Our Summary

This study used a survey to assess how confident dental students and dentists in Saudi Arabia feel about performing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) and Dental Surgery (DS). The survey was conducted between June and September 2021. It asked participants about different areas of these types of surgery, and their responses were used to evaluate the teaching curriculum at Saudi Dental Institutes. Overall, most participants felt confident enough to carry out these types of surgery in their own practice. However, there was less confidence when it came to performing minor surgical procedures. Despite this, respondents at all levels were comfortable with tasks such as using surgical forceps or elevators, removing broken down tooth roots, and identifying potentially cancerous and cancerous lesions in the mouth.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of the study on dental students and dentists in Saudi Arabia?
  2. What areas of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Surgery were the participants asked about in the survey?
  3. How do the participants of the study feel about performing minor surgical procedures as per the survey results?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include guidelines on fasting before surgery, taking prescribed medications as directed, avoiding certain foods or drinks, and proper oral hygiene practices. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications during the recovery process.

Suitable For

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

  1. Impacted teeth: Teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line and cannot erupt properly may require surgical intervention to remove them.

  2. Tooth loss: Individuals who have lost teeth due to decay, trauma, or other reasons may undergo oral surgery for dental implants or other restorative procedures.

  3. Jaw misalignment: Patients with misaligned jaws may require oral surgery to correct the issue and improve their bite.

  4. TMJ disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, and oral surgery may be necessary to address the issue.

  5. Oral pathology: Patients with oral lesions, tumors, or other abnormalities in the mouth may need oral surgery for biopsy or removal.

  6. Facial trauma: Individuals who have suffered facial trauma, such as fractures or lacerations, may require oral surgery to repair the damage.

  7. Sleep apnea: Oral surgery, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), may be recommended for patients with obstructive sleep apnea to improve breathing during sleep.

  8. Cleft lip and palate: Patients born with cleft lip and palate may undergo oral surgery to correct the issue and improve function and appearance.

It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for their specific needs.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient consults with a dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential treatment options
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation, which may include X-rays, medical history review, and blood tests
  • Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications
  • Patient signs consent forms and discusses anesthesia options with the surgical team

During oral surgery:

  • Patient is prepped for surgery, which may involve local anesthesia or sedation
  • Oral surgeon performs the necessary procedure, such as tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or jaw surgery
  • Patient is closely monitored by the surgical team throughout the procedure to ensure safety and comfort
  • After surgery is complete, patient may receive post-operative instructions on care and pain management

After oral surgery:

  • Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activities
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Over time, patient’s mouth heals and any issues that prompted the surgery are resolved, leading to improved oral health and function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What type of oral surgery procedure do I need?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure?
  3. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  8. Can you provide me with information about your success rate with this procedure?
  9. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  10. Are there any potential long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Qamar Z, Almusa J, Almutairi K, Aloufi N, Albaiz S, Alharbi Y. Journal: Mymensingh Med J. 2022 Jul;31(3):835-840. PMID: 35780371