Our Summary

This research paper talks about the experiences of the oral and maxillofacial surgery department at a university medical center in Jerusalem during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The researchers looked at eight weeks’ worth of patient records (1,471 in total) and the COVID-19 status of patients and staff.

They found that only one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Out of 63 patients who were tested for COVID-19, all were negative. However, 43 patients had to be admitted to the hospital for treatment of infections that started from dental issues. More than half of these patients reported having issues getting regular dental care before their infection got worse.

The researchers also talk about the steps they took to protect both staff and patients from COVID-19, including screening processes, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing protocols. They suggest these steps to reduce the risk of unknowingly exposing clinical staff to COVID-19 and provide advice on safely postponing non-emergency treatment if necessary.

The researchers also discuss the use of PPE for different types of procedures, but they acknowledge that the effectiveness of these measures can’t be determined with their research method. They point out that the lack or delay of regular dental services due to lockdowns led to serious health problems for some patients. This is expected to impact healthcare services as they start returning to normal after the pandemic.

FAQs

  1. What were the findings of the research regarding the COVID-19 status of patients and staff in the oral and maxillofacial surgery department at the university medical center in Jerusalem?
  2. What steps did the researchers suggest to reduce the risk of exposing clinical staff to COVID-19?
  3. How did the lack or delay of regular dental services during the pandemic impact the patients according to the research?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include guidelines on fasting before surgery, taking prescribed medications as directed, and caring for the surgical site after the procedure. Following these instructions can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for oral surgery include those with impacted wisdom teeth, severe tooth decay, gum disease, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, oral cancer, and other conditions that require surgical intervention. Patients with these conditions may experience pain, difficulty eating or speaking, and other oral health issues that can impact their quality of life.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for oral surgery departments to prioritize the safety of both patients and staff while providing necessary care. This may involve implementing screening processes, using appropriate PPE, and following testing protocols to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to continue receiving regular dental care to prevent the development of serious infections that may require hospitalization.

Overall, oral surgery departments play a vital role in addressing a wide range of oral health issues, and it is essential for them to adapt their practices to ensure the safety and well-being of patients during the ongoing pandemic.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient experiences dental pain, infection, or other issues that require oral surgery
  • Patient schedules an appointment with an oral surgeon
  • Patient may undergo pre-surgical consultations, imaging, and tests
  • Patient may receive instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting or medication adjustments
  • Patient arrives at the surgical facility on the day of surgery and undergoes the procedure

After oral surgery:

  • Patient wakes up from anesthesia and may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort
  • Patient is monitored by medical staff for a period of time post-surgery
  • Patient is given post-operative care instructions, such as pain management techniques and dietary restrictions
  • Patient may need to follow up with the oral surgeon for any complications or concerns
  • Patient’s recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and individual healing process
  • Patient may require follow-up appointments for suture removal or other aftercare needs.

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 procedure?
  3. What are the alternatives to surgery and their potential outcomes?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  6. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the surgery?
  7. How many similar procedures have you performed in the past and what is your success rate?
  8. What measures are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during my surgery?
  9. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery and what is the expected timeline for healing?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the surgery to ensure a successful outcome?

Reference

Authors: Jones A, Wilson G. Journal: Evid Based Dent. 2021 Jan;22(2):74-75. doi: 10.1038/s41432-021-0176-0. PMID: 34172914