Our Summary

This article discusses the need for more education in general medicine and science within the field of dentistry. The writer suggests that oral and facial surgeons could help with this, teaching more than just surgical procedures. The need for this has been highlighted by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) even before the pandemic, but is even more important now. As people grow older, they tend to have more chronic illnesses and take more medications. Therefore, dentists need to broaden their skills and knowledge to take care of their patients’ overall health. The author believes that their specialty should lead this change in the profession.

FAQs

  1. Why does the article suggest the need for more education in general medicine and science within the field of dentistry?
  2. How can oral and facial surgeons contribute to the broadening of skills and knowledge in the dental profession?
  3. Why does the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons believe it’s important for dentists to broaden their skills and knowledge in general medicine?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include fasting before the surgery, stopping certain medications, and avoiding smoking or alcohol in the days leading up to the procedure. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for maxillofacial surgery include those with:

  1. Facial trauma, such as fractures of the jaw or facial bones
  2. Corrective jaw surgery for misaligned jaws or teeth
  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  4. Cleft lip and palate
  5. Sleep apnea or other breathing problems
  6. Oral and facial tumors
  7. Severe dental infections or abscesses
  8. Congenital facial deformities
  9. Facial pain or headaches related to jaw or facial structure
  10. Obstructive sleep apnea
  11. Facial cosmetic surgery

These patients may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon by their dentist, orthodontist, primary care physician, or other healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative assessments and tests are conducted to evaluate the patient’s overall health and determine the best course of action.
  3. Patient receives instructions on pre-surgery preparations, such as fasting and medication adjustments.
  4. Surgery is performed, with the patient under anesthesia.
  5. Post-operative care and instructions are provided to the patient, including pain management and wound care.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the maxillofacial surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  3. Patient may need to follow a modified diet and avoid certain activities to aid in the healing process.
  4. Gradual improvement in symptoms and healing of the surgical site will occur over the following weeks and months.
  5. Patient may undergo additional procedures or interventions as needed to achieve the desired outcome.
  6. Long-term follow-up care is important to monitor for any complications or changes in the patient’s condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of surgery?
  7. What is your success rate with this procedure?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  9. Will there be any visible scarring after the surgery?
  10. How long will the results of the surgery last?

Reference

Authors: Donoff RB. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2022 Nov;34(4):489-493. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2022.03.010. Epub 2022 Oct 9. PMID: 36224078