Maxillofacial Trauma
Maxillofacial Trauma Specialists in San Antonio, TX
Our oral surgeons at Bluebonnet Oral Surgery and Implants possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating trauma affecting the mouth, jaws, and facial skeleton. Leveraging our extensive training in dentistry, we are uniquely qualified to manage trauma involving the teeth-bearing portion of the jaws. This includes addressing issues such as lacerations in the mouth area, fractures, loosening, and dislodgment of teeth, as well as fractures of the mandible and maxilla.
Maxillofacial Region Bone Injury Treatments
Facial bone fractures are treated similarly to fractures in other parts of the body, with the specific approach determined by factors like location, severity, and the patient’s age and health. Unlike limbs, faces can’t be cast, so alternative methods are employed. Wiring the jaws together is one option for certain upper or lower jaw fractures. In contrast, others may require surgical placement of small plates and screws—a technique known as “rigid fixation.” This approach promotes faster healing and eliminates the need for wired jaws. This advanced technique, “rigid fixation,” has significantly improved recovery times. The treatment of facial fractures prioritizes a thorough and predictable approach with minimal impact on the patient’s appearance. Efforts are made to access facial bones through the fewest and smallest incisions possible, ensuring discreet and well-hidden scars.
Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
In instances of facial soft tissue injuries like lacerations, the appropriate course of action involves suturing for repair. Beyond the primary goal of achieving an optimal cosmetic outcome, meticulous care is exercised to examine and address injuries to critical structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). As highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Drs. Randolph and Jackson demonstrate proficiency in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad spectrum of facial lacerations, ensuring comprehensive and expert care.
About Repairing Facial Trauma
Facial trauma commonly results from blunt forces sustained in various scenarios, including sports injuries, accidental falls, motorcycle accidents, and interpersonal violence. The severity of trauma can vary from minor to major, and injuries to the face can be categorized as bony injuries, soft tissue injuries, or a combination of both. Damage to the teeth and supporting structures may occur either in conjunction with other traumas or independently. Our specialized training equips us to comprehensively manage these diverse aspects of oral and facial trauma, ensuring optimal care for our patients.
Injuries to Teeth & Surrounding Dental Structures
Common isolated tooth injuries may require the expertise of various dental specialists, with oral surgeons typically handling fractures in supporting bone and the replanting of displaced or knocked-out teeth. These injuries often involve splinting techniques, such as wiring or bonding teeth together. If a tooth is dislodged, placing it in saltwater or milk is crucial, and immediate re-insertion into the dental socket enhances survival chances. Seeking prompt attention from a dentist or oral surgeon is vital. Avoid wiping the tooth, as remnants of the ligament are crucial for successful replantation. Additional specialists, like endodontists for root canal therapy and restorative dentists for repairing fractured teeth, may be involved. If teeth are beyond repair, dental implants are commonly utilized as replacements.