Facial Trauma in Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Frederick, MD
The dental specialist performs the proper treatment of facial injuries. These professionals must be well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation not just for physical reasons but emotional as well. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. 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 require special training involving hands-on experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long-term function and appearance.
- Facial lacerations
- Intra oral lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
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The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma
There are several 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 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), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves, or the salivary glands).
Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Fractures of the bones of the face are treated like 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, the age, and the general health of the patient. When an arm or a 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. 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 the “rigid fixation” of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of rigid fixation have profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.
The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished thoroughly and predictably. More 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 that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are treated by one of several 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 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. 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. If injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.
FreQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FACIAL TRAUMA:
1. What should I do if I experience facial trauma or injury?
If you experience facial trauma, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and keep your head elevated to control bleeding. For more serious injuries, such as jaw misalignment, broken teeth, or significant swelling, please contact Greater Maryland Oral Surgery immediately. We are available for emergency consultations to assess your injury and determine the best course of treatment to ensure a full recovery.
2. What types of facial trauma does Greater Maryland Oral Surgery treat?
At Greater Maryland Oral Surgery, we specialize in treating a wide range of facial trauma, including fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, and nose, as well as injuries to the teeth, gums, and soft tissues of the face. Whether you’ve sustained an injury from an accident, sports, or a fall, our expert team provides comprehensive care for conditions such as broken teeth, jaw misalignment, soft tissue lacerations, and facial fractures.
3. How is facial trauma treated at Greater Maryland Oral Surgery?
Facial trauma treatment at Greater Maryland Oral Surgery is tailored to the type and severity of the injury. For fractures, we may use advanced imaging techniques to plan the best surgical approach, which could involve realigning bones and securing them with plates or screws. We also offer dental services like tooth extraction or dental implants to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. Our skilled oral surgeons ensure that your recovery process is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
4. What can I expect during my recovery after facial trauma surgery?
Recovery after facial trauma surgery varies based on the injury’s extent and the procedure performed. At Greater Maryland Oral Surgery, we will provide you with detailed instructions for aftercare, including pain management, dietary restrictions, and tips for minimizing swelling. Follow-up visits are scheduled to track your progress and ensure proper healing. While most patients see improvement within a few weeks, full recovery can take several months depending on the severity of the injury.
5. How can I prevent future facial injuries?
While some facial injuries are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of future trauma. Always wear appropriate protective gear when engaging in sports or high-risk activities, and ensure you use seat belts when driving or riding in a vehicle. For those who have had previous facial injuries, our team at Greater Maryland Oral Surgery can provide additional guidance on preventing future issues and maintaining your oral and facial health.