Our Summary

This research paper talks about the long history of dental and facial surgery, tracing its origins back to 13,000 to 14,000 years ago in Northern Italy. The first known dental filling was done with beeswax about 6,500 years ago in Slovenia. The ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Etruscans also practiced dental work such as fixing teeth with gold wires and prostheses, and even replacing teeth, before the Roman empire. In 1210, the first known group of oral surgeons was established in France, which led to major advancements in the field. Pierre Fauchard, known as the founder of modern dentistry, was instrumental in turning dentistry from a trade into a profession. The paper emphasizes that despite the diversity of the Mediterranean civilization, it has consistently been a pioneer in medical and surgical advancements, particularly in facial and dental surgery.

FAQs

  1. When and where did the practice of dental and facial surgery originate?
  2. Who is Pierre Fauchard and what was his contribution to dentistry?
  3. What advancements did the first known group of oral surgeons in France bring to the field of dentistry?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering maxillofacial surgery to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. It’s also important to have a support system in place for the recovery period, as it may take time to fully heal and adjust to any changes in appearance or function. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon are crucial for successful outcomes.

Suitable For

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

  1. Facial trauma: Maxillofacial surgeons are often called upon to treat patients with facial injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults.

  2. Congenital deformities: Patients born with cleft lip and palate, craniofacial anomalies, or other genetic disorders may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to correct these conditions.

  3. Orthognathic surgery: This type of surgery is performed to correct jaw alignment issues, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, that can affect a person’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe properly.

  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Maxillofacial surgeons can treat patients with TMJ disorders that cause pain, clicking or popping sounds, and limited jaw movement.

  5. Sleep apnea: Maxillofacial surgery may be recommended for patients with obstructive sleep apnea to improve breathing and reduce symptoms of the condition.

  6. Oral and facial tumors: Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to remove benign or malignant tumors in the mouth, jaw, or face and reconstruct the affected area.

  7. Dental implants: Maxillofacial surgeons are often involved in placing dental implants for patients who are missing teeth and need a permanent solution for tooth replacement.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting the face, mouth, and jaws, and patients with these issues may benefit from the expertise of a maxillofacial surgeon.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their specific concerns and goals. This may involve a physical examination, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or CT scans, and discussion of potential treatment options. The patient may also need to undergo preoperative testing and preparation, such as blood tests and medication adjustments.

During maxillofacial surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The surgeon then performs the necessary surgical techniques to address the patient’s concerns, which could include correcting facial deformities, repairing facial injuries, or addressing functional issues such as difficulty chewing or breathing.

After maxillofacial surgery, the patient will typically experience some degree of pain, swelling, and bruising in the operated area. They will be given postoperative instructions on how to care for their incisions, manage pain and swelling, and prevent complications such as infection. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after maxillofacial surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure performed and the individual patient’s healing process. However, with proper preparation, skilled surgical techniques, and attentive postoperative care, patients can achieve successful outcomes and improved quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure will be performed during the maxillofacial 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 are the alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  5. How experienced is the surgeon in performing maxillofacial surgeries?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. Will I need to follow any specific pre-operative instructions before the surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of this particular surgery for my condition?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management during the recovery period?
  10. How long will it take for me to see the full results of the surgery?
  11. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to follow after the surgery?
  12. What is the cost of the surgery and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Atiyeh B, Habal MB. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2023 May 1;34(3):1137-1139. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009159. Epub 2023 Jan 9. PMID: 36728441