Facial Trauma
There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from minor injuries to teeth to extremely severe injuries to the skin and bones of the face.
Did You Experience Facial Trauma?
Our oral surgeons can examine your injury to determine the best treatment.
Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
Oral surgeons usually are involved in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. 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 are vital to the success of replanting the tooth.
These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of splinting (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together). Other dental specialists may be called upon as well, 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 utilized as replacements for missing teeth.
Soft Tissue Injuries
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 that 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).
Bone Injuries
Fractures to the bones in the face are treated in a similar manner to fractures in other parts of the body. When an arm or leg is fractured a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to 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. 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 eliminates the necessity of having the jaws wired together. This technique is called “rigid fixation” of a fracture. The use of rigid fixation has profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.
The doctors at Oakland Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center are thoroughly 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
- Intraoral lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
Oakland Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center
Patient Review
Thank you so much to the amazing staff and doctor Chaimes for the amazing care I have received and am still receiving. You all have been so kind and very professional! I came in not knowing what was going on with my mouth and you treated me right away with hopes that it will get better soon! Dr. Chaimes seems very knowledgeable and with lots of experience. He knew right from the start what to do and explained things so fully. Even with the minor procedures I have received already he is so quick and gentle knowing that I had a bit of anxiety and lots of pain as it was. I am very pleased with my care and the office. Even during this covid time they make you feel so safe and comfortable while there.
- Nicholette A
Patient Review
Was seen immediately after calling with jaw bone issues
- Linda D