Our Summary

This research paper tried to understand the current knowledge in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgery related to face, mouth, and jaw) and find out where more information is needed. The researchers looked at systematic reviews (papers that summarize and analyze all available studies on a particular topic) on twelve different areas in this field from four different databases.

They found 200 reviews that were relevant for their study, and after assessing their quality, 45 of them were found to be of high to moderate quality. The researchers found some good information in few areas, like surgical removal of teeth and implant survival after sinus lifts. However, they also found many areas where more research is needed. They were especially concerned about the lack of information on the cost effectiveness of different surgical treatments and on ethics.

In simple terms, the paper concludes that there’s a lot we still don’t know in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and more high-quality research is needed.

FAQs

  1. What areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery were found to have good information according to the research paper?
  2. What were the major areas of concern identified by the researchers in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery?
  3. What did the research paper conclude about the current knowledge in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to carefully follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This includes information on how to prepare for the surgery, what to expect during the procedure, and how to take care of yourself afterwards. By following these instructions closely, patients can help ensure a successful outcome and faster recovery.

Suitable For

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

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

  2. Corrective jaw surgery: Patients with misaligned jaws or facial asymmetry may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to correct their bite and improve their facial appearance.

  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders that cause pain, clicking, or difficulty with jaw movement may be recommended for maxillofacial surgery to address the underlying issue.

  4. Oral pathology: Patients with tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities in the mouth or jaw may require maxillofacial surgery for diagnosis and treatment.

  5. Orthognathic surgery: Patients with severe malocclusion or bite problems that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone may be recommended for orthognathic surgery, which involves repositioning the jaw to improve function and aesthetics.

  6. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea that does not respond to other treatments may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to open up the airway and improve breathing during sleep.

  7. Cleft lip and palate: Patients born with cleft lip and/or palate may require multiple surgeries, including maxillofacial surgery, to repair the defect and improve function and appearance.

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

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient receives a referral from a general dentist or physician for evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive examination, including medical history review and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, etc.).
  3. Surgeon discusses treatment options, risks, and benefits with the patient and develops a treatment plan.
  4. Pre-operative instructions are given to the patient, including fasting before surgery and medication adjustments.
  5. Patient may undergo pre-surgical procedures such as dental extractions or orthodontic treatment to prepare for surgery.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center.
  2. Post-operative care instructions are given to the patient, including pain management, wound care, and dietary restrictions.
  3. Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  5. Patient may undergo additional procedures such as orthognathic surgery or dental implants to further improve function and aesthetics.
  6. Long-term follow-up care is provided to ensure the success of the surgery and address any complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
  3. What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  4. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any potential side effects?
  6. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  8. How much pain or discomfort can I expect after the surgery and how will it be managed?
  9. What will be the cost of the surgery and will it be covered by my insurance?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of post-surgery?

Reference

Authors: Österberg M, Holmlund A, Sunzel B, Tranæus S, Twetman S, Lund B. Journal: Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2017 Jan;33(1):93-102. doi: 10.1017/S026646231700023X. PMID: 28612700