Our Summary

This research paper is about a review of the pros and cons of using a special type of surgery, called piezoelectric surgery, compared to traditional saws for a specific type of jaw surgery, called sagittal split osteotomy (SSO). The researchers looked at studies from the last 10 years, and ended up with 12 studies that met their criteria, involving 799 patients who were, on average, 27.5 years old.

The results showed that while it took longer to do the surgery with the piezoelectric device compared to a traditional saw, the patients who had the piezoelectric surgery were much less likely to experience issues with their nerves (neurosensory disturbance) 6 months or more after the surgery. Only 4.7% of patients who had the piezoelectric surgery had these nerve issues, compared to 61.6% of patients who had surgery with a traditional saw.

So, the study found that despite taking a bit more time, the piezoelectric surgery method led to better outcomes for patients in terms of nerve issues. However, they also say that more research is needed to look at other factors that could be important.

FAQs

  1. What is piezoelectric surgery and how does it compare to traditional saws for sagittal split osteotomy (SSO)?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using piezoelectric surgery for SSO, based on the research paper?
  3. What percentage of patients experienced nerve issues after undergoing piezoelectric surgery, and how does this compare to the rate for traditional saw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to carefully follow post-operative instructions, including any dietary restrictions and recommendations for oral hygiene. This can help promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon is important for monitoring your progress and addressing any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery, such as sagittal split osteotomy (SSO), include those with:

  1. Severe malocclusion or misalignment of the jaws
  2. Difficulty with chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw abnormalities
  3. Facial asymmetry or protrusion of the jaws
  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  5. Sleep apnea or other breathing problems related to jaw structure
  6. Trauma or injury to the jaw
  7. Congenital abnormalities affecting the jaw

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a maxillofacial surgeon to determine if jaw surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended before or after jaw surgery to optimize the results.

Overall, jaw surgery can improve both the function and aesthetics of the jaw and face, leading to better quality of life for patients with significant jaw abnormalities.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Patient meets with oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments such as X-rays, CT scans, and dental impressions.
  3. Patient may need to undergo orthodontic treatment to align the teeth before surgery.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled and patient receives instructions on pre-operative care and what to expect during and after surgery.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery, which may involve using traditional saws or piezoelectric devices.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home.
  3. Patient may experience swelling, pain, and difficulty eating for a period of time after surgery.
  4. Patient follows post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, including taking prescribed medications, following a soft diet, and attending follow-up appointments.
  5. Patient may undergo physical therapy or speech therapy to aid in recovery and to improve jaw function.
  6. Over time, patient gradually heals and experiences improved jaw function and appearance.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery using a traditional saw versus piezoelectric surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process expected to be for each type of surgery?

  3. What are the long-term effects on nerve function for each type of surgery?

  4. Are there any specific criteria that would make me a better candidate for one type of surgery over the other?

  5. How does the cost of jaw surgery using a traditional saw compare to piezoelectric surgery?

  6. What is the success rate of each type of surgery in terms of achieving the desired outcome?

  7. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or precautions that are different for each type of surgery?

  8. How experienced are you in performing jaw surgery using the piezoelectric device compared to a traditional saw?

  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider for my specific jaw condition?

  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources to help me better understand the benefits and risks of jaw surgery using the piezoelectric device versus a traditional saw?

Reference

Authors: Silva LF, Carvalho-Reis ENR, Bonardi JP, de Lima VN, Momesso GAC, Garcia-Junior IR, Faverani LP. Journal: Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Aug;46(8):1000-1006. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2017.03.024. Epub 2017 Apr 19. PMID: 28433212