Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted at a teaching dental hospital in Sudan over a four-year period. It looked at nearly 3,500 patients’ records to find out the most common reasons why people needed oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgery on the face, mouth, and jaw). The study found that diseases were the most common reason for surgery, followed by injuries. Most patients were men, and the most common age for needing surgery was in their thirties. The researchers hope that by understanding these patterns, they can better treat these young patients and improve their long-term health.

FAQs

  1. What was the most common reason for oral and maxillofacial surgery according to the study?
  2. What demographic was most likely to need oral and maxillofacial surgery, as per the study?
  3. What was the purpose of the study conducted at the teaching dental hospital in Sudan?

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 things like fasting before surgery, taking prescribed medications as directed, and following proper oral hygiene practices after the procedure. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for oral surgery include:

  1. Patients with dental diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.
  2. Patients with facial deformities or abnormalities that require corrective surgery.
  3. Patients with impacted teeth that need to be removed.
  4. Patients with jaw disorders such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
  5. Patients with oral cancer or other tumors in the mouth or jaw.
  6. Patients with facial trauma from accidents or injuries.
  7. Patients with congenital abnormalities affecting the mouth or jaw.
  8. Patients with severe dental pain or discomfort that cannot be treated with other dental procedures.
  9. Patients in need of dental implants or other reconstructive procedures.
  10. Patients with severe malocclusions or bite problems that require surgical correction.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient experiences pain, discomfort, or other symptoms that necessitate the need for surgery
  • Patient is referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation
  • Surgeon conducts a thorough examination and discusses treatment options with the patient
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation, which may include blood work, imaging studies, and medical history review
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications

After oral surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under anesthesia
  • Patient is monitored closely during and after the procedure for any complications
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient is prescribed pain medication and given instructions on how to care for the surgical site
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as recommended by the surgeon
  • Patient may require additional procedures or treatments in the future for optimal outcomes and long-term health

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific reason I need oral surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  5. What is the success rate of this type of surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  7. Will I need to be sedated or under anesthesia during the procedure?
  8. How many follow-up appointments will I need after the surgery?
  9. What kind of dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes will I need to make post-surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Osman MAK, Aljezoli MHI, Alsadig MAM, Suliman AM. Journal: PLoS One. 2021 Mar 29;16(3):e0249140. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249140. eCollection 2021. PMID: 33780490