Our Summary

This research paper discusses how important it is for dentists to use clear language when communicating with their patients. The study was conducted by giving a questionnaire to 137 patients at a dental clinic over two weeks, asking them to define 18 different medical terms. The results showed that while some words, like ‘blister’ and ’local anaesthetic,’ were generally well understood, others like ‘mucosa’ were not. Interestingly, over a third of patients confused ‘sedation’ with full anaesthesia. The researchers also noted that a patient’s understanding of these terms seemed to be influenced by their background, education level, and whether English was their first language. The researchers concluded that using complex medical jargon can lead to confusion and poor health decisions, and that it’s important for dentists to explain these terms in a way their patients can understand.

FAQs

  1. What was the main purpose of this research on dentist-patient communication?
  2. What were some of the medical terms that patients often misunderstood according to the study?
  3. How does a patient’s background, education level, and English proficiency influence their understanding of dental terms?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications. Following these instructions can help reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery. Additionally, it’s important to communicate any concerns or questions you may have with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for oral surgery include those with impacted teeth, dental infections, cysts or tumors in the jaw, severe gum disease, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, or those in need of dental implants. Additionally, patients with conditions such as sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may also be recommended for oral surgery to improve their quality of life. Oral surgery may also be necessary for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as the removal of extra teeth or bone to create space for proper alignment. Overall, oral surgery is recommended for patients who require surgical intervention to address various dental and facial conditions.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Patient schedules an appointment with a dentist or oral surgeon for consultation.
  2. Patient meets with dentist or oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and plan for surgery.
  3. Patient may undergo pre-operative testing or imaging to prepare for surgery.
  4. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting before the procedure.
  5. On the day of surgery, patient arrives at the dental clinic or hospital and is prepped for the procedure.

After oral surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up from anesthesia and may experience grogginess or dizziness.
  2. Patient is monitored by medical staff for any complications or side effects.
  3. Patient may experience pain and swelling in the days following surgery and is prescribed pain medication.
  4. Patient is given post-operative care instructions, such as how to care for the surgical site and what foods to avoid.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the dentist or oral surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure will be performed during the oral surgery?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used and how will it affect me during and after the surgery?
  4. How long will the recovery process be and what steps can I take to ensure a smooth recovery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to promote healing and prevent infection?
  7. How many similar surgeries have you performed in the past and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. What is the cost of the surgery and will my insurance cover it?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary restrictions I should be aware of before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hamilton A, Lamey P, Ulhaq A, Besi E. Journal: Br Dent J. 2021 Jun;230(12):823-830. doi: 10.1038/s41415-021-3073-1. Epub 2021 Jun 25. PMID: 34172869