Facial Trauma In Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, & Monroe
Facial trauma refers to any injuries to the face or mouth. These injuries are often debilitating on several levels. They may interfere with function, damage appearance, and impart severe emotional trauma to patients. Pain caused by facial trauma can be severe due to the concentration of nerves in the facial region.
The surgeons at 47 North Oral Surgery, with their extensive qualifications and experience, are highly skilled in repairing facial injuries. They are proficient in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation. Their expertise extends beyond physical healing to also address the emotional impact of these injuries. The art and science of treating these injuries require special training, which our surgeons have, involving firsthand experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long-term function and appearance.
Dr. Fettig, Dr. Naumann, Dr. Pruner, and Dr. Zemplenyi meet and exceed modern standards for treating even the most severe forms of facial trauma. Our oral surgeons are on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which may include the following conditions:
- Ocular or orbital (eye socket) fractures
- Fractured cheekbone
- Fractured forehead
- Fractured nose
- Dental injuries, including broken or missing teeth
- Fractures of the bone supporting the teeth
- Jaw tumors
- Dislocated or fractured jaw
- Nasal or sinus obstruction
- Palate injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, including lacerations and tears
The Nature of Facial Trauma
Facial trauma is most often caused by a sudden event such as a motor vehicle accident, fall, sports injury, domestic or interpersonal violence, or work-related injury. The severity of facial injuries can range from relatively mild, such as injuries to the teeth, to catastrophic injuries to the bones, muscles, and skin 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 Maxillofacial Region
Soft tissue injuries are the most commonly seen forms of facial trauma and include simple lacerations, abrasions, contusions, bites, burns, and avulsions. Because these injuries are complicated by vital anatomical structures like blood vessels, salivary glands, ducts, nerves, and muscles, an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy is essential.
Drs. Fettig, Naumann, Pruner, and Zemplenyi are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations. The process typically involves a thorough examination of the injury, including any underlying damage to the facial structures, followed by a personalized treatment plan that may include suturing, wound care, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
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Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Facial fractures are treated similarly to fractures in other parts of the body. The specific treatment plan is determined by several factors, including the location of the fracture, its severity, and the patient’s age and general health. When an arm or leg is fractured, a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial structures.
Reduction
Reduction is the resetting of the damaged bones in their correct positions. Closed reduction is done without surgery, while open reduction requires surgery because the fractures require too much manipulation to be put in their proper positions.
Jaw Wiring
Another option for treating facial trauma involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper or lower jaw.
Rigid Fixation
Our surgeons may use fixation to keep the facial bones in their new position during healing. This requires keeping the bones completely still and typically involves the surgical placement of screws, plates, or wires. 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.
At 47 North Oral Surgery, we take a comprehensive approach to treating all facial fractures. Our priority is the patient’s comfort, and we strive to achieve the highest level of function and healing while minimizing the effects on the patient’s appearance. We aim to access the facial bones through the fewest incisions needed to achieve optimal results. 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
Injuries to the teeth are common and may need more than one dental specialist. Dentists often refer patients to our practice when a patient has broken or lost a tooth and has sustained damage to the surrounding bone or needs the tooth placed back in the socket with splinting. Splinting, or stabilizing with wiring or bonding, keeps the dislocated tooth in place until it reintegrates with the jawbone.
In complex cases, we may collaborate with other dental specialists, such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, or restorative dentists, who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of your treatment is handled with the highest level of expertise and care.
Facial Trauma Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
If your 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 its chance of survival. Therefore, you should see a dentist or contact our office immediately. Never wipe the tooth off since remnants of the ligament holding the tooth in the jaw are attached and vital to replanting the tooth.
If I break my jaw, will it have to be wired shut?
Probably not. Although we may have to do this in some situations, the majority of patients can now have a broken jaw stabilized with rigid fixation using plates, screws, and wires. This gives you much more freedom of movement while the jaw heals.
Will I have scars on my face after surgery?
We are careful to use the smallest incisions possible and limit them to areas where they will not show whenever possible. Most oral surgery incisions are made through the inside of the mouth, under the eyelids, or beneath the hairline. If an incision is needed elsewhere, cosmetic surgery at a later date can reduce or eliminate any scarring.
How long will it take to heal from facial trauma?
It depends on the severity of the injuries and the treatments used. For facial fractures, bruising and swelling typically take two to three weeks to fully subside. However, we recommend avoiding strenuous physical activities for two months to allow ample healing time. If you have undergone major reconstructive surgery, healing can take six months to a year. We will discuss recovery times and what to expect at your initial consultation.
The 47 North Oral Surgery surgeons are adept at treating all types of dental and facial trauma with compassion and skill. If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic facial injury, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons.