Our Summary

This research looks at which factors can make a study in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) more likely to be cited by others. The researchers looked at studies published between 1998 and 2008 in four major OMS journals. They compared the 66 least-cited studies with the 66 most-cited ones.

The researchers found that studies were more likely to be cited if they were longer, had more figures and references, and reported a significant result. These studies were also more likely to be published in the Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and to focus on dental implants or trauma and reconstruction. On the other hand, studies that were less likely to be cited were more likely to be published in the British Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and to focus on topics not directly related to core OMS procedures.

Additionally, if the first author of a study had a higher H-index (a measure of productivity and impact of a researcher’s work), the study was more likely to be highly cited.

In simpler terms, the more detailed and significant a study is, the more likely it is to be cited. Also, the reputation of the first author and the topic of the study can significantly impact how often a study is cited. This shows that most studies in the field of OMS are contributing valuable knowledge to the field.

FAQs

  1. What factors make a study in oral and maxillofacial surgery more likely to be cited by others?
  2. How does the first author’s H-index impact the likelihood of a study being highly cited?
  3. How does the topic of the study and the journal in which it is published affect its citation rate?

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 provided by their surgeon. This includes things like fasting before surgery, avoiding certain medications, and taking prescribed pain medication as directed. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those with impacted wisdom teeth, facial trauma, jaw misalignment, TMJ disorders, oral pathology (such as cysts or tumors), dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery. Additionally, patients with severe dental infections, obstructive sleep apnea, or congenital facial deformities may also benefit from oral surgery. Ultimately, the recommendation for oral surgery will depend on the individual patient’s specific condition and needs.

Timeline

Before oral surgery, a patient will typically undergo a consultation with their oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and expectations. They may also undergo pre-operative tests and imaging studies to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery. On the day of the surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable during the procedure.

After the surgery, the patient will experience some swelling, pain, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. They will need to follow post-operative instructions provided by their oral surgeon, which may include avoiding certain foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. Over time, the patient will gradually heal, with the full recovery process depending on the type of surgery performed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending oral surgery in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the oral surgery procedure?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  4. How long is the recovery period expected to be and what can I do to help promote healing?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with oral surgery?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of oral surgery procedure?
  7. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and what are the chances of success?
  8. Will I need to follow any special instructions or take medications after the surgery?
  9. How soon after the surgery will I be able to resume normal activities, such as eating and exercising?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of following the oral surgery procedure?

Reference

Authors: Warren VT, Borie KT, Kreger TC, Martin KD, Boyd CJ. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Mar;78(3):335-342. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2019.11.004. Epub 2019 Nov 20. PMID: 31838089