Our Summary

This research paper discusses the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine, particularly in orthognathic surgery, which deals with the correction of jaw and face conditions. While AI has become commonplace in many areas of life, its application in this specific field of medicine is not widely explored in existing research. However, the authors believe AI has great potential in identifying dental and facial deformities due to its excellent image recognition capabilities. The paper emphasizes that, while AI is a powerful tool, it’s important for the medical profession to balance its use with clinical judgment.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of the research paper on AI in medicine?
  2. How can AI potentially impact orthognathic surgery according to the research paper?
  3. Why is it important for medical professionals to balance the use of AI with clinical judgment in orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome. This may include maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a soft diet after surgery, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding certain activities that could impact healing. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to be patient with the recovery process, as it can take time for the full results of the surgery to be realized.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended orthognathic surgery are those with severe jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorders. These conditions can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life and overall health, and orthognathic surgery is often the most effective treatment option. Additionally, patients who have completed their growth and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery are considered good candidates for orthognathic surgery.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an orthodontist or oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary.
  2. Comprehensive evaluation including physical exams, X-rays, and possibly CT scans to assess the severity of the jaw and face condition.
  3. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  4. Planning phase where a treatment plan is developed, including the use of virtual surgical planning software to map out the surgery in detail.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Surgery day where the patient undergoes the procedure under general anesthesia.
  2. Post-operative recovery period with swelling, bruising, and discomfort that can last several weeks.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and adjust orthodontic treatment as needed.
  4. Continued orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and achieve optimal results.
  5. Long-term follow-up to ensure the surgery was successful and to address any potential complications or relapse.

Overall, orthognathic surgery is a complex process that requires careful planning, skilled surgical technique, and ongoing collaboration between the surgical and orthodontic teams to achieve the desired outcome for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  2. How will orthognathic surgery improve my quality of life and overall health?
  3. How long is the recovery process after orthognathic surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to follow a specific diet or take any medication after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  6. How many orthognathic surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  7. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of facial appearance and function?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  9. How much pain or discomfort can I expect during the recovery period?
  10. How will my jaw and facial structure be affected in the long term after orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Bouletreau P, Makaremi M, Ibrahim B, Louvrier A, Sigaux N. Journal: J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019 Sep;120(4):347-354. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2019.06.001. Epub 2019 Jun 26. PMID: 31254637