Our Summary

This research paper focuses on long-term facial pain, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Often, people with this type of pain misidentify the cause, blaming it on past incidents like dental work or facial injuries. Furthermore, these individuals often also experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which complicates the diagnosis and treatment process. The paper suggests that treating such conditions might require the involvement of various medical specialists to address all aspects of the patient’s condition, as traditional pain management strategies may not be as effective.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the challenges in diagnosing chronic orofacial pain syndromes?
  2. How does the presence of psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety impact the diagnosis of chronic orofacial pain syndromes?
  3. Why is a multidisciplinary approach often required in the treatment of chronic orofacial pain syndromes?

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 carefully. This includes any recommendations for fasting before surgery, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments. Proper care and maintenance of the surgical site can greatly impact the success of the procedure and overall healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those with:

  1. Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or infection
  2. Dental infections or abscesses that cannot be treated with antibiotics alone
  3. Severe gum disease that requires surgical intervention
  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that are not responding to conservative treatments
  5. Facial trauma resulting in fractures or other injuries requiring surgical repair
  6. Oral cancer or other tumors in the mouth or jaw that require removal
  7. Corrective jaw surgery for misaligned jaws or facial asymmetry
  8. Dental implants for missing teeth
  9. Sleep apnea or other breathing disorders that may benefit from surgical intervention
  10. Severe dental crowding or malocclusion that requires surgical correction.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with the oral surgeon for an initial consultation to discuss their concerns, medical history, and treatment options.
  2. Pre-surgical preparations: The patient may need to undergo pre-surgical tests, such as X-rays or blood work, to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.
  3. Anesthesia discussion: The oral surgeon discusses the type of anesthesia that will be used during the surgery and any potential risks or side effects.
  4. Informed consent: The patient signs a consent form acknowledging they understand the risks and benefits of the surgery.
  5. Surgery: The oral surgery is performed according to the treatment plan discussed with the patient.
  6. Post-operative care: The patient receives instructions on how to care for their mouth after surgery, including pain management and dietary restrictions.

After oral surgery:

  1. Recovery: The patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery, which typically resolves within a week.
  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient returns to the oral surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns.
  3. Pain management: The patient may be prescribed pain medication or instructed to use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
  4. Diet modification: The patient may be advised to follow a soft diet for a period of time to allow their mouth to heal properly.
  5. Oral hygiene: The patient is instructed on how to properly care for their mouth to prevent infection and promote healing.
  6. Final evaluation: The oral surgeon evaluates the outcome of the surgery and discusses any further treatment or follow-up care that may be needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of oral surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  5. How will this surgery impact my oral health in the long term?
  6. Will I require any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my outcome?
  8. How can I manage any pain or discomfort during the recovery process?
  9. Are there any dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. How can I address any concerns or questions that may arise before or after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Renton T. Journal: Br Dent J. 2017 Dec 15;223(11):826-836. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.990. PMID: 29243716