Advancements in Oral Surgery: Enhancing Visibility and Accessibility in the Dental Operating Room

   

Angela Spang^*

Spang Group, Mosaic Surgical, June Medical, London Medical Education Academy, United States

*Corresponding author: Angela Spang, Spang Group, Mosaic Surgical, June Medical, London Medical Education Academy, United States.

Citation: Spang A, Advancements in Oral Surgery: Enhancing Visibility and Accessibility in the Dental Operating Room. J Clin Pract Med Case Rep. 1(1):1-6.

Received:April 13, 2024 | Published: April 17, 2024

Copyright^© 2024 genesis pub by Spang A, et al. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International License. This allows others distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the authors for the original creation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52793/JCPMCR.2024.1(1)-06

Abstract

This article explores the first ever surgery and innovative integration of the Galaxy II® self-retaining retractor and LUX Connect light attachment within dental surgical practices, particularly focusing on their implementation in a private dentistry facility in Santiago, Chile. Dr. Jaime Lavín Arredondo, a distinguished maxillofacial surgeon, shares insights into the challenges faced in oral surgery and the transformative benefits these technologies offer in improving visibility and accessibility within the oral cavity. The article delves into Dr. Arredondo's extensive experience, the intricacies of oral surgery, the advantages of the Galaxy II retractor, and the synergistic effects of combining it with the LUX Connect light attachment. Additionally, it discusses the potential future applications of these technologies in advancing dental surgical procedures.

Keywords

Oral Surgery; Dental operating room; Lux Connect; Retraction

Introduction

The field of dentistry continuously evolves with technological advancements aimed at enhancing patient care and surgical precision. In the pursuit of optimal outcomes, dentists often encounter challenges in accessing and visualizing the intricate structures of the oral cavity during surgical procedures. This article delves into the experiences of Dr. Jaime Lavín Arredondo, a seasoned maxillofacial surgeon, and his adoption of innovative technologies to overcome these challenges and elevate the standards of oral surgery.

Background

Oral and dental surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the oral cavity and surrounding structures. From tooth extractions to complex jaw reconstructions, these surgeries play a crucial role in restoring oral health and function. Annually, millions of oral and dental surgeries are performed worldwide, addressing issues such as impacted teeth, dental implants, corrective jaw surgeries, and oral cancers. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and technology, oral surgeons face several challenges. One significant challenge is the delicate nature of the oral tissues and their proximity to vital structures like nerves and blood vessels, necessitating precision and expertise to minimize complications. Additionally, managing patients with complex medical histories or dental anxiety poses further hurdles. Moreover, the financial aspects, including insurance coverage and affordability, can impact patients' access to necessary surgical care. Despite these challenges, oral surgeons continue to innovate and adapt, striving to provide safe and effective treatments to improve patients' oral health and quality of life.

Prevalence of Oral Surgery

The number of oral and dental surgeries performed annually varies greatly depending on factors such as population size, healthcare infrastructure, and access to dental care. Globally, millions of oral and dental surgeries are conducted each year to address various conditions ranging from routine procedures like tooth extractions to more complex surgeries such as orthognathic surgery and oral cancer resections. However, specific global statistics on the exact number of oral and dental surgeries performed annually are not readily available due to differences in healthcare reporting systems and data collection methods across countries and regions.  

Operating in the oral cavity presents unique challenges for surgeons due to the intricate anatomy and delicate structures involved. Here are some of the key challenges:

Limited space and visibility

1. The oral cavity is relatively small, making it challenging for surgeons to maneuver instruments and maintain clear visibility during procedures.
2. Tongue, cheeks, and other soft tissues can obstruct the surgical field, requiring precise techniques and specialized instruments.

Sensitive structures

1. The oral cavity contains vital structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and salivary glands.
2. Surgeons must avoid damaging these sensitive tissues while removing tumors or performing other procedures.

Functional considerations

1. Oral surgeries often impact speech, swallowing, and chewing functions.
2. Balancing tumor removal with preserving essential functions requires careful planning and skill.

Complex anatomy

1. The oral cavity includes various subsites (tongue, floor of mouth, gums, etc.), each with distinct anatomical features.
2. Surgeons must be well-versed in these variations to tailor their approach.

Risk of infection

1. The oral cavity harbors a diverse microbial environment.
2. Surgical procedures can disrupt this balance, increasing the risk of postoperative infections.

Cosmetic outcomes

1. Oral surgeries often affect appearance, especially when dealing with visible areas like the lips or face.
2. Achieving optimal cosmetic results while addressing medical needs is a challenge.

Patient cooperation

1. Patients may experience anxiety or discomfort during oral surgery.
2. Surgeons must manage patient expectations and ensure cooperation during the procedure.

