Our Summary

This study looked at how jaw surgery affects a person’s quality of life. The researchers asked patients to fill out a couple of surveys about their oral health before and after their surgery. They also asked the patients about their experience right after the surgery. The patients were put into two groups: one group had surgery on one jaw, and the other group had surgery on both jaws. The surveys showed that after surgery, the patients’ oral health-related quality of life improved significantly. This suggests that the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks and discomfort.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the study on jaw surgery?
  2. How did the jaw surgery impact the patients’ quality of life?
  3. Did the study find any differences in outcomes between patients who had surgery on one jaw versus both jaws?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include following a liquid or soft food diet, taking prescribed medications as directed, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon. By following these instructions, you can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcome from your jaw surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery include those with:

  1. Severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws)
  2. Jaw deformities (such as an overbite or underbite)
  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  4. Obstructive sleep apnea
  5. Facial trauma or injury
  6. Chronic jaw pain or discomfort
  7. Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw misalignment

These patients may experience significant improvements in their oral health and quality of life following jaw surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if jaw surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential treatment options.
  2. Pre-surgical appointments for necessary imaging tests (such as X-rays or CT scans) and dental molds to plan the surgery.
  3. Pre-operative instructions for preparing for surgery, including fasting guidelines and medications to avoid.
  4. Day of surgery, where the patient undergoes general anesthesia and the surgery is performed.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Immediate recovery period in the hospital or surgical center, where the patient is monitored for any complications.
  2. Post-operative care instructions for pain management, wound care, and dietary restrictions.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and remove any necessary stitches.
  4. Physical therapy or speech therapy as needed to regain function and mobility in the jaw.
  5. Long-term follow-up appointments to monitor the success of the surgery and address any lingering issues or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about jaw surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  2. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and are there any potential side effects?
  5. How will the surgery impact my appearance and ability to speak and eat?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  7. What are the success rates of this type of surgery, and what are the expected outcomes?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing jaw surgery, and what is their success rate?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of jaw surgery?
  10. What is the long-term prognosis for jaw surgery, and what follow-up care will be needed?

Reference

Authors: Cabral RC, Canellas JV, Tiwana PS, Medeiros PJ, Ritto FG. Journal: Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2021 Dec;132(6):633-640. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.04.002. Epub 2021 Apr 20. PMID: 34511359