Our Summary

This research paper is a review of scientific studies on how to manage pain after jaw surgery. The researchers looked at randomized clinical trials published till July 2020. They focused on two methods of pain management: pre-emptive analgesia (painkillers given before the surgery) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), comparing them with a placebo.

The results showed that both methods significantly reduced pain within the first 48 hours after surgery. However, the quality of the evidence supporting these results was very low, which means we can’t be very confident in the results. In simpler terms, painkillers given before surgery and low-level laser therapy may help reduce pain after jaw surgery, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What methods of pain management after jaw surgery were studied in this research?
  2. Did the research find pre-emptive analgesia and low-level laser therapy to be effective in managing pain after jaw surgery?
  3. Why is there uncertainty in the findings of the research paper on managing pain after jaw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow the post-operative pain management plan provided by the surgical team. This may include taking pain medications as prescribed, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and avoiding certain foods that may cause discomfort. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in pain levels to the medical team to ensure proper pain management throughout the recovery process.

Suitable For

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is typically recommended for patients with the following conditions:

  1. Malocclusion: Orthognathic surgery is commonly recommended for patients with severe malocclusion, which refers to misalignment of the teeth and jaws that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.

  2. Jaw deformities: Patients with skeletal discrepancies in the jaws, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, may benefit from orthognathic surgery to improve their bite and facial aesthetics.

  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with severe TMJ disorders that affect their jaw function and cause chronic pain may be candidates for orthognathic surgery to correct the underlying skeletal issues.

  4. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea caused by a narrow airway due to jaw abnormalities may be recommended orthognathic surgery to widen the airway and improve breathing during sleep.

  5. Facial asymmetry: Patients with significant facial asymmetry due to skeletal discrepancies in the jaws may undergo orthognathic surgery to achieve better facial balance and harmony.

Overall, orthognathic surgery is recommended for patients with significant skeletal discrepancies in the jaws that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone and are causing functional or aesthetic concerns. It is important for patients to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates for orthognathic surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine the need for surgery and create a treatment plan.
  2. Orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare for surgery.
  3. Pre-surgical appointments for medical evaluations and planning of the surgical procedure.
  4. Pre-operative instructions regarding diet, medications, and lifestyle changes.
  5. Surgical procedure under general anesthesia, which may involve moving the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct issues with bite and facial symmetry.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Recovery in the hospital or at home, with pain management medications prescribed by the surgeon.
  2. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several days to weeks after surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and remove any sutures.
  4. Gradual return to normal activities, with a soft diet and restrictions on physical activities.
  5. Orthodontic adjustments to fine-tune the bite and ensure proper alignment of the teeth.
  6. Long-term follow-up appointments to monitor the results of the surgery and make any necessary adjustments.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about orthognathic surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the healing period?
  3. Will I need to follow a special diet or take any specific medications after the surgery?
  4. How soon can I resume normal activities, such as work or exercise, after the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  6. How long will the results of the surgery last and will I need any additional procedures in the future?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  8. What is the success rate of orthognathic surgery in patients with similar conditions to mine?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing orthognathic surgery and what is their success rate?
  10. How much will the surgery cost and will it be covered by my insurance?

Reference

Authors: Alyahya A, Aldubayan A, Swennen GRJ, Al-Moraissi E. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Sep;60(7):e1-e10. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2022.03.013. Epub 2022 Apr 23. PMID: 35690502