Our Summary

This study evaluates how effective a type of artificial intelligence (AI), known as ChatGPT, is in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. This AI was tested in areas such as helping doctors make clinical decisions, planning surgeries, educating patients, and conducting research. The AI performed quite well in certain areas, such as answering multiple-choice questions and generating informed consent documents better than other AI and even some human residents. It also provided valuable follow-up support to patients post-surgery. However, it fell short when handling complex clinical decisions and providing personalized advice for things like oral cancer and specific types of surgery. While this AI has potential to improve communication with patients, lighten the workload of healthcare providers, and provide up-to-date information, it still has limitations. Therefore, it should be seen as a support tool and not a replacement for human judgment, especially in specialized fields like oral and maxillofacial surgery.

FAQs

  1. How effective is the ChatGPT AI in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery?
  2. In what areas did the AI fall short during the study?
  3. Can the AI replace human judgment in making complex clinical decisions?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications. This will help ensure the surgery goes smoothly and reduces the risk of complications. Additionally, it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions, such as maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods that may irritate the surgical site. This will help promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Finally, be sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those with impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, oral cancer, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other various conditions that require surgical intervention in the oral and maxillofacial region. Additionally, patients who have complex dental problems that cannot be treated with non-surgical methods may also be recommended for oral surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if oral surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient meets with oral surgeon for consultation and evaluation
  • Pre-operative instructions are given, including fasting before surgery
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative testing or imaging
  • Informed consent is obtained from the patient
  • Surgery date is scheduled

After oral surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room
  • Post-operative instructions are given, including care for the surgical site and pain management
  • Patient is discharged with follow-up appointments scheduled
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery
  • Follow-up appointments are attended to monitor healing progress
  • Patient may require additional treatments or procedures for optimal recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  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 needed?

  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available?

  5. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?

  6. Will I need any additional tests or consultations before the surgery?

  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?

  8. How long will the surgery take and will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?

  9. What can I do to prepare for the surgery, such as diet restrictions or medication adjustments?

  10. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and what are the long-term implications for my oral health?

Reference

Authors: de Menezes Torres LM, de Morais EF, Fernandes Almeida DRM, Pagotto LEC, de Santana Santos T. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2025 Jun;63(5):357-362. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2025.03.006. Epub 2025 Mar 24. PMID: 40251084