Maxillofacial Trauma
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are trained, skilled and uniquely
qualified to manage and treat Facial Trauma. Our doctors are
on staff at your local hospital and provide emergency room coverage
for facial injuries including:
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 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 and appearance.
The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma
There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma. Motor
vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal
violence and work related injuries account for many. Types of
facial injuries can range from injuries of teeth to extremely
severe injuries of the skin and bones of the face. Typically,
facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries
(skin and gums), bony injuries (fractures), or injuries to special
regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).
Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
When soft tissue injuries such as lacerations occur on the face,
they are repaired by "suturing". In addition to the
obvious concern of providing a repair which yields the best
cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat,
injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands
and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). Our doctors are well-trained
oral and maxillofacial surgeons and are proficient at diagnosing
and treating all types of facial lacerations.
Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar
to the fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form
of treatment is determined by various factors, which include
the location of the fracture, the severity of the fracture,
and the age and general health of the patient. When an arm or
a leg is fractured, a "cast" is often applied to stabilize
the bone and allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be
placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize
facial fractures.
One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain
fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. However, certain other
types of fractures of the jaw are best treated and stabilized
by the surgical placement of small "plates and screws"
at the involved site. This technique of treatment can often
allow for healing and obviates the necessity of having the jaws
wired together. This technique is called "rigid fixation"
of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of
"rigid fixation" has profoundly improved the recovery
period for many patients by allowing them to return to normal
function more quickly.
The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in
a thorough and predictable manner. Importantly, the patient's
facial appearance should be minimally affected. An attempt at
accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary
is always made. At the same time, the incisions that become
necessary are designed to be small and, whenever possible, are
placed so that the resultant scar is "hidden".
Injuries to the Teeth and 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 which 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 for the survival
of the tooth. 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 which hold
the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success
of 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.
The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of
specialists, well versed in the emergency care, acute treatment
and long term reconstruction and rehabilitation of the patient.
If you would like to
learn more about treatment of Facial Injuries you may download
a printable document format (PDF) file at the following link:
http://www.aaoms.org/public/Pamphlets/FacialInjuries.pdf
