Facial Trauma
Facial Trauma
We meet and exceed modern standards
The dental specialist performs the proper treatment of facial injuries. These professionals must be well versed in emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation – not just for physical reasons but emotional as well. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma.
Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving a “hands on” experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long term function.
Trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified
They are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. They are on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:
- Facial lacerations
- Intra oral lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
Injuries to the teeth & surrounding dental structures
Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral surgeons usually are involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of splinting (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together). If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk.
The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe the tooth off, since remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and vital to replanting the tooth.
Other dental specialists may be called upon such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.
These injuries can result from various causes, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, or work-related accidents. Treatment often requires specialized care to restore both function & appearance.
Different Kinds of Facial Trauma
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Facial lacerations (cuts to the skin)
- Intraoral lacerations (cuts inside the mouth)
- Injuries to facial nerves, salivary glands, or salivary ducts
- Bone Injuries (Fractures)
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
- Other maxillofacial bone fractures
- Dental and Supporting Structure Injuries
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractures of the teeth or supporting bone
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