Our Summary

This research paper discusses how 3D printing has improved oral and facial surgeries, specifically orthognathic surgery, which corrects conditions related to the structure of the jaw and face. Traditional methods use a wafer-guided technique for jaw fixation, but there are limitations to this approach. The paper discusses these limitations and how 3D-printed, patient-specific implants (PSIs) can overcome them. The use of PSIs not only provides more accuracy in surgery, but also offers a new technique that doesn’t rely on wafer-guided methods. This new approach can potentially improve the outcomes of orthognathic surgeries.

FAQs

  1. How has 3D printing improved orthognathic surgery?
  2. What are the limitations of traditional wafer-guided techniques for jaw fixation?
  3. How do 3D-printed, patient-specific implants offer more accuracy in surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing jaw surgery to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including maintaining a soft diet, proper oral hygiene, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is also important to avoid any activities that could put pressure on the jaw, such as chewing gum or opening the mouth too wide. Additionally, the doctor may recommend exercises to help with jaw movement and rehabilitation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery include those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), skeletal discrepancies (such as an overbite or underbite), facial asymmetry, obstructive sleep apnea, congenital craniofacial conditions, and those who have experienced trauma to the jaw. These conditions can affect a patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe properly, as well as their overall facial aesthetics. Jaw surgery is often recommended when orthodontic treatment alone is not sufficient to correct these issues.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their concerns and determine if they are a candidate for jaw surgery.
  2. Pre-surgical evaluations: The patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to assess their oral health, facial structure, and overall medical condition.
  3. Treatment planning: The surgeon develops a treatment plan, which may involve the use of 3D imaging to create a personalized surgical approach.
  4. 3D printing: A 3D model of the patient’s jaw is created to assist in planning the surgery and designing patient-specific implants.
  5. Surgery: The patient undergoes orthognathic surgery, during which the jaw is repositioned to correct functional or aesthetic issues.
  6. Recovery: The patient goes through a recovery period, which may involve pain management, dietary restrictions, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Follow-up appointments: The patient sees the surgeon for post-operative check-ups to monitor healing and ensure the surgery was successful.
  2. Speech therapy: Some patients may require speech therapy to adjust to the changes in their jaw alignment.
  3. Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to further align the teeth after jaw surgery.
  4. Long-term follow-up: The patient may require long-term follow-up care to monitor the stability of the jaw and address any potential complications.
  5. Improved quality of life: After the recovery period, patients often experience improved facial symmetry, chewing function, and overall quality of life as a result of the successful jaw surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific condition or issue is causing the need for jaw surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  4. Will I need to follow a specific diet or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. How will my bite and facial appearance be affected by the surgery?
  6. Are there alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with jaw surgery?
  7. How many surgeries of this type have you performed and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with the jaw surgery?
  9. How will 3D printing technology be used in my surgery and how will it benefit the outcome?
  10. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and what should I expect during the recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Li DTS, Leung YY. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2023 Feb;35(1):61-69. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2022.06.004. Epub 2022 Nov 3. PMID: 36336593