FACIAL INJURIES

There are people specially trained to deal with injuries to the mouth, face, and jaw: oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Their training and experience uniquely qualify them to deal with these types of injuries. These can include a wide range of injuries, from facial cuts and lacerations to more serious problems, like broken teeth and fractured facial bones.

One of the most common types of serious injury to the face occurs when bones are broken. Fractures can involve the lower jaw, upper jaw, palate, cheekbones, eye socket, and combinations of these bones. These injuries can affect sight, and the ability to breathe, speak and swallow. Treatment often requires hospitalization.

SPECIALIZED TREATMENT

The principles of treatment for facial fractures are the same as for a broken arm or leg. The parts of the bone must be lined up (reduced) and held in position long enough to permit them time to heal. This may require six or more weeks depending on the patient's age and the fracture's complexity.

When fractures are extensive, multiple incisions to expose the bones and a combination of wiring or plating techniques may be needed. The repositioning technique used by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon depends upon the location and severity of the fracture. In the case of a break of the upper or lower jaw, metal braces may be fastened to the teeth and rubber bands or wires used to hold the jaws together. Patients with few or no teeth may need dentures or specially constructed splints to align and secure the fracture.

What's more, many individuals who sustain facial fractures have other medical problems and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is trained to coordinate his or her treatment with that of other doctors.

Portions of the above information provided as a courtesy by:

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
9700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5701
847/678-6200 Fax: 847/678-6286
Website: www.aaoms.org

Synthes Maxillofacial