Our Summary

This research paper talks about orthognathic surgery, which is a procedure to correct conditions of the jaw and face. The study looks at how the surgery affects patients’ quality of life, with specific attention to factors like gender, age, and the type of facial deformity being treated.

The study involved 228 patients who underwent this surgery. Their quality of life was measured using a specific questionnaire before surgery and at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The results showed that patients’ quality of life significantly improved after surgery, especially in terms of their facial appearance and social interactions.

However, the patients’ ability to function orally (eat, speak, etc.) dropped right after surgery but improved later on. Their awareness, or consciousness, of their condition remained fairly stable throughout.

The study also found that women and patients with a specific type of deformity (bimaxillary protrusion, which involves both jaws sticking out) had higher improvements in quality of life. Younger patients (aged 18-22) also had better outcomes than older ones.

So, in simpler terms, the surgery generally improved patients’ lives, but how much it improved depended on their gender, age, and the type of deformity they had.

FAQs

  1. What is orthognathic surgery and what conditions does it correct?
  2. How does orthognathic surgery impact a patient’s quality of life according to the study?
  3. Does the success and impact of orthognathic surgery vary based on factors like gender, age, and type of facial deformity?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about oral surgery is to be patient and give yourself time to heal. Recovery from oral surgery can take time and it’s important to follow post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure proper healing. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene during the recovery period to prevent infection. If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon for guidance and support.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for oral surgery include those with severe malocclusions (misalignment of the teeth and jaw), facial asymmetry, TMJ disorders (temporomandibular joint disorders), impacted teeth, cysts or tumors in the jaw, and those in need of dental implants or bone grafting. Additionally, patients with obstructive sleep apnea may also benefit from oral surgery to correct anatomical issues that contribute to the condition.

Overall, oral surgery can greatly improve the quality of life for patients with these conditions by correcting functional and aesthetic issues, alleviating pain and discomfort, and improving oral health. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for oral surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Consultation with a surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative appointments for medical history review, physical examination, and any necessary tests.
  3. Pre-surgical instructions on fasting, medications to avoid, and other preparations.
  4. Anesthesia administration before the surgery begins.
  5. Surgery to correct the jaw or facial deformity.

After oral surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care in the recovery room.
  2. Pain management and instructions for home care, including medication, diet restrictions, and oral hygiene.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon for monitoring healing and removal of any sutures.
  4. Gradual improvement in ability to eat, speak, and function orally as swelling and pain decrease.
  5. Long-term follow-up to assess the success of the surgery and any ongoing care needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific type of oral surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I do to help speed up the healing process?
  4. Will I need to follow any special diet or oral hygiene regimen after the surgery?
  5. How will the surgery impact my ability to eat, speak, and function orally immediately after the procedure and in the long term?
  6. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of improving my quality of life, particularly in terms of my facial appearance and social interactions?
  7. Are there any factors such as my gender, age, or specific facial deformity that may affect the outcome of the surgery for me personally?
  8. What are the alternatives to oral surgery and how do they compare in terms of effectiveness and risks?
  9. Can you provide me with information about the success rates of this type of surgery and any relevant patient testimonials or before-and-after photos?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with a mental health professional before undergoing oral surgery, particularly in relation to my self-image or emotional well-being post-surgery?

Reference

Authors: Vongkamolchoon S, Sinha SP, Liao YF, Chen YR, Huang CS. Journal: Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Oct;50(10):1336-1341. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.02.010. Epub 2021 Feb 26. PMID: 33642150