Our Summary

This research paper is about a review of different studies done on the use of platelet concentrates in patients with health complications undergoing dental surgery. Platelets are a component of blood that helps with clotting, and this concentrate can be used to help improve healing in surgical procedures. The researchers looked at 22 studies and found that most of them involved people with cancer and those treated for a bone disease called osteonecrosis, often related to medication use. The most commonly used type of platelet concentrate was pure platelet-rich fibrin (P-PRF). The paper concludes that while many studies suggest platelet concentrates can be beneficial, the overall evidence is still in the early stages, and most of these studies focus on patients with osteonecrosis.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of the research paper on oral surgery?
  2. What is the most commonly used type of platelet concentrate in dental surgery?
  3. What is the current state of evidence on the use of platelet concentrates in dental surgery according to the research paper?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding certain foods and activities that could disrupt the healing process. It’s important to keep the surgical site clean and follow any prescribed medications or pain management techniques to ensure a smooth recovery. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as gently brushing and rinsing with salt water, can help prevent infection and promote healing. If there are any concerns or questions during the recovery process, it’s important to contact the dentist or oral surgeon for guidance.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for oral surgery include those with:

  1. Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to emerge properly may need to be removed through oral surgery.

  2. Tooth loss: Patients who have lost teeth due to decay, trauma, or other reasons may require oral surgery for dental implants or other restorative procedures.

  3. Jaw misalignment: Patients with jaw misalignment issues, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), may benefit from oral surgery to correct the alignment of the jaw.

  4. Facial trauma: Patients who have experienced facial trauma, such as fractures or injuries to the mouth or jaw, may require oral surgery to repair the damage.

  5. Oral pathology: Patients with oral lesions, cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities in the mouth may need oral surgery for biopsy, removal, or treatment.

  6. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from oral surgery to remove excess tissue in the mouth and throat to improve breathing during sleep.

  7. Pre-prosthetic surgery: Patients who are preparing for dental prosthetics, such as dentures or bridges, may require oral surgery to prepare the mouth for the placement of these appliances.

Overall, patients who have complex dental issues that cannot be addressed with traditional dental procedures may be recommended for oral surgery to improve their oral health and quality of life.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with the oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation and preparation, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and medication adjustments.
  3. Patient education on post-operative care instructions, including diet restrictions and pain management.
  4. Anesthesia administration before the surgery to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

After oral surgery:

  1. Recovery in the post-operative area under observation by medical staff.
  2. Pain management with prescribed medications and ice packs to reduce swelling.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures if necessary.
  4. Gradual resumption of normal activities and diet as advised by the oral surgeon.
  5. Long-term follow-up to ensure proper healing and address any complications that may arise.

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing oral surgery involves thorough preparation before the procedure, careful monitoring during recovery, and ongoing follow-up care to ensure optimal healing and outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific purpose of using platelet concentrates in my oral surgery procedure?
  2. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with using platelet concentrates in my surgery?
  3. How will the platelet concentrate be obtained and processed for use in my surgery?
  4. How will the platelet concentrate help with my healing process post-surgery?
  5. Are there any specific precautions or post-operative care instructions I should follow if platelet concentrates are used in my surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to using platelet concentrates in my oral surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of using platelet concentrates in oral surgery procedures?
  8. Will my insurance cover the cost of using platelet concentrates in my surgery?
  9. Are there any specific factors about my medical history or current health condition that may affect the use of platelet concentrates in my surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about platelet concentrates and their use in oral surgery procedures?

Reference

Authors: Rufato CED, Prado MC, Luft RL, Zauza D, Silva-Sousa YTC, Santos MBFD, Sarkis-Onofre R. Journal: Braz Dent J. 2023 Mar-Apr;34(2):1-13. doi: 10.1590/0103-6440202305254. PMID: 37194847