Facial trauma occurs more often than we realize; over three million facial trauma cases are treated each year by oral and maxillofacial surgeons across the country. In fact, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are key members of most emergency room trauma teams in their area. Just like cardiologists are called upon to treat heart-related conditions, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are called up to manage and treat facial trauma cases.
Facial injuries can result in long-term functional and cosmetic problems, so it is extremely important that facial trauma is treated by a qualified surgeon. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive specialty training to treat and repair disharmonies of the facial skeleton and mouth, along with a range of other dental and surgical problems. To become oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Drs. Boyce and Tracy were required to complete at least four years of comprehensive surgical training in addition to earning a dental degree. The hands-on experience they received during their surgical residencies has given them the confidence and skills to restore facial aesthetics and proportions, correct the functionality of the jaw, and replace missing or damaged teeth in the mouth.
What causes facial trauma?
There are a number of daily activities that can lead to a facial injury. Some of the most common causes of facial trauma injuries include
- Sports injuries
- Accidents in the home
- Work-related injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Physical assaults
- Falls
There are a number of ways that the face and mouth can be affected by trauma, making each case unique. The area of the face that is injured and the severity of that injury will determine which procedure must be performed to treat the trauma appropriately. In some cases, multiple treatments are necessary to restore the face and mouth fully to its original function and appearance. Some of the more commonly seen facial trauma injuries include
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
- Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
- Facial lacerations
- Intraoral lacerations
Minor injuries, such as knocked-out teeth or facial laceration, may only require the placement of dental implants or sutures. Serious incidents may involve a more complex approach and require the use of more than one treatment. In either case, it is extremely important to treat facial trauma cases quickly and efficiently to ensure that the mouth and face are restored fully and do not develop long-term complications such as tooth and jaw misalignment, the development of disorders of the temporomandibular joint of the jaw, or jaw bone deterioration.
Our doctors are on staff at local hospitals and available to treat your facial trauma case at the location most convenient to you. They can assist you in restoring the natural look and function of your face and mouth following facial trauma.
