Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at the 100 most cited (or referred to) systematic reviews in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery - which covers surgery in the mouth, jaw, and face. The aim was to find out what topics are currently the most popular or important in this field.

The team used a database called the Web of Science to look at five major journals related to oral and maxillofacial surgery. The most cited review, which had been referred to 200 times, was published in 2015 and was about the survival and success rates of dental implants. The most commonly cited topics were about surgery related to dental implants and cosmetic surgery for the face and jaw, each making up 22% of the citations.

The journal that had the most cited papers was the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (43%), followed by the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (34%). Most of the research came from the Netherlands, Italy, and the USA.

The authors believe that this study could be useful for anyone interested in this field, from researchers and clinicians to students, as it shows what areas are currently trending. However, they note that this study doesn’t reflect the quality of the reviews they looked at.

FAQs

  1. What topics are currently the most popular or important in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery according to the study?
  2. Which journal had the most cited papers in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery?
  3. Does the study reflect the quality of the reviews in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery?

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 includes guidelines on eating, drinking, medications, and oral hygiene. Following these instructions can help promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

In terms of the types of patients typically recommended for oral surgery, some common reasons for oral surgery include impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, jaw bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, and oral cancer treatment. Patients who may benefit from oral surgery are those with severe dental issues, facial trauma, congenital jaw abnormalities, or those seeking cosmetic enhancements. Additionally, patients with chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint disorders may also be recommended for oral surgery. Ultimately, the recommendation for oral surgery will depend on the specific needs and conditions of each individual patient.

Timeline

Before oral surgery, a patient may experience pain, discomfort, or other issues with their teeth, jaw, or facial area that necessitate the need for surgery. They may visit their dentist or oral surgeon for a consultation and evaluation to determine the best course of action. Pre-operative appointments and tests may be scheduled to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

During oral surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia to numb the area and may undergo procedures such as tooth extraction, dental implant placement, jaw surgery, or facial reconstruction. The length and complexity of the surgery will vary depending on the individual’s needs.

After oral surgery, the patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the surgical area. They will be given instructions on how to care for their mouth and manage any discomfort. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns. Over time, the patient should experience improved oral health and function as a result of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about oral surgery may include:

  1. What specific procedure are you recommending for me and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I do to help speed up the healing process?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  5. Will I need to follow any special instructions or precautions before and after the surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and what are the potential side effects?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  8. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of this procedure and what are the expected outcomes?
  10. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or limitations I should be aware of during my recovery period?

These questions can help the patient better understand the recommended surgery, prepare for the procedure, and ensure they are fully informed about their treatment options and expectations.

Reference

Authors: Alkhutari AS, Al-Moraissi EA, Galvão EL, Christidis N, Falci SGM. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Sep;26(3):343-356. doi: 10.1007/s10006-021-00981-9. Epub 2021 Sep 7. PMID: 34491457