Our Summary

Oral surgery methods are about to change with the introduction of managed clinical networks, which may result in general dentists doing more minor oral surgery. To evaluate the impact of training on these dentists, a study was conducted. Forty dentists attended a hands-on oral surgery course and were surveyed about their understanding, knowledge, and confidence in oral surgery skills before and after the course. The results showed that all the dentists reported improvements in their skills and knowledge after the course. Confidence levels also increased, with 40% of the dentists feeling confident in tooth sectioning and bone removal, compared to just 9% before the course. The study concluded that these types of courses can significantly improve the skills, knowledge, and confidence of general dentists. However, there are still obstacles to increasing minor oral surgery procedures in general dental practices, such as lack of equipment and patient preference.

FAQs

  1. What impact could managed clinical networks have on general dentists performing minor oral surgery?
  2. What were the findings of the study evaluating the impact of an oral surgery course on general dentists?
  3. What are the main obstacles to increasing minor oral surgery procedures in general dental practices?

Doctor’s Tip

A 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. It is also important to communicate any concerns or questions with the surgeon before the surgery to ensure a successful outcome. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, such as keeping the surgical site clean and avoiding certain foods, will aid in the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those with impacted wisdom teeth, severe tooth decay or infection, dental abscesses, misaligned jaws, facial trauma, congenital facial deformities, or oral cancer. Oral surgery may also be recommended for patients who need dental implants, bone grafting, or jaw surgery for orthodontic purposes. Additionally, patients with severe gum disease or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may also benefit from oral surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if oral surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Patient consultation: The patient meets with the oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and benefits. A treatment plan is created based on the patient’s needs.

  2. Pre-operative preparation: The patient may be required to undergo certain tests or examinations before the surgery, such as X-rays or blood tests. They may also be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period of time before the procedure.

  3. Surgery day: The patient arrives at the clinic or hospital for the surgery. They are prepared for the procedure, which may involve anesthesia or sedation.

After oral surgery:

  1. Post-operative care: The patient is monitored closely after the surgery to ensure there are no complications. They may be given pain medication, antibiotics, or other medications to aid in the healing process.

  2. Recovery period: The patient is advised to rest and follow specific instructions provided by the oral surgeon, such as avoiding certain foods or activities. Swelling and discomfort are common during this time.

  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient may need to return to the oral surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor their healing progress. Additional treatments or adjustments may be necessary.

Overall, the patient’s experience before and after oral surgery involves thorough preparation, careful monitoring, and proper care to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific oral surgery procedure do I need and why?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?

  3. What are the alternative treatment options available to me?

  4. How many times have you performed this type of surgery before?

  5. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care required?

  6. Will I need to be sedated or put under anesthesia for this surgery?

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

  8. How long will the surgery take and when can I expect to see results?

  9. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and what should I avoid before the procedure?

  10. What is the cost of the surgery and will my insurance cover it?

  11. How can I contact you if I have any questions or concerns before or after the surgery?

  12. Are there any specific instructions or restrictions I need to follow after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Savla A, Sanalla A, Tanna N. Journal: Br Dent J. 2019 Apr;226(7):512-517. doi: 10.1038/s41415-019-0151-8. PMID: 30980007