Our Summary

This study discusses how dental anxiety, or fear of going to the dentist, can lead to people delaying or completely avoiding oral care. For these individuals, it’s really important that dentists know how to manage pain and anxiety effectively. One of the safest and most commonly used ways to do this is using oral sedation - medication that helps patients to relax. Dentists need to have good training and a solid understanding of these medications to use them effectively and safely.

FAQs

  1. What is dental anxiety and how can it affect oral care?
  2. What is one of the most commonly used methods by dentists to manage pain and anxiety in patients?
  3. What training or understanding do dentists need to administer oral sedation effectively and safely?

Doctor’s Tip

Tip: Make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, including fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. This will help reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure.

Suitable For

Maxillofacial surgery is typically recommended for patients who have issues with their jaw, face, mouth, or teeth that cannot be treated with more conservative methods. Some common reasons for recommending maxillofacial surgery include:

  • Severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth)
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  • Facial trauma or injuries
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Sleep apnea
  • Facial pain or headaches related to jaw issues
  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Severe dental infections or abscesses
  • Tumors or cysts in the jaw or face

Patients who may benefit from maxillofacial surgery should consult with a qualified oral surgeon to discuss their options and determine the best treatment plan for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with the maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and create a treatment plan.
  2. Pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Education on the procedure, including risks and benefits, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
  4. Pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications.
  5. Surgery day, where the patient will be given anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable during the procedure.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Recovery in the hospital or at home, depending on the extent of the surgery.
  2. Pain management with prescribed medications and instructions on how to care for the surgical site.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the maxillofacial surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  4. Physical therapy or rehabilitation, if necessary, to restore function and mobility.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to ensure the success of the surgery and address any complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific procedure will be performed during the surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How experienced is the surgeon in performing maxillofacial surgery?
  6. Can I see before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar surgeries?
  7. What are the alternative treatment options available and their respective pros and cons?
  8. Will there be any dietary or lifestyle restrictions following the surgery?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management during and after the surgery?
  10. What is the overall success rate of this type of surgery and what are the long-term outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Hanna M, Chen P, Clarkson E. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2022 Feb;34(1):9-19. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2021.08.008. Epub 2021 Oct 22. PMID: 34690057