Our Summary

This article offers a detailed look at the evolution and current state of oral and maxillofacial surgery around the world. The goal is to provide useful information that can help in teaching and further development of this field. Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves treating diseases, injuries, and defects in the face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

FAQs

  1. What is the history of oral and maxillofacial surgery according to the article?
  2. What is the current status of oral and maxillofacial surgery worldwide as described in the article?
  3. How can this article be used as a reference for the education and further development of oral and 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 provided by the surgeon. This can include guidelines on medication, diet, and physical activity to ensure a successful recovery and optimal results from the surgery. It is also important to communicate openly with the surgeon about any concerns or questions before and after the procedure.

Suitable For

Maxillofacial surgery is typically recommended for patients with complex dental and facial issues that cannot be addressed through traditional dental procedures. Some common reasons for recommending maxillofacial surgery include:

  1. Severe malocclusion or misalignment of the jaw
  2. Facial trauma resulting in fractures or dislocations
  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  4. Severe dental or facial infections
  5. Tumors or cysts in the jaw or facial bones
  6. Congenital facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate
  7. Severe sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties
  8. Severe facial pain or dysfunction

Patients who may benefit from maxillofacial surgery often require a multidisciplinary approach involving oral surgeons, orthodontists, prosthodontists, and other specialists to achieve optimal outcomes. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if surgery is the most appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and goals.
  2. Pre-operative evaluations such as imaging tests, blood work, and physical exams to assess overall health and suitability for surgery.
  3. Patient education about the procedure, potential risks and complications, and post-operative care instructions.
  4. Planning and scheduling of the surgery, including anesthesia options and recovery time.

After Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care in the recovery room, monitoring vital signs and pain management.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications.
  3. Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises to aid in recovery and restore normal function.
  4. Long-term follow-up care to ensure optimal outcomes and address any long-term effects of the surgery.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after maxillofacial surgery involves thorough preparation, careful monitoring, and ongoing support to achieve the best possible results and ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedures 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. Will there be any changes to my appearance or function after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  7. How experienced are you in performing maxillofacial surgery and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need to follow any dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last and will I need any future procedures?
  10. What should I do if I experience any complications or have concerns during the recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Liu XH, Zhang SY, Zheng JW, Yang C. Journal: Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue. 2016 Aug;25(4):507-510. PMID: 27858082