Our Summary

This research paper aimed to find out if there were more complications after jaw surgery in the first three months of the academic year (July to September) compared to the rest of the year. The researchers looked at data from surgeries performed between 2008 and 2017. They compared complications such as blood transfusions, reoperations, and infections between surgeries done in the first quarter and the rest of the year. They found no significant difference in complication rates depending on the time of the year the surgery was performed. Therefore, this study concluded that the time of year doesn’t seem to affect the rate of complications after jaw surgery. However, more research could help us understand more about this topic, especially as it relates to training future surgeons.

FAQs

  1. What was the main goal of this research study on jaw surgery complications?
  2. Did the study find any significant difference in complication rates between surgeries performed in the first quarter of the year versus the rest of the year?
  3. What further research is suggested by the authors regarding the rate of complications after jaw 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 taking any prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods or activities, and attending all follow-up appointments. Following these instructions can help reduce the risk of complications and promote proper healing.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include:

  1. Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to emerge properly can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. Oral surgery may be recommended to remove impacted wisdom teeth.

  2. Misaligned jaws: Patients with misaligned jaws may experience difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing. Orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery, may be recommended to correct the alignment of the jaws.

  3. Dental implants: Patients who are missing teeth may be recommended for dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth and restore oral function.

  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders that cause pain, clicking, or popping in the jaw joint may be recommended for oral surgery to alleviate symptoms.

  5. Oral pathology: Patients with oral lesions, tumors, or cysts may be recommended for oral surgery to remove abnormal tissue and prevent further complications.

  6. Facial trauma: Patients who have experienced facial trauma, such as fractures or injuries to the jaw, may require oral surgery to repair and restore function to the affected area.

  7. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may be recommended for oral surgery to remove excess tissue in the throat and improve airflow during sleep.

Overall, patients who are experiencing pain, dysfunction, or abnormalities in the oral and maxillofacial region may be recommended for oral surgery to address their specific condition and improve their oral health and quality of life.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient consults with oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and prepare for surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or adjust their diet in preparation for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure
  • Patient may receive anesthesia or sedation during the surgery
  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve removing teeth, correcting jaw alignment, or other procedures
  • Patient is monitored post-operatively for any complications or adverse reactions

After oral surgery:

  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery
  • Patient is prescribed pain medication and instructed on how to manage post-operative pain
  • Patient may need to follow a soft diet for a period of time to allow for proper healing
  • Patient may need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures
  • Patient may experience temporary changes in speech or facial appearance as a result of the surgery
  • Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activity and follow post-operative care instructions to prevent complications
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as instructed by their oral surgeon
  • Patient may need additional treatments or procedures to address any complications that arise after surgery

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 success rate of this surgery and what are the expected outcomes?
  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 and what are the potential side effects?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  9. What is the cost of the surgery and will my insurance cover it?
  10. How soon can I expect to see the results of the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Jazayeri HE, Xu T, Khavanin N, Dorafshar AH, Peacock ZS. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Feb;78(2):261-266. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2019.08.020. Epub 2019 Sep 4. PMID: 31568756