Comprehensive Care for Facial Trauma at Schaefer Dental Group
When you were a youngster, did you ever get a black eye, chip a tooth or bruise your cheek? If so, you may have experienced a case (let’s hope, a mild one!) of facial trauma. In many situations, however, facial trauma can be severe. Among its major causes are auto accidents, sports injuries, work-related mishaps, falls, and acts of violence. When serious facial injury occurs, it’s important that you receive immediate and comprehensive care. That’s why oral and maxillofacial surgeons are on call at most emergency and trauma centers.
Facial trauma in general involves injuries to the soft- or hard-tissue structures of the face, mouth or jaws—including the teeth, the bones of the jaws and face, and the tissue of the skin and gums. It can also involve treatment of particular specialized regions, such as the area around the eyes, the salivary glands or facial nerves. Because facial injuries can affect not only a person’s ability to carry on basic life functions (eating, vision, etc) but also his or her appearance, there is often a strong emotional component to treatment as well as a physical one. After completing extensive training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, like those affiliated with Schaefer Dental Group, are capable of handling the full scope of facial injuries.
Treatments for Facial Injury
The treatment approach depends on the severity of the injury:
- Tooth Injuries: For a tooth that is loosened or knocked out (avulsed), immediate action can often save the tooth by re-implanting it in the jaw. If re-implantation is not possible, a dental implant is often the most effective way to replace a missing tooth.
- Fractured Facial Bones: This involves fractures of the cheekbones, upper or lower jawbones, or the eye sockets. The treatment involves placing the bones back in their proper position and immobilizing them. Methods include wiring the upper and lower jaws together to let them heal in the correct alignment, or using plates and screws to permanently reattach the bones.
- Severe Trauma: Severe facial trauma is often a critical condition, as over 60% of these patients also have serious injuries in other parts of the body. Top priorities are restoring breathing, controlling bleeding, and checking for neurological damage. As much of the reconstructive surgery as possible is accomplished in one operation.
Preventing Facial Trauma
The best treatment for facial trauma is prevention. Simple actions can go a long way toward keeping you safe:
- Always wearing seat belts.
- Using proper helmets and protective gear when playing sports.
- Staying out of dangerous situations (like driving while impaired, tired or distracted).
- Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during athletic activities that carry any risk of facial injury.
But if you (or someone you care for) require a trip to the emergency room for a facial injury, be sure to ask for a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, so that you get the best care and the most favorable outcome.