Our Summary

This research paper discusses the overlap between two types of dental surgery specialties: periodontology (which focuses on the structures supporting the teeth) and oral and maxillofacial surgery (which deals with diseases, injuries, and defects in the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaw, and face). The limited number of procedures that can be done in the mouth can blur the lines between these specialties, potentially causing confusion for general dentists when they need to refer a patient to a specialist. The paper highlights what each of these specialties can offer, using actual clinical examples to demonstrate how they can work together.

FAQs

  1. What are the two surgical specialties of dentistry highlighted in the article?
  2. How can the boundaries between dental specialties become indistinct?
  3. What is the purpose of illustrating the interdisciplinary relationship between periodontology and oral and maxillofacial surgery in this article?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the surgery and avoiding certain medications. It is also important to disclose any medical conditions or allergies to the surgeon to ensure a safe and successful surgery. After the surgery, it is crucial to follow post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods, and attending follow-up appointments for proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Maxillofacial surgery is typically recommended for patients with a variety of conditions, including:

  1. Facial trauma: Patients who have sustained injuries to the face, such as fractures of the jaw or cheekbones, may require maxillofacial surgery to repair the damage.

  2. Craniofacial anomalies: Patients born with congenital deformities of the face and skull, such as cleft lip and palate, may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to improve their appearance and function.

  3. Orthognathic surgery: Patients with misaligned jaws, resulting in issues such as difficulty chewing or speaking, may be recommended for orthognathic surgery to reposition the jaws and improve their function.

  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients experiencing chronic pain and dysfunction of the TMJ may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to alleviate their symptoms.

  5. Oral pathology: Patients with tumors, cysts, or other abnormal growths in the oral cavity may require maxillofacial surgery to remove the lesions and restore oral health.

  6. Dental implants: Patients missing teeth may undergo maxillofacial surgery to place dental implants for the restoration of their smile and bite.

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

Timeline

Before Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Initial Consultation: The patient meets with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their concerns and goals for surgery.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation: The patient undergoes a series of tests and exams to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Treatment planning: The surgeon creates a customized treatment plan for the patient, outlining the surgical procedure and expected outcomes.
  4. Pre-surgical instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including medications to avoid and fasting guidelines.

After Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Post-operative care: The patient is closely monitored in the immediate aftermath of surgery to ensure proper healing and manage any pain or discomfort.
  2. Recovery period: The patient follows a specific recovery plan, which may include restrictions on eating, drinking, and physical activity.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient returns to the surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  4. Long-term follow-up: The patient may need additional appointments in the months and years following surgery to ensure the long-term success of the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure do you recommend for my maxillofacial issue?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care required?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  5. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  6. Will I need to undergo any pre-operative tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  8. How long will the surgery take and will I need to stay in the hospital afterwards?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management during the recovery process?
  10. What are the long-term outcomes and potential benefits of undergoing maxillofacial surgery for my condition?

Reference

Authors: Tong DC. Journal: Periodontol 2000. 2017 Jun;74(1):168-175. doi: 10.1111/prd.12196. PMID: 28429480