Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted by a task force appointed by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The study focused on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), a type of special X-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. The task force was tasked with reviewing its use, safety, and how it’s being adopted in oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face).

The team looked at worldwide literature on CBCT, identified its uses, and conducted a survey of academic thought leaders and practicing surgeons to understand how it’s being used and adopted. They found that CBCT is increasingly replacing 2-dimensional imaging in academic literature and private practice.

The study also discusses the importance of patient safety, keeping radiation exposure as low as possible, accreditation, and legal issues. They found that there was a lot of confusion about when to use CBCT, who can authorize its use, and how to get paid for its use.

To help with this, the study proposes industry guidelines that clearly differentiate between medical and dental uses for CBCT. They hope these guidelines will bring more logic and predictability to authorizations, billing, and payments for CBCT in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the focus of the study conducted by the task force appointed by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?
  2. What is the role of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in oral and maxillofacial surgery, according to the study?
  3. What are the proposed industry guidelines for the use of CBCT, as discussed in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This includes avoiding certain medications, following a specific diet, and taking care of the surgical site to prevent infection. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

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

  1. Facial trauma: Patients with fractures or injuries to the bones of the face may require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones.

  2. Jaw deformities: Patients with misaligned jaws or facial asymmetry may benefit from surgical intervention to correct these issues.

  3. Temporomandibular joint disorders: Patients with pain or dysfunction in the jaw joint may require surgery to improve function and reduce pain.

  4. Oral and facial tumors: Patients with benign or malignant tumors in the mouth or face may require surgery for removal and reconstruction.

  5. Cleft lip and palate: Patients born with cleft lip and palate may require surgery to repair these congenital abnormalities.

  6. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to improve airflow and reduce symptoms.

Overall, patients who have complex oral and facial conditions that cannot be treated with conservative measures may be recommended for maxillofacial surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine the appropriate course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their treatment plan and any necessary imaging studies, such as CBCT. The patient may also undergo pre-operative testing and preparation to ensure they are in optimal health for surgery.

After maxillofacial surgery, the patient will undergo a recovery period where they may experience pain, swelling, and bruising. They will follow post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon to aid in healing and reduce the risk of complications. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and ensure proper healing. In some cases, additional procedures or treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. Why do I need maxillofacial surgery and what are the potential benefits?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what post-operative care will be required?
  4. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  5. Will I need any additional imaging tests, such as CBCT, before the surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  7. What are the alternatives to surgery and why is surgery the recommended course of action?
  8. Will I need to see any other specialists before or after the surgery?
  9. How much will the surgery cost and will my insurance cover it?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to follow before or after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Carter JB, Stone JD, Clark RS, Mercer JE. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2016 Apr;74(4):668-79. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2015.10.018. Epub 2015 Nov 11. PMID: 26611374