Our Summary

This study looked at how often people searched online for certain oral and maxillofacial surgical (OMS) procedures, which are surgeries related to the mouth, jaw, and face. They collected data on Google searches from January 2004 to May 2019 for terms like “wisdom teeth,” “TMJ,” “dental implants,” “jaw surgery,” “jaw fracture,” “facial trauma,” and “facial cosmetic surgery.” These terms represent the main types of surgeries that OMS doctors perform.

The researchers found that the number of searches for these terms has increased over time, with “wisdom teeth” being the most commonly searched term. They also found that these searches were most frequent in the United States. The number of searches for certain terms, like “wisdom teeth” and “jaw surgery,” also varied by season.

The least commonly searched term was “facial trauma.” The study concludes that analyzing Google search data can help us understand public interest in OMS procedures. It could also help predict the demand for these surgeries and inform public education campaigns.

FAQs

  1. What is the most commonly searched term related to oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures?
  2. According to the study, do Google searches for oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures vary by season?
  3. How can analyzing Google search data help understand public interest and predict demand for oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures?

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 provided by the surgeon. This includes any dietary restrictions, medications to take or avoid, and proper oral hygiene practices. It is important to communicate any concerns or questions with the surgeon and to attend all follow-up appointments for optimal healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include:

  1. Individuals with impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often do not have enough room to emerge properly and may need to be removed surgically.

  2. Patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: TMJ disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, and may require surgical intervention.

  3. Individuals in need of dental implants: Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and require oral surgery to place the implant into the jawbone.

  4. Patients requiring jaw surgery: Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be recommended to correct jaw alignment issues, improve bite function, and enhance facial aesthetics.

  5. Individuals with jaw fractures: Jaw fractures can occur due to trauma or injury and may require surgical treatment to realign the broken bones.

  6. Patients with facial trauma: Facial trauma, such as fractures or soft tissue injuries to the face, may require surgical intervention to repair and restore facial function and aesthetics.

  7. Individuals seeking facial cosmetic surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons also perform cosmetic procedures to enhance the appearance of the face, such as rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, and facelifts.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms or issues that prompt them to seek treatment, such as pain, infection, or cosmetic concerns.
  • Patient visits their dentist or oral surgeon for a consultation, where the need for surgery is determined.
  • Pre-operative appointments, including physical exams, medical history review, and discussion of the procedure and potential risks.

During oral surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve local or general anesthesia.
  • Surgeon performs the necessary steps to address the issue, such as extracting wisdom teeth, placing dental implants, correcting jaw alignment, or repairing facial trauma.

After oral surgery:

  • Patient experiences post-operative symptoms, such as pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty eating or speaking.
  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, including pain management, diet restrictions, and oral hygiene practices.
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sees improvement in their oral health and appearance over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about oral surgery:

  1. What specific procedure do I need and why?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery process take and what can I expect during this time?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  6. What is the success rate of this procedure?
  7. How many times have you performed this surgery before?
  8. What post-operative care instructions should I follow?
  9. Will there be any dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes I need to make before or after the surgery?
  10. What will the cost of the surgery be and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Shen JK, Every J, Morrison SD, Massenburg BB, Egbert MA, Susarla SM. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Sep;78(9):1484-1491. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2020.05.017. Epub 2020 May 18. PMID: 32554065