Who Can Treat Mandibular Trauma Better?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery, a specialty responsible for the diagnosis, treatment of trauma, congenital, developmental and iatrogenic lesions in the maxillofacial complex. Despite all the progress that has occurred in the specialty of this fraternity, many people are still unaware of the specialty. Even today, difficulties are experienced owing to the lack of knowledge of the general public and health professionals concerning the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. To investigate recognition of the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery; 50 questionnaires about mandible angle fracture were sent to the oral & maxillofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons, in 2 equal groups. The questionnaire covered 9 questions regarding peri-operative care of mandible angle fracture. Each interviewee had to answer the clinical situation with their own perspective and knowledge. On the basis of questionnaire responses, a good knowledge of treatment plan in terms of function and aesthetics were evaluated, which were instituted by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons gave little consideration on functional outcome. Results obtained from this questionnaire signified that less number of plastic surgeons operated on mandibular angle fractures as compared to oral surgeons, with not much a discrepancy in the choice of radiographs. The plastic surgeons usually prefer an extraoral approach over an intraoral, with the main aim to re-establish esthetics whereas oral surgeons preferred functional establishment. Both the surgeons treat these fractures with the help of rigid osteosynthesis and intermaxillary fixation. Not many plastic surgeons opt for Champ’s technique of osteosynthesis. Both the surgeons do not prefer to remove plates postoperatively. Moreover, the plastic surgeons do not wish to extract tooth in line of fracture majorly. Thus, we conclude that oral and maxillofacial surgeons are better proficient than plastic surgeons in handling mandibular angle fracture and the specialty needs to broaden its horizons in order to ensure the correct referral of all patients.