Our Summary

The field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, which focuses on treating diseases, injuries, and defects in the face, jaw, and mouth, has significantly developed in Southeast Asia. Surgeons in this area now perform a wide variety of complex procedures, from surgeries to correct jaw structure to cancer removal and reconstructive surgeries. However, there is still a lot of room for the profession to grow in the region. This growth can be achieved with the continuous support from the worldwide community of oral surgeons.

FAQs

  1. What does the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery focus on?
  2. What kind of complex procedures do surgeons in this field perform?
  3. How can the profession of oral and maxillofacial surgery grow in Southeast Asia?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include avoiding certain foods or medications before surgery, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It is also important to communicate openly with your surgeon about any concerns or questions you may have throughout the process. By following these guidelines, patients can help optimize their outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for maxillofacial surgery include:

  1. Patients with facial trauma: Maxillofacial surgeons often treat patients who have suffered injuries to the face, jaw, or mouth due to accidents, sports injuries, or acts of violence. These injuries may include broken bones, lacerations, and damage to the teeth and soft tissues of the face.

  2. Patients with congenital facial deformities: Maxillofacial surgeons also work with patients who are born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate, craniofacial anomalies, and other genetic conditions that affect the development of the face and jaw.

  3. Patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: TMJ disorders can cause pain, stiffness, and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Maxillofacial surgeons can perform surgeries to correct these issues and improve the function of the jaw.

  4. Patients with oral cancer: Maxillofacial surgeons are often part of a multidisciplinary team that treats patients with oral cancer. They may perform surgeries to remove tumors, reconstruct the affected area, and improve the patient’s quality of life after treatment.

  5. Patients in need of orthognathic surgery: Orthognathic surgery is used to correct misalignments of the jaws and improve the function and appearance of the face. This type of surgery is often recommended for patients with bite problems, facial asymmetry, and other structural issues that affect the jaw.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery can benefit a wide range of patients with complex facial, jaw, and oral health issues. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, maxillofacial surgeons are able to provide effective and personalized care to improve the function, aesthetics, and overall well-being of their patients.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Initial consultation: The patient meets with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their medical history, concerns, and goals for the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation: The surgeon conducts a thorough examination of the patient’s oral and facial structures, and may order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans.
  3. Treatment planning: Based on the evaluation, the surgeon creates a customized treatment plan outlining the surgical procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery process.
  4. Pre-surgical preparations: The patient may need to undergo additional tests, receive instructions on fasting before surgery, and make arrangements for transportation and post-operative care.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care: The patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any complications or discomfort. Pain medication and instructions for managing swelling and bruising are provided.
  2. Hospital stay or discharge: Depending on the complexity of the surgery, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for observation or be discharged with instructions for at-home care.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The surgeon schedules follow-up visits to monitor the healing process, remove sutures, and adjust any post-operative treatments.
  4. Rehabilitation and recovery: The patient may undergo physical therapy, speech therapy, or dietary modifications to support healing and restore function to the affected areas.
  5. Long-term follow-up: Regular check-ups are scheduled to assess the long-term outcomes of the surgery and address any concerns or complications that arise.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after maxillofacial surgery involves thorough evaluation, personalized treatment planning, attentive post-operative care, and ongoing support for recovery and rehabilitation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure do you recommend for my condition and why?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what post-operative care will be required?
  4. How many times have you performed this particular surgery and what is your success rate?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  8. How long will the surgery take and will I need to stay in the hospital overnight?
  9. What kind of scarring or changes in appearance can I expect after the surgery?
  10. How much will the surgery cost and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Molla MR, Haji HK, Molla NM. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Aug;32(3):377-388. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2020.04.008. Epub 2020 Jun 2. PMID: 32507354