Our Summary

This research paper is about the quality of studies published in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, which is the area of medicine that deals with treating diseases, injuries, and defects in the face, jaws, and mouth. The researchers reviewed articles published in two major journals over a ten-year period, from 2010 to 2019, and compared them with those published in the previous decade.

They found that the quality of research has improved in recent years, with more high-quality studies like randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses being published. In contrast, there were fewer low-quality studies like case reports and case series. The topics that were most frequently analyzed in these high-quality studies were implantology (the study of dental implants) and dentoalveolar surgery (surgery involving the teeth and their supporting structures).

The researchers believe that these trends indicate a move towards better quality research in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, which will help doctors make better decisions when treating their patients.

FAQs

  1. What is the focus of the research paper on maxillofacial surgery?
  2. How has the quality of research in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery changed over the past decade?
  3. What topics were most frequently analyzed in the high-quality studies about maxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome. This includes things like avoiding certain medications before surgery, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending all follow-up appointments. By following these instructions, patients can help reduce the risk of complications and promote proper healing after surgery.

Suitable For

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

  1. Facial trauma: Patients with fractures in the facial bones, such as the jaw, cheekbones, nose, or eye sockets, may require surgery to realign the bones and restore function and aesthetics.

  2. Orthognathic surgery: This type of surgery is performed to correct abnormalities in the jaw structure, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, which can affect a patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe properly.

  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with severe TMJ pain, dysfunction, or joint degeneration may benefit from surgery to repair or replace the joint and alleviate symptoms.

  4. Cleft lip and palate: Individuals born with cleft lip and palate may require multiple surgeries throughout childhood and adolescence to correct the structural deformities and improve speech and appearance.

  5. Oral and facial tumors: Patients with benign or malignant tumors in the mouth, jaws, or face may need surgery to remove the growth and prevent it from spreading to surrounding tissues.

  6. Maxillofacial infections: Severe infections in the facial region, such as abscesses or osteomyelitis, may require surgery to drain the infection, remove infected tissues, and restore proper function.

  7. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by breathing pauses during sleep, may undergo maxillofacial surgery to reposition the jaw and open up the airway to improve breathing and reduce symptoms.

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

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their condition and treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to evaluate their overall health and suitability for surgery.
  3. Patient may be required to stop certain medications or follow a specific diet in preparation for surgery.
  4. Patient receives information on what to expect during and after surgery, including potential risks and complications.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room immediately after surgery.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is given instructions on how to care for their incisions and manage any discomfort.
  4. Patient may need to follow a modified diet and avoid certain activities while they heal.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient may require physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation to regain full function and appearance in the affected area.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with maxillofacial surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  4. How many times have you performed this specific type of surgery before?
  5. How long will the effects of the surgery last, and will additional procedures be needed in the future?
  6. What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  7. What is the success rate for this type of surgery?
  8. Will there be any changes in my appearance after the surgery?
  9. How should I prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?
  10. What post-operative care will be required, and how can I best manage any pain or discomfort?

Reference

Authors: Wilson B, Lewis J, O’hare P, Lim C. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Jul;59(6):643-647. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.12.006. Epub 2020 Dec 18. PMID: 33863595