Our Summary

This research paper looked at the number and quality of clinical trials in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery from January 2010 to December 2016 by analyzing data from three major journals. They found 303 randomized controlled trials, which represent the most reliable type of study for testing treatments. These trials made up 5% of all the studies they looked at. Most of these trials came from Asia (45%) and Europe (32%), and were mostly focused on oral surgery.

They also evaluated the quality of these studies using a system called the Jadad scale. The average score was 3.06 points, which suggests that about a third of these studies were at a low risk of being biased or skewed. They found that studies that had funding and followed the guidelines of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (a system for reporting clinical trials) scored higher on quality.

In conclusion, the paper suggests that the quality and quantity of randomized controlled trials in oral and maxillofacial surgery have improved since previous surveys. The quality of these trials is influenced by whether they have proper funding and follow established reporting guidelines.

FAQs

  1. What is the Jadad scale used for in the context of oral and maxillofacial surgery trials?
  2. How has the quality and quantity of randomized controlled trials in oral maxillofacial surgery evolved over the years?
  3. What impact does funding and adherence to CONSORT have on the quality of trials in oral maxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This includes avoiding certain foods or medications before surgery, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending all follow-up appointments. Proper care and compliance with instructions can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those with impacted teeth, facial trauma, cysts or tumors in the jaw, temporomandibular joint disorders, severe dental infections, and congenital abnormalities. Additionally, patients who require dental implants or corrective jaw surgery may also be candidates for oral surgery.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient consults with oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and risks
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessment and medical history review
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans
  • Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting before surgery
  • Patient signs informed consent form

After oral surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in recovery room until they are stable
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient is prescribed pain medication and antibiotics as needed
  • Patient is given post-operative care instructions, such as how to care for the surgical site and what foods to avoid
  • Patient may have a follow-up appointment with the oral surgeon to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the oral surgery procedure?

  2. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan for this surgery?

  3. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?

  4. What are the qualifications and experience of the oral surgeon who will be performing the procedure?

  5. Will I need to undergo any pre-operative tests or evaluations before the surgery?

  6. How long will the effects of the surgery last, and will I need any follow-up procedures in the future?

  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and are there any potential side effects or risks associated with it?

  8. What is the success rate of this particular oral surgery procedure, and what are the expected outcomes?

  9. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to aid in the healing process?

  10. How much will the oral surgery procedure cost, and will my insurance cover any of the expenses?

Reference

Authors: Trevisan B, Garcia RDP, Musskopf ML. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Jul;58(6):647-651. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.11.027. Epub 2020 May 26. PMID: 32471651