Our Summary

This research paper discusses the role of oral and maxillofacial surgery in global health. The main aim of global health is to lessen health disparities and to achieve the highest possible health standard for all individuals. To achieve this, various actions are being taken to improve health systems, with a focus on global goals.

One aspect of global health is global surgery, which seeks to understand the scale of surgical diseases and suggest policy to enhance access to surgery. Despite its significance, oral and maxillofacial surgery - surgery relating to the face, mouth, and jaw - hasn’t been given much attention in the global health field. However, it’s crucial in decreasing global health inequality, especially given the impact of oral and facial conditions.

FAQs

  1. What role does oral and maxillofacial surgery play in reducing global health inequity?
  2. How has global surgery sought to improve access to surgery?
  3. Why has oral and maxillofacial surgery been underrepresented in global health?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including any fasting guidelines and medication instructions. It is important to properly prepare for the surgery to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome. Additionally, be sure to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider to address any worries you may have before the surgery.

Suitable For

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

  1. Facial trauma, such as fractures of the jaw or cheekbones
  2. Congenital craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate
  3. Temporomandibular joint disorders
  4. Orthognathic surgery for correcting jaw alignment
  5. Oral and facial tumors
  6. Dental and facial infections
  7. Sleep apnea
  8. Facial pain disorders

Maxillofacial surgery can help improve function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life for these patients.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their oral and facial condition.
  2. Patient undergoes a series of diagnostic tests and imaging studies to assess the extent of the issue.
  3. Treatment options are discussed, and a surgical plan is developed with the patient’s input.
  4. Pre-operative preparations are made, including obtaining medical clearance, discussing anesthesia options, and arranging for post-operative care.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under general anesthesia, with the maxillofacial surgeon performing the necessary corrections or reconstructions.
  2. Post-operative care includes pain management, monitoring for complications, and ensuring proper healing.
  3. Patient may need to follow a specific diet and oral hygiene regimen to aid in recovery.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
  5. Patient undergoes rehabilitation and physical therapy as needed to regain full function and aesthetics of the oral and facial structures.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific condition or issue is prompting the need for maxillofacial surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and what is the recovery process like?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered?
  5. How experienced is the surgeon in performing maxillofacial surgery?
  6. Will additional procedures or treatments be needed after the surgery?
  7. What kind of post-operative care and follow-up will be required?
  8. How much will the surgery cost and will insurance cover any of the expenses?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions that will need to be followed after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to keep in mind after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Reddy CL, Patterson RH, Wasserman I, Meara JG, Afshar S. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Aug;32(3):339-354. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2020.03.001. Epub 2020 May 29. PMID: 32482559