Our Summary

This research paper talks about the importance of oral hygiene for patients undergoing surgery on the jaws and face. The researchers studied 137 patients who had this type of surgery between 2016 and 2021 at a hospital in Ancona. They divided the patients into two groups: those who had surgery before 2019 and those who had surgery after 2019. The difference between these two groups is that the second group followed a new oral hygiene plan, which was introduced in January 2019.

This new plan involved advice before surgery and detailed instructions after surgery to help patients keep their mouths clean, help their wounds heal well, and prevent complications. The researchers recorded various information about each patient, such as their medical history, the size and position of their jaws, how much their faces swelled up after surgery, how much pain they felt, and any complications they had.

The researchers wanted to see if this new oral hygiene plan made a difference to patients’ recovery after surgery. They compared the experiences of the patients who followed the new plan (from 2019 to 2021) to those who didn’t have the plan (from 2016 to 2018). They particularly wanted to see if the new plan reduced face swelling and pain after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the new oral hygiene plan introduced in 2019?
  2. How did researchers measure the effectiveness of the new oral hygiene plan?
  3. Did the new oral hygiene plan help reduce facial swelling and pain after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow a strict oral hygiene plan both before and after the surgery. This can help prevent complications, promote faster healing, and reduce the risk of infection. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash, and follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider. Taking good care of your oral health can make a big difference in your recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended oral surgery include those who have impacted wisdom teeth, misaligned jaws, facial trauma or injuries, severe dental infections, cysts or tumors in the jaw, and other conditions that require surgical intervention. Additionally, patients with severe periodontal disease or gum recession may also be recommended for oral surgery to address these issues. Overall, patients who are experiencing significant oral health problems that cannot be effectively treated with non-surgical methods may be candidates for oral surgery.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient meets with oral surgeon to discuss treatment plan and expectations.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests, such as x-rays and blood work.
  • Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting before surgery and medications to avoid.
  • Patient may be prescribed antibiotics or other medications to take before surgery.
  • Patient signs consent forms and discusses anesthesia options with the surgeon.

After oral surgery:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored by medical staff.
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  • Patient is given post-operative instructions on how to care for their mouth, such as cleaning wounds, taking pain medications, and avoiding certain foods.
  • Patient may need to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress.
  • Patient may experience gradual improvement in symptoms, such as reduced swelling and pain, as they recover.
  • Patient may need to follow up with their regular dentist for long-term oral care after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the purpose of the surgery and what are the expected outcomes?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used and what are the potential side effects?
  4. How long will the recovery process take and what can I expect during this time?
  5. Will there be any dietary restrictions before or after the surgery?
  6. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to promote healing and prevent complications?
  7. How can I manage pain and swelling after the surgery?
  8. When should I follow up with you after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  10. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?

These questions can help patients feel more informed and prepared for their oral surgery procedure.

Reference

Authors: Consorti G, Monarchi G, Betti E, Balercia P. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Oct 1;34(7):e646-e648. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009460. Epub 2023 Jun 2. PMID: 37264511