Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons are busy members of most emergency room trauma teams, which allows them to help assess and treat cases of facial trauma that occur in their area. In fact, over three million facial trauma cases are treated each year by oral and maxillofacial surgeons all over the United States.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are required to undergo and complete extensive specialty training to treat and repair disharmonies of the facial skeleton and mouth. To become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Taite Anderson completed years of comprehensive surgical training in addition to earning a dental degree. The hands-on experience oral surgeons receive during their surgical residencies enhances the acute skill set required to restore facial aesthetics and proportions. They also learn methods for correcting the functionality of the jaw and replacing missing or damaged teeth.
Facial injuries are very serious, and no two facial injuries are the same. Facial trauma can result in long-term functional and cosmetic problems, which is why it is so important that a qualified surgeon treats the facial trauma.
What causes facial trauma?
Regular, everyday activities can lead to a facial injury. Some of the most common causes of facial trauma injuries include:
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Accidents in the home
- Work-related injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Physical altercations
Just as no two facial traumas are the same, no two facial trauma surgeries will be the same. The type of injury sustained, the severity of that injury, and the specific area of the face that is affected will determine what kind of procedure must be performed. In some cases, multiple treatments are required to fully restore the function and appearance of the face and mouth.
Some of the more common facial trauma injuries include:
- Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
- Facial lacerations
- Intraoral lacerations
What is considered to be a minor injury, such as a facial laceration or an avulsed tooth, may only require the placement of sutures or a tooth restoration, such as a dental implant. The best and most natural-looking replacement for avulsed teeth is a dental implant. Serious injuries, like a facial fracture or a jaw fracture, may involve a more complex procedure and require more than one treatment. Regardless of the severity or type of injury, it is extremely important to have facial trauma cases treated quickly and efficiently. Immediate treatment ensures that the mouth and face are restored properly and do not develop long-term complications. If the patient does not seek immediate treatment, they are at risk for long-term problems such as jaw misalignment, the development of TMJ disorder, or jaw bone deterioration.
If you or a loved one experiences a facial trauma, Dr. Anderson is available to treat your facial or dental injury at our office in Granger, IN. In cases of emergency, our staff will work to see you and start your treatment plan as soon as possible. Dr. Anderson and his highly trained, compassionate surgical team will assist you and work diligently to restore the natural look and function of your face and mouth.