Pathological interpretation

1. Interpreting histopathology from oral specimens can be complex.
2. Mohs surgeons, for example, need expertise in analyzing tissue margins.

Emerging technologies

1. Incorporating new technologies (such as robotics or laser-assisted surgery) requires training and adaptation.
2. Surgeons must balance innovation with proven techniques.

In summary, oral surgery demands precision, adaptability, and a thorough understanding of both anatomy and patient needs.

Dr. Jaime Lavin Arredondo: A Trailblazer in Oral Surgery

Dr. Jaime Lavín Arredondo's illustrious career spans over four decades, marked by a commitment to excellence in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Graduating from the University of Chile in 1984, Dr. Arredondo subsequently earned his dental surgeon title and pursued advanced training at the University of Miami School of Medicine. With over 65,000 surgical procedures under his belt, Dr. Arredondo is renowned for his expertise in navigating the complexities of the oral cavity with precision and proficiency.

Challenges in Oral Surgery: Navigating Dark, Confined Spaces

One of the foremost challenges in oral surgery lies in achieving optimal visibility and access within the constrained confines of the oral cavity. Dr. Arredondo emphasizes the intricacies of maneuvering within this limited space, where even the dentist's head can obstruct the primary light source, impeding visibility. Furthermore, invasive procedures often necessitate the retraction of soft tissues to gain a clear view, presenting additional hurdles for surgeons.

The Galaxy II Self-Retaining Retractor: A Game-Changer in Oral Surgery

In response to these challenges, Dr. Arredondo introduced the Galaxy II self-retaining retractor from JUNE Medical into his practice. This innovative device facilitates the effortless retraction of the tongue and cheek during surgical interventions, thereby granting unparalleled access to even the most posterior regions of the mouth. Unlike traditional methods that may require additional assistance, the Galaxy II retractor autonomously improves access, streamlining surgical procedures and reducing staff requirements.

Dr Lavin says: “One significant advantage of the Galaxy II retractor is that it reduces the need for additional assistance during surgery. Unlike traditional methods that may require two dental assistants to manipulate tissues away from the surgical site, the retractor autonomously improves access to the confined space in the mouth. This not only streamlines the process, but also lowers staff requirements, ultimately decreasing the overall surgical costs.”

Overcoming Visibility Limitations: The LUX Connect Light Attachment

To complement the capabilities of the Galaxy II retractor, Dr. Arredondo integrates the LUX Connect light attachment into his surgical setup. This versatile adaptor enables the seamless integration of existing surgical lights, directing illumination precisely within the oral cavity. By eliminating the need for overhead lighting and personal head torches, the LUX Connect light attachment mitigates shadows and enhances visibility, thereby optimizing surgical outcomes.

Future Directions in Oral Surgery: Harnessing Innovative Technologies

Dr. Arredondo envisions a promising future for dental surgical procedures with the continued utilization of the Galaxy II retractor and LUX Connect light attachment. The synergistic effects of these technologies not only enhance surgical precision but also redefine the standards of care in dentistry. As the field progresses, the integration of innovative retraction and illumination systems holds immense potential in furthering the capabilities of oral surgeons and improving patient outcomes.

He comments: “Looking to the future, I believe that the Galaxy II retractor, combined with the LUX Connect light source, has excellent potential for enhancing the way that dentists perform surgical procedures. I believe that dentistry provides the perfect setting for employing this innovative retraction technology as, unlike many other medical fields, dental procedures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of advanced technologies such as the Galaxy II self-retaining retractor and LUX Connect light attachment represents a significant milestone in the field of oral surgery. Dr. Jaime Lavín Arredondo's pioneering efforts underscore the transformative impact of these innovations in overcoming the challenges inherent to dental surgical procedures. As the dental landscape continues to evolve, embracing such advancements promises to elevate the standards of care and usher in a new era of excellence in oral surgery.

References

1. Dr Jaimie Lavin Arredondo, Santiago, Chile.
2. June Medical : Data on File
3. Mosaic Surgical Galaxy Retractor IFU (Instructions For Use)
4. LUX Connect Instructions For Use
5. PubMed Search
6. Spang A. (2023) Graceful: Galaxy II Retrospective Safety and Effectiveness Follow Up Long-term Study–An Original Article. J Anaesth Surg Res. 3(1):140-7.
7. A Sustainable Advancement in Surgical retraction: Galaxy II Self Retaining  Retractor. The Operating J. 2023:18-21.
8. Spang A. (2022) Self-Retaining Surgical Retractors: Maximum Sustainable Force of Surgical Stays and Stay Hooks in Human Tissue, and the Usual Force Applied to Both During Surgery–An Original Article. J Anaesth Surg Res. 3(1):1-6.