterilized. It usually shaped of rough oval and consists of metal wire mostly thick in size. Some other gags are the look-alike of a pair of pliers, which can be locked in particular position to hold the mouth open on the desired side.

To provide its prime purpose, some surgical mouth gags comes with built-in steel tongue depressors to hold a patient's tongue in place to avoid any harm. It also helps surgeons to perform their task without much concern. The most often use of mouth gags are in operations of tonsils, adenoids and further surgeries which are related to the throat.

With such vital use of mouth gag, it also bears some disadvantages due to which it is mandatory for dentist or surgeon to take precautions before making use of this instrument. It can't be used to perform surgeries on the tongue as it is placed completely below the tongue blade.

This tool can also cause injury to teeth and lips. Due to this. It is crucial to take extra care while applying mouth gag to avoid any harm to the wearer. Similarly, opening mouth excessively while placing the gag and placing it in the wrong position can cause dislocation of a temporomandibular joint.

In a nutshell, the use of surgical instruments in the medical world is a call for concern as it requires multiple safety measures and consideration while being utilized by any surgeon or dentist to avoid injury or harm to the user or wearer of this instrument. While making use of it the implementer and the wearer, both should have enough knowledge of the item being deployed so they can prevent themselves from any harm and take precautions or safety measure before any medical procedure.