Our Summary

This study aimed to understand the main reasons why people refuse a certain type of jaw surgery called orthognathic surgery. The study was conducted in Pakistan and involved patients who had planned to have the surgery, but then decided against it.

Data was collected from 60 patients (70% female, 30% male) through phone interviews. The patients were asked a mix of open and closed questions to find out why they decided not to have the surgery.

The results showed that the most common reasons for refusing surgery were the high cost and fear of pain after the operation. It was also found that men were nine times more worried about their dental alignment after the surgery compared to women. Men also had more fear of tooth injury and bleeding during and after the surgery than women.

In simple terms, the study found that people often refuse this type of jaw surgery because it’s expensive and they are worried about the pain afterwards. Men tend to worry more about how the surgery might affect their teeth and are more scared of getting injured or bleeding during and after the operation.

FAQs

  1. What were the main reasons people refused orthognathic surgery according to the study?
  2. How was the data for the study collected and who participated in it?
  3. Were there differences between men and women in their reasons for refusing orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering orthognathic surgery is to discuss their concerns and fears with their healthcare provider. This can help alleviate any anxiety and provide reassurance about the surgical process and recovery. Additionally, discussing the cost of the surgery and exploring potential financial assistance options may also be beneficial. It’s important for patients to have a clear understanding of the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes before making a decision about orthognathic surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended orthognathic surgery are those with severe bite issues, such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite, that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. These patients may also have difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to their jaw misalignment. Additionally, patients with facial asymmetry or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may benefit from orthognathic surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are candidates for orthognathic surgery.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a jaw misalignment issue by a dentist or orthodontist.
  2. Patient undergoes consultations with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to discuss treatment options.
  3. Patient undergoes orthodontic treatment to align the teeth in preparation for surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-surgical tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to correct the jaw misalignment.
  2. Patient may experience swelling, pain, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient will be on a liquid or soft diet for a period of time to allow the jaw to heal.
  4. Patient will attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.
  5. Patient will continue with orthodontic treatment to further align the teeth and ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery.

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 the surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  3. Will I need to follow a specific diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  4. How will the surgery affect my facial appearance and will there be any visible scarring?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of improving my bite and overall facial symmetry?
  6. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of orthognathic surgery and what factors can impact the success of the procedure?
  8. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your experience with similar cases?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  10. What is the cost of the surgery and will it be covered by insurance?

Reference

Authors: Jawaid M, Qadeer TA, Fahim MF. Journal: J Pak Med Assoc. 2022 Oct;72(10):1954-1962. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.3154. PMID: 36660981