Our Summary

This research paper analyzed patients with a condition called thrombophilia who had oral or maxillofacial surgery (surgery of the face and mouth) at a certain medical center. Thrombophilia is a condition where your blood has a higher tendency to form clots, which can be harmful.

The researchers looked at patient data from 2000 to 2019. They took into account various factors like the patient’s age, sex, the type of surgery they had, the antithrombotic treatments they were on (medications that prevent blood clots), and any complications they had after surgery.

76 patients were included in this study, and they were followed up for an average of about 4 months after their surgery. Seven different types of thrombophilia were identified among these patients.

After analyzing all the data, the researchers found that complications occurred in about 12% of the patients. These complications included infections after surgery and post-surgery bleeding.

However, the key finding of this study is that having thrombophilia did not mean a higher risk of complications or problems with blood clots for patients who had oral or maxillofacial surgery. The researchers also came up with a guideline for how to manage antithrombotic treatment before surgery for these patients.

FAQs

  1. What is thrombophilia and how does it relate to oral or maxillofacial surgery?
  2. What types of complications were identified in the study among patients with thrombophilia who underwent oral or maxillofacial surgery?
  3. Did the study find a higher risk of complications in patients with thrombophilia who had oral or maxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Based on this study, a helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to not worry too much about their thrombophilia condition increasing the risk of complications during or after the surgery. However, it is important for the patient to follow any guidelines given by their healthcare provider regarding their antithrombotic treatment before the surgery to ensure a safe and successful outcome. It is also important for the patient to communicate any concerns or questions they may have with their healthcare provider before the surgery.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are recommended oral surgery are those who have conditions such as impacted wisdom teeth, severe dental infections, jaw misalignment, or facial trauma. Additionally, patients with certain medical conditions such as thrombophilia may also be recommended for oral surgery, but it is essential to carefully manage their antithrombotic treatment to prevent complications.

Timeline

Timeline before oral surgery:

  1. Patient consults with oral surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and any potential risks or complications.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation, which may include blood tests, imaging scans, and a review of medical history.
  3. Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, in the days leading up to surgery.
  4. Patient receives anesthesia during the surgery to numb the area and prevent pain.
  5. Oral surgery is performed, which may involve tooth extraction, jaw realignment, or other procedures.
  6. Patient is monitored during the recovery period for any immediate complications or side effects.

Timeline after oral surgery:

  1. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery.
  2. Patient is prescribed pain medication and instructed on how to care for the surgical site to promote healing.
  3. Patient may need to follow a soft diet and avoid certain activities, such as strenuous exercise, for a period of time.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or complications.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may require additional dental work, such as fitting for a dental prosthesis or orthodontic treatment.
  6. Patient continues to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent infection or other complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about oral surgery, especially if they have thrombophilia, include:

  1. What type of oral or maxillofacial surgery do I need, and what are the potential risks and complications associated with it?
  2. How will my thrombophilia condition affect my surgery and recovery process?
  3. Should I continue taking my antithrombotic medications before and after surgery, or will they need to be adjusted?
  4. What measures will be taken to prevent blood clots during and after surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to recover from the surgery, and what can I do to promote healing and prevent complications?
  6. What signs or symptoms should I watch out for after surgery that may indicate a problem related to my thrombophilia?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or monitoring after the surgery to ensure my recovery is on track?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to reduce the risk of complications related to my thrombophilia?
  9. How experienced are you in treating patients with thrombophilia who require oral surgery, and what is your success rate in managing such cases?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or considerations I should be aware of given my condition?

Reference

Authors: Vandeput AS, Brijs K, De Kock L, Janssens E, Peeters H, Verhamme P, Politis C. Journal: Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2021 Nov;132(5):514-522. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.03.001. Epub 2021 Mar 6. PMID: 34030997