Our Summary

This research paper examines the global trends and current status of distraction osteogenesis (DO) in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical method often used to correct facial deformities. The researchers searched for all publications on this topic from a large database and assessed the contributions from different institutions, journals, countries, and authors.

From a total of 541 publications, they found that the USA was the leading contributor in this field, both in terms of the number of publications and international collaborations. Harvard University and the University of Hong Kong had the most total publications, while the University of Texas System had the most cited publications. The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was the main journal publishing on this topic, and Cheung LX was the most contributing author.

The researchers predict that keywords like ‘orthognathic surgery,’ ‘reconstruction,’ and ‘osteogenesis’ will be important topics in future research.

In summary, since 1995 there has been a significant increase in the number of publications on distraction osteogenesis in oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly from the USA. The results of this study provide valuable insights for researchers looking to identify key trends and future directions in this field.

FAQs

  1. What is distraction osteogenesis and how is it used in oral and maxillofacial surgery?
  2. Which institutions and countries are leading in research and publications on distraction osteogenesis in oral and maxillofacial surgery?
  3. What are the predicted important topics in future research related to distraction osteogenesis in oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This includes any dietary restrictions, medications to take or avoid, and proper oral hygiene practices. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful surgery and a smooth 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 unable to emerge properly may require oral surgery to be removed.

  2. Wisdom teeth: The third set of molars, also known as wisdom teeth, often need to be extracted due to crowding, impaction, or improper alignment.

  3. Tooth loss: Patients who have lost teeth due to decay, trauma, or other reasons may require oral surgery for dental implants, bone grafting, or other procedures to restore their smile.

  4. Jaw misalignment: Patients with misaligned jaws, also known as malocclusion, may benefit from orthognathic surgery to correct their bite and improve their facial appearance.

  5. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered facial injuries from accidents, sports, or other incidents may require oral surgery to repair damaged tissues, bones, or teeth.

  6. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders that cause pain, discomfort, or difficulty with jaw movement may benefit from oral surgery to alleviate their symptoms.

  7. Oral cancer: Patients diagnosed with oral cancer may require oral surgery to remove tumors, tissues, or lymph nodes affected by the disease.

  8. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from oral surgery to remove excess tissues or reposition the jaw to improve airflow during sleep.

Overall, oral surgery is recommended for a variety of patients with dental, facial, or jaw-related issues that cannot be addressed through non-invasive treatments. It is important for patients to consult with an oral surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before oral surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with their oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes. They may also undergo pre-operative testing, such as blood work or imaging scans. On the day of surgery, the patient will receive anesthesia and the procedure will be performed. After surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged with post-operative instructions. They may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery, and will need to follow a specific diet and oral hygiene regimen. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns. Overall, the patient’s experience before and after oral surgery involves thorough preparation, the actual procedure, and careful post-operative care to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific type of oral surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for this surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  5. What qualifications and experience do you have in performing this type of surgery?
  6. Can you provide me with information about the success rate of this surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  8. How much will the surgery cost and will it be covered by my insurance?
  9. Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
  10. What should I do if I experience any unexpected symptoms or complications after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yu C, Wang Y, Zhou W, Wang T, Xu J. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Sep;125(4):101746. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2023.101746. Epub 2023 Dec 21. PMID: 38141826