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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.
THE
SERIOUS SIDE OF FACIAL INJURY
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.
During
the healing period, when jaws are wired shut, the oral and
maxillofacial surgeon prescribes a nutritional diet. This
helps the injury heal as quickly as possible by keeping
the patient in good health. After discharge from the hospital,
the doctor gives the patient instructions dealing with continued
facial and oral care.
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DON'T
TREAT ANY FACIAL INJURY LIGHTLY
Of
course, not all facial injuries are extensive. The thing
you should remember, though, is that they are all complex.
Even in the case of a moderately cut lip, the expertise
of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is indispensable.
If sutures are needed, placement must be precise to bring
about the desired cosmetic result. So a good rule of thumb
is that you shouldn't take any facial injury lightly. Not
only that, but facial injuries are in a critical area of
the body. After all, the functions of breathing, eating,
speaking and seeing are located there.
PREVENTION-THE
BEST POLICY
Because
avoiding injury is always best, the oral and maxillofacial
surgeon is a staunch advocate of the use of automobile seat
belts. For the same reason, the use of protective mouth
guards, and appropriate masks and helmets for athletes is
recommended. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon maintains
a constant vigilance, warning the public of hidden everyday
hazards to their health.
Now,
as always, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon's concern
is not just with oral health, but extends to the total health
of the individual.
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
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