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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are trained, skilled, and
uniquely qualified to manage and treat Facial Trauma. Drs.
Heine provide coverage for facial injuries which include:
-
Facial
lacerations
-
Intra oral
lacerations
-
Avulsed (knocked
out) teeth
-
Fractured facial
bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
-
Fractured jaws
(upper and lower)
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 requires
special training involving a "hands on" experience and an
understanding of how the treatment provided will influence
the patient's long term function and appearance.
The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma
There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma.
Motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries,
interpersonal violence and work related injuries account for
many. 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), bony injuries
(fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the
eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).
Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
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 which 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).
Drs. Heine are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons
and are proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of
facial injuries.
Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner
similar to the 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, and the age and general health of the patient.
When an arm or a leg is fractured, a "cast" is often applied
to stabilize the bone and 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. However,
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 "rigid fixation" of a fracture. The relatively
recent development and use of "rigid fixation" has
profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients by
allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.
The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in
a thorough and predictable manner. 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
a number of 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 for the
survival of the tooth. 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
which 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.
In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired,
dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for
missing teeth.
The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of
specialists, well versed in the emergency care, acute
treatment and long term reconstruction and rehabilitation of
the patient.
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