Our Summary

This research paper is about how patients who are about to have jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) often don’t have enough information about the procedure, which can lead to them being less satisfied with the results, feeling anxious about the surgery, and having trouble following instructions for care before and after the surgery.

To help with this, the researchers suggest having a pre-surgery educational program. This would involve a team of different medical professionals, previous patients, and other resources like cookbooks and supplies that patients would need after the surgery. The program is called a “Jaw Surgery Workshop”.

The researchers found that this type of workshop improved patients’ confidence about the surgery and made their expectations about the surgery more realistic. This made them more prepared for the surgery and more satisfied with the results.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the “Jaw Surgery Workshop” provided by your team?
  2. How does a multi-disciplinary pre-operative educational experience improve surgical readiness and satisfaction?
  3. How does limited information about orthognathic surgery affect patients’ satisfaction and post-surgery recovery?

Doctor’s Tip

Helpful tip: It is important to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure a successful jaw surgery outcome. This may include dietary restrictions, pain management techniques, and proper wound care. It is also important to attend any educational workshops or sessions provided by your healthcare team to better prepare yourself for the surgery and recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery include those with:

  1. Severe malocclusion or misalignment of the jaws
  2. Difficulty breathing or speaking due to jaw position
  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  4. Facial asymmetry
  5. Obstructive sleep apnea
  6. Chronic jaw pain or headaches related to jaw position
  7. Inability to properly chew or swallow due to jaw position

It is important for patients considering jaw surgery to undergo a thorough evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Additionally, patients should be informed about the potential risks and benefits of jaw surgery, as well as the expected outcomes and recovery process.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  • Initial consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare for surgery
  • Pre-operative appointments with various specialists such as an orthodontist, dentist, and oral surgeon
  • Education on the surgical procedure, risks, benefits, and post-operative care
  • Psychological evaluation to assess readiness for surgery
  • Pre-surgical testing and imaging to plan the surgery
  • Consent for surgery and anesthesia

After jaw surgery:

  • Hospital stay for monitoring and pain management
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgical team for post-operative care
  • Orthodontic adjustments to maintain the new bite alignment
  • Dietary restrictions and instructions for oral hygiene
  • Physical therapy to regain jaw function and reduce swelling
  • Monitoring for any complications or signs of infection
  • Long-term follow-up to assess the success of the surgery and address any concerns or issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of jaw surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to follow a special diet before or after surgery?
  5. What pain management options will be available to me after surgery?
  6. How will my appearance and function of my jaw be affected by the surgery?
  7. Will I need braces before or after jaw surgery?
  8. How long will I need to take off work or school for recovery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments to jaw surgery that I should consider?
  10. What can I do to prepare for jaw surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Kurnik N, Preston K, Tolson H, Takeuchi L, Garrison C, Beals P, Beals SP, Singh DJ, Sitzman TJ. Journal: Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2024 Sep;61(9):1559-1562. doi: 10.1177/10556656231172298. Epub 2023 Apr 25. PMID: 37122161