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Facial Trauma Surgery Facial trauma is a broad term that covers a range of different injuries to the face and mouth. These injuries can include cuts, burns, contusions, fractures, and more. Facial injuries can range in severity and complexity, but it is crucial to have them properly examined as soon as they occur. At Dallas Oral Surgery Associates, we always advise that facial injuries be addressed even if days, weeks, or months later. Our office can provide you with a range of treatments in order to restore your mouth, your face, and your quality of life.What Causes Facial Trauma?Facial trauma can occur in several different situations, including:
Types Of Facial TraumaFacial trauma can be categorized in a few different ways. Some facial injuries may only take one form, while other types of injuries can occur together. These types of injuries include:
Treating Soft Tissue InjuriesYour face and mouth have a significant amount of soft tissue. This tissue is delicate and contains millions of blood vessels and nerves. Certain areas of soft tissue also house salivary glands and ducts. For this reason, facial trauma does not only affect aesthetics and facial appearance but the functions of these systems. At Dallas Oral Surgery Associates, we specialize in repairing soft tissue injuries. Along with restoring your appearance, we can repair blood vessels, salivary glands, and salivary ducts, helping to ensure they function properly. Treating Bone InjuriesJust like any other bone in your body, facial bones can suffer fractures. Facial fractures unfortunately differ in that they cannot be set with a cast like other bones in the body. To repair facial fractures, we offer other treatment options. For treating fractures in the jaw, we primarily use wire. We use wire to prohibit jaw movement and wire the jaw shut; this wire is removed after you have healed, restoring movement. Alternatively, we set other facial bones by using screws and small plates. Unlike wire, these plates and screws do not restrict jaw movement and are sometimes left permanently in place. Treating Injuries To The TeethTooth injuries are typically accompanied by other facial injuries and result in several different issues of their own. These tooth injuries can present as teeth being chipped, cracked, or even shattered. With facial injuries, a tooth can be knocked deeper into the jaw or knocked out completely. If the tooth is dislodged or moved in any way, it is crucial that you do not attempt to reset the tooth. Our team can reset the tooth in its proper position with a splint to allow the bone and ligaments to heal around it. Ideally, damaged teeth should be treated immediately. Teeth that cannot be repaired will need to be extracted and replaced. If your tooth has been dislodged, it is possible to replant it. It must be done as soon as possible by a dental professional; do not attempt to reset a tooth yourself. Before your appointment, be sure to store the tooth in milk, under your tongue, or in salt water until it can be reset in the socket. If debris is stuck to the surface of the tooth, the tooth can be rinsed under running water. However, do not touch the root of the tooth or attempt to scrub away debris, as material that might be mistaken for debris may actually be connective tissue needed to reset the tooth. Even if it does not seem serious, you should seek treatment right away if you have experienced any facial trauma. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call our office at 214-363-9946. |
