Our Summary

This research paper discusses how understanding health policies can help oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) create better policies that will affect their practice. The increasing involvement of corporate and private equity investments in OMS management and the growing interest in value-based payment models have significant impacts on OMSs and their patients. The paper suggests that providing a standardized health policy education for OMS students could inspire them to participate in health care advocacy efforts and influence policies that may affect their future work.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of the research paper about maxillofacial surgery?
  2. How can understanding health policies benefit oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs)?
  3. What are some of the significant impacts on OMSs and their patients due to the increasing corporate and private equity investments in OMS management?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to carefully follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting before the surgery, and following any specific dietary guidelines. By following these instructions, the patient can help ensure a successful outcome and minimize the risk of complications during and after the surgery.

Suitable For

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

  1. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered injuries to the face, such as fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, or nose, may require maxillofacial surgery to repair and reconstruct the affected areas.

  2. TMJ disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Maxillofacial surgery may be recommended to address severe cases of TMJ disorders that do not respond to conservative treatments.

  3. Orthognathic surgery: Patients with misaligned jaws (malocclusion) may benefit from orthognathic surgery to correct the alignment of the upper and lower jaws. This can improve facial aesthetics, bite function, and overall oral health.

  4. Cleft lip and palate: Individuals born with cleft lip and palate may require multiple surgeries throughout their lifetime to repair the cleft and improve speech, feeding, and facial appearance.

  5. Facial deformities: Maxillofacial surgery can also be recommended for patients with congenital or acquired facial deformities, such as craniofacial anomalies, facial asymmetry, or tumors affecting the facial structures.

  6. Sleep apnea: Maxillofacial surgery, such as maxillomandibular advancement, may be considered as a treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who do not respond to other interventions, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

  7. Oral pathology: Patients with benign or malignant tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities in the oral and maxillofacial region may require surgery to remove the affected tissue and prevent further complications.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is recommended for patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaw, and oral structures, with the goal of improving function, aesthetics, and quality of life.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative assessments, including imaging tests and medical history evaluations.
  3. Planning and scheduling of the surgery, including discussions about anesthesia options and potential risks and complications.
  4. Pre-surgical instructions, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications.
  5. Surgery day, where the patient undergoes the procedure under anesthesia.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Recovery period, which may involve pain management and swelling reduction techniques.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  3. Rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy or speech therapy depending on the type of surgery.
  4. Long-term monitoring for any potential complications or changes in the surgical outcome.
  5. Adjustment to any changes in facial appearance or function resulting from the surgery.
  6. Overall improvement in the patient’s quality of life and oral health following successful maxillofacial surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure are you recommending for my maxillofacial surgery and what are the potential risks and benefits associated with it?
  2. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  4. How long is the recovery time for this surgery and what post-operative care will be required?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition and what are the benefits of choosing surgery over other options?
  6. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and are there any potential complications that I should be aware of?
  7. How much will the surgery cost and will my insurance cover it?
  8. How many follow-up appointments will be needed after the surgery and what is the long-term care plan?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions that I will need to follow after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or additional information to help me better understand the surgery and recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Harris JA, Ji YD. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2022 Nov;34(4):529-536. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2022.03.004. Epub 2022 Oct 9. PMID: 36224069