Facial Trauma
Oral Surgeon Elk Grove
Oral Surgeon Sacramento
Emergency Room Facial Injuries
Our staff are highly trained and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma and are here to deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries that include:
- Facial Lacerations
- Intra Oral Lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) Teeth
- Fractured Facial Bones (cheek, nose or eye socket)
- Fractured Jaws (upper and lower)
The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma
Types of facial injuries range from injuries of the teeth to extremely severe injuries to the skin and bones of the face. They are typically classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions such the eyes, facial nerves or salivary glands.
Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations to the face, are repaired by suturing. We take great care in not only ensuring the best cosmetic results, but to provide a proper and thorough repair as well. Our staff is well-trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery and is proficient at diagnosing and treating all kinds of facial lacerations.
Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Fractures of the bones of the face are treated similarly to fractures in other parts of the body. Treatment is determined by location of the fracture, its severity, and the age and general health of the patient. One option for repairing the jaw is to wire them together in an instance of certain fractures of the upper or lower jaw. Other types of fractions of the jaw may require surgical placement of small plates and screws in the affected area, this technique is called “rigid fixation.”
When treating facial fractures, the patient’s facial appearance should be minimally affected. We make sure to make the fewest incisions necessary, and they are calculated carefully so scarring is minimal.
Injuries To The Teeth & Surrounding Dental Structures
Isolated injuries to the teeth are quite common. Oral surgeons are usually involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been knocked out by various forms of splinting (wiring or bonding together). If a tooth has become dislodged, it should be placed in milk or water immediately to give your tooth the best chance of survival. It is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. In some instances, an endodontist may be necessary to perform root canal therapy or restorative dentists who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. If a tooth cannot be saved, dental implants are a common replacement for missing teeth.