Traumatic facial injuries can occur as a result of sports, motor vehicle accidents or altercations. The facial structures are some of the most frequently injured parts of the body. Injuries can range from minor dental injuries to facial lacerations to fracture of one or more of the facial bones. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat facial injuries.
Dental Trauma
Dental trauma is a common injury alone or in conjunction with other more serious injuries. The most minor injury, a fractured or “chipped” tooth, often can be treated by your family dentist. Sometimes accidents can displace or move teeth out of their normal position. If this occurs the tooth or teeth must be immediately repositioned and splinted to prevent problems. If a tooth is avulsed or “knocked out” it should be immediately replaced into position by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and stabilized. Failure to seek care immediately may result in the permanent loss of the tooth. If a tooth is avulsed it should be placed in milk and brought to the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon as soon as possible. Under no circumstances should the tooth be scrubbed or cleaned in any way as this may disrupt the natural ligament that will help to anchor it back into the tooth socket.
Dentoalveolar Trauma
Dentoalveolar trauma occurs when there is sufficient force to disrupt not only the tooth and tooth socket but the surrounding jaw bone. This type of injury requires care from an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon to stabilize the teeth and bone to allow for proper healing. Failure to seek prompt care can result in improper healing of the bone or improper positioning of the teeth.
Facial and Oral Lacerations
Lacerations of the facial skin, lips and oral tissues is not uncommon in traumatic injuries. Lacerations should be repaired as soon as possible after they occur to minimize scarring and to ensure the most cosmetic result. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly trained in the cosmetic repair of facial and oral lacerations. Laceration scars can often be lessened with the use of dermabrasion or laser resurfacing after a period of healing.
Facial Bone Fractures
The nasal bones are the most commonly fractured facial bones followed by the mandible (lower jaw). This occurs because these bones protrude furthest from the rest of the face. Cheek bones, the maxilla (upper jaw) and bones of the forehead are other bones that are sometimes fractured or injured. The proper and timely repair of facial bone injuries is crucial to proper function and optimal esthetics. Late repair of facial injuries can result in poor function and unsightly deformities which may be difficult and sometimes impossible to repair.
Dr. Ferdowsmakan is highly trained and qualified to treat all facial injuries. Some injuries can be treated in our office surgical suite at Torrey Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. More severe injuries will be treated in a hospital setting.
