The
Nature of Facial Trauma
There are a number of 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).
Soft
Tissue Injuries of the Facial 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 that 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 channel) Dr.Singh is a well-trained oral
and maxillofacial surgeon and is proficient at diagnosing and treating all
types of facial lacerations.
Bone
Injuries of the Facial 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, 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 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 "rigid fixation" of a fracture.
The relatively recent development and use of rigid fixation has 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
in a thorough and predictable manner. 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 & 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
chance it will survive. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or oral
surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe off the tooth, 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. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired,
dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.
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