Why So Critical?

Facial injury isn't a pleasant topic to discuss. Whether a result of a motor vehicle accident, a fall, a sports injury, work-related situation, or physical abuse…trauma to the face imparts complex physical and emotional concern to the patient as well as to the family. Further, facial injury can range in severity from minor damage to the teeth or skin, to extensive injury to the teeth, skin, complex facial musculature, and facial bone structure. Therefore, correcting and restoring facial trauma requires a high level of medical and surgical expertise, including an astute understanding of the short and long term implications of any procedures.

What's Involved in Facial Trauma Treatment

We classify facial injury according to the type of tissues involved. Skin and gum injuries are referred to as 'soft tissue' injuries or lacerations. We typically repair such injuries by 'suturing'. In such cases, we must consider all aspects of the final cosmetic result, as well as the inter-relationships with any other underlying damaged structures such as nerves, muscles, salivary glands, and salivary ducts.

Fractures to the jawbone, cheek, nose or eye socket are referred to as bony injuries. We treat such concerns in a manner similar to the way other body fractures would be treated. First, we consider the location and severity of the fracture; as well as the patient's age and general health. Then, we do what's necessary to stabilize the fracture. Of course, it's not possible to place a 'cast' on the face as we do with other bones in the body. So, we have developed other options such as wiring the jaws together, or 'rigid fixation': surgically placing plates and screws at strategic points. The advantage of using 'rigid fixation' is that it greatly lessens recovery time, allowing the patient to return to normal life more quickly.  In any case, we treat all facial fractures with extreme care and precision, making the fewest possible incisions, and hiding those that are necessary so as to result in only small, 'hidden' scars.

Tooth and dental area injuries are another common type of facial trauma, often requiring a combination of experts for complete restoration. For example, an oral surgeon helps treat cases in which the tooth-supporting bone is fractured, or where avulsed (knocked out) teeth need to be replanted. The surgeon handles such situations by various kinds of 'splinting': writing or bonding the teeth together for stabilization and healing. Endodontists may also be involved, if root canal therapy is indicated; and restorative dentists may be included if there are fractured teeth to repair or rebuild. If the lost tooth is not salvageable, we can also place tooth root substitutes, or dental implants. Implants look and function exactly as a normal tooth, providing an excellent long-term replacement option.

First Aid for "Knocked Out" Teeth

Speaking of tooth loss, do you know the proper way to 'save' a knocked out tooth? The best way to insure the tooth's survival is to place it in water or milk as soon as possible, or replace it into the dental socket and hold it there firmly until you can get to a dental office. Do NOT 'wipe off' the tooth, because vital connecting ligaments are often attached to it. Believe it or not, we can actually revitalize those ligaments if you get to us soon enough.

Your Recovery

Please refer to the "Post Operative Instructions" section to familiarize yourself with the various aspects of typical recovery from this procedure. We'll fill you in with any information specific to your case, at the time of your consultation.