Our Summary

This study compared the time taken to plan surgeries for jaw deformities (orthognathic surgery) using two methods: virtual surgical planning (VSP) that uses technology, and conventional surgical planning (CSP) which is done manually.

The research involved 40 patients, with some having surgery on one jaw and others on both jaws. The results showed that using VSP took less time than using CSP, whether it was for one jaw or both. This time difference was especially noticeable when planning surgeries for both jaws.

However, the amount of time the surgeon actually spent planning the surgery was the same for both methods. All other steps in the planning process were significantly quicker with VSP compared to CSP.

So, the study concluded that using technology for planning jaw surgeries can save time in the office. This can be particularly beneficial when planning for more complex surgeries involving both jaws.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between virtual surgical planning (VSP) and conventional surgical planning (CSP) in jaw surgeries?
  2. Does the use of technology in planning jaw surgeries affect the time the surgeon actually spends on planning?
  3. How can using technology for planning jaw surgeries benefit the process, especially for more complex surgeries involving both jaws?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to consider using virtual surgical planning (VSP) technology for more efficient and accurate planning. This can help save time during the planning process and ultimately lead to better outcomes for the surgery. It is important to discuss this option with your surgeon to determine if it is the right choice for your specific case.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) include those with the following conditions:

  1. Severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws)
  2. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  3. Facial asymmetry
  4. Sleep apnea
  5. Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw misalignment
  6. Protruding or recessed jaw
  7. Open bite or crossbite

It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if jaw surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and determine if jaw surgery is necessary.
  2. Comprehensive examination including X-rays, CT scans, and dental molds to assess the jaw structure and alignment.
  3. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) or conventional surgical planning (CSP) to map out the surgical procedure and determine the desired outcome.
  4. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  5. Pre-operative appointments to discuss the surgical procedure, recovery process, and post-operative care.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Jaw surgery performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
  2. Recovery period in the hospital for a few days to monitor pain levels, swelling, and ensure proper healing.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and adjust treatment as needed.
  4. Post-operative orthodontic treatment to further align the teeth and ensure optimal results.
  5. Regular check-ups and monitoring of jaw function and alignment in the months and years following surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the benefits of using virtual surgical planning (VSP) for my jaw surgery compared to conventional surgical planning (CSP)?
  2. How will VSP impact the overall timeline for my surgery, including pre-operative planning and post-operative recovery?
  3. Are there any specific risks or limitations associated with using VSP for my jaw surgery?
  4. How experienced are you and your surgical team with using VSP technology for jaw surgeries?
  5. Will using VSP affect the cost of my surgery or insurance coverage in any way?
  6. Can you provide me with any examples of successful jaw surgeries you have performed using VSP technology?
  7. What additional steps or preparations will be required on my end if we choose to proceed with VSP for my surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options or technologies that I should consider before making a decision about VSP for my jaw surgery?
  9. How will using VSP impact the overall outcome and success rate of my jaw surgery compared to CSP?
  10. How can I prepare myself mentally and physically for jaw surgery using VSP technology?

Reference

Authors: Steinhuber T, Brunold S, Gärtner C, Offermanns V, Ulmer H, Ploder O. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018 Feb;76(2):397-407. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2017.07.162. Epub 2017 Jul 25. PMID: 28826783