Our Summary

This research paper is about the increased use of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on outpatient departments. It shows that doctors started using telehealth more often to help patients while following lockdown rules to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the paper also points out that more research is needed to understand the ethical and legal aspects of telehealth. Even though telehealth seems to make healthcare more accessible, there may be hidden obstacles. The use of sound and video aids in oral and facial outpatient care increased significantly during the pandemic. However, the system needs more work before it can be considered sufficient. As telehealth use grows in oral and facial surgery services, there needs to be ongoing review and updates to ensure patient safety and accurate treatment.

FAQs

  1. What does the research paper say about the use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  2. What are the concerns mentioned about the use of telehealth in oral and facial surgery services?
  3. What does the paper suggest about the future of telehealth in outpatient departments, specifically in oral and facial surgery services?

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 to ensure a successful recovery. This may include guidelines on what to eat or drink before surgery, how to manage pain and swelling, and how to keep the surgical site clean to prevent infection. It is important to communicate any concerns or symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly to address any issues that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include:

  1. Patients with impacted teeth: Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, may need to be removed through oral surgery if they are causing pain, infection, or other complications.

  2. Patients with severe tooth decay: When tooth decay is severe and cannot be treated with a filling or crown, oral surgery may be recommended to remove the affected tooth.

  3. Patients with dental implants: Oral surgery is often necessary to place dental implants, which are used to replace missing teeth.

  4. Patients with jaw misalignment: Orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients with severe jaw misalignment, which can affect their bite and facial appearance.

  5. Patients with facial trauma: Oral surgeons are often called upon to treat patients with facial trauma, such as fractures of the jaw or facial bones.

  6. Patients with oral cancer: Oral surgery may be necessary to remove tumors or other abnormal tissue in the mouth or jaw.

  7. Patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Oral surgery may be recommended for patients with severe TMJ disorders that do not respond to other treatments.

Overall, patients who have complex dental or facial issues that cannot be effectively treated with other methods may be recommended for oral surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Patient experiences dental pain or discomfort that leads them to seek treatment.
  2. Patient schedules a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon to assess the issue.
  3. Dentist or oral surgeon recommends oral surgery as a treatment option.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, including medical history review and imaging tests.
  5. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting and medication adjustments.

After oral surgery:

  1. Patient arrives at the surgical facility and is prepped for the procedure.
  2. Oral surgery is performed, and the patient is monitored during recovery.
  3. Patient is given post-operative instructions, including pain management and wound care.
  4. Patient may experience swelling, discomfort, and restricted diet in the days following surgery.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as instructed by the oral surgeon.
  7. Patient experiences improved oral health and relief from the initial dental issue.

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 oral surgery for my condition?

  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?

  5. How long will the recovery process take and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  6. What are the success rates for this type of oral surgery procedure?

  7. How many times have you performed this specific oral surgery procedure?

  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery and what will be the post-operative care instructions?

  9. Are there any specific dietary restrictions I should follow before and after the surgery?

  10. How will telehealth be utilized in my oral surgery treatment plan and what are the potential limitations of this approach?

Reference

Authors: Welham A, Tan-Gore E, Taylor R. Journal: Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Aug 1;32(4):263-268. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000978. Epub 2024 May 6. PMID: 38712916