Our Summary

This paper is a study of orthognathic surgery - which is surgery to correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, and other problems - in Sweden between 2010 and 2014. Using data from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, the researchers looked at what types of surgeries were most common, who was getting them, how long people stayed in the hospital afterwards, and whether there were differences between regions.

The study found that, on average, there were 6.3 orthognathic procedures for every 100,000 people in Sweden over the five years. The two most common surgeries were Le Fort I osteotomies and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies, which both involve cutting and repositioning parts of the jaw. Nearly 40% of the patients had surgery on both jaws.

The majority of the surgeries were performed on people aged 19-29, and the average hospital stay was about 2.2 days. However, the researchers found significant differences between regions in terms of how long people stayed in the hospital after surgery, especially when comparing single-jaw and double-jaw surgeries. The reasons for these differences are not clear and need further investigation.

FAQs

  1. What were the most common types of orthognathic procedures performed in Sweden between 2010 and 2014?
  2. Was there a significant regional difference in the prevalence and hospitalisation time for orthognathic surgery in Sweden?
  3. What was the average hospitalisation time for patients who underwent orthognathic surgery in Sweden between 2010 and 2014?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including sticking to a soft-food diet, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Proper care and compliance with instructions can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal results from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery include those with severe malocclusions, facial asymmetry, obstructive sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorders, and other craniofacial abnormalities that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. These patients may experience difficulty with chewing, speaking, breathing, or have aesthetic concerns related to the positioning of their jaws. Orthognathic surgery is often recommended in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal facial aesthetics, functional occlusion, and improve the overall quality of life for the patient.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and create a treatment plan.
  2. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  3. Pre-operative appointments with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery process.
  4. Pre-surgical tests and evaluations to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  5. Day of surgery preparation, including fasting and anesthesia administration.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative recovery in the hospital, typically 1-3 days.
  2. Pain management and monitoring for any complications.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to check on healing progress and adjust treatment as needed.
  4. Post-operative orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to monitor the results of the surgery and address any ongoing issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific surgical method will be used for my orthognathic procedure?
  2. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected outcomes and benefits of the surgery for my jaw alignment?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. What is the experience and success rate of the surgical team in performing orthognathic procedures?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  9. How should I prepare for the surgery in terms of diet, medications, and lifestyle changes?
  10. Are there any specific follow-up appointments or procedures required after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Stålhand G, Abdiu A, Rasmusson L, Abtahi J. Journal: Acta Odontol Scand. 2023 Jul;81(5):414-421. doi: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2164352. Epub 2023 Feb 16. PMID: 36794525