Facial trauma can occur in many ways. Whether you’re dealing with injuries stemming from a car accident, an accidental fall or trip, or a sports-related incident, they can quickly impact both your physical and mental well-being. Oral reconstruction is crucial to addressing these injuries and regaining hope for recovery and confidence.
Understanding Facial Trauma
Facial trauma includes a variety of injuries to the face, and each of these could happen to anyone at any age. Aside from the mouth, these injuries could harm the nose, cheeks, jaw, and eyes. These injuries can occur for many reasons, resulting in physical pain. However, what is worse is the emotional damage it could cause.
Facial trauma significantly impacts self-esteem. Injuries that are not adequately sutured can leave scars and cause disfigurement. Sometimes, facial trauma affects a patient’s quality of life, too. Extensive damage to the mouth, such as multiple lost teeth, can make talking or eating a meal challenging.
Why It’s Important to See a Dentist After Facial Trauma
Whether your injury is minor or severe, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. Dental professionals are trained to provide care for those who have experienced facial trauma. After facial trauma, a dentist will determine which of your injuries, if any, require emergency treatment based on the type and extent of the trauma.
One example is a dislodged tooth. A dentist will attempt to stop the bleeding and limit swelling. If the tooth cannot be replanted, they will create a plan to replace it, which may involve dental implants.
Oral Reconstruction Techniques
When it comes to oral reconstruction, the exact method used will depend on the type of injury you’ve sustained. Nevertheless, several techniques are available to help heal from accidents or injuries. These include the following:
- Cosmetic surgery
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Bone grafting
- Dental implants
- Corrective jaw surgery and temporomandibular joint reconstruction
- Dentoalveolar surgery
Many dentists will use state-of-the-art technology, like X-rays and CT scans, to help determine the best treatment for your oral reconstruction process.
Multidisciplinary Approach for Your Care
Complex cases of facial trauma may require a team of dental specialists to provide the best possible care. For example, you may need to see an oral surgeon for complex extractions or jaw reconstruction. From there, a dentist or oral surgeon may need to place dental implants and make the artificial teeth that connect with the metal post.
Treating Facial Injuries
Every type of facial injury requires a different approach to repair and healing:
Tooth and Mouth Injuries
Many facial injuries occur around the teeth and bones surrounding them. These injuries can include broken, dislodged, or avulsed teeth, and immediate treatment is required to preserve the affected teeth or bones to prevent permanent damage.
If your tooth becomes dislodged, it can be replanted if you act quickly. Protect it by placing it in a container of milk or saltwater. These liquids will help it stay alive, improving the chances of a successful procedure. You also must clean any dirt off of it, as it can interfere with the tiny ligaments that hold a tooth into the jawbone.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sensitive facial tissues, like nerves, lie just underneath the skin and can be damaged if you have a cut on your face or mouth that requires stitches. Seeking prompt attention for soft tissue injuries will improve the outcomes and reduce the chances of infection.
Bone Injuries
Fractured facial bones can receive treatment similarly to other bones in your body. However, it depends on where the fracture is located, the extent of the injury, and your overall health. Some techniques that may be used to stabilize your facial fracture include small plates and screws or wiring your jaw. Nevertheless, the goal is always the same: restoring your appearance and improving function with minimal scarring.
Recovering From Oral Reconstruction Procedures
As with any medical treatment, your recovery time will vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Your treatment team will provide post-operative care instructions detailing how to manage your incision sites (if any) to allow them to heal correctly. Some treatments may require follow-up appointments to remove sutures, wires, or other stabilization devices.
Seek Dedicated Services to Heal From Your Facial Trauma
If you’ve recently experienced facial trauma, it’s crucial to receive prompt medical attention from a qualified dental team. Dr. Brett Langston, DMD, and his team understand this can be challenging. We offer compassionate care customized to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you begin your healing process.
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