Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Facial Trauma Reconstruction

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialist trained to manage and treat facial trauma. There are an infinite number of ways in which the face can be damaged and thus need some type of reconstruction. Accidents, falls, automobile crashes and interpersonal violence are among the most common causes. Some of the main types of facial injuries resulting from these instances are lacerations, fractured teeth, fractured jaws, fractured facial bones, knocked out teeth and intraoral lacerations.

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There are three main classifications used by health professionals in their trauma assessment:

Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue trauma includes lacerations to the skin and any kind of intraoral (gum) damage.
Avulsed (knocked out) Teeth – Injuries to the teeth are very common and must be dealt with immediately to insure success of reimplantation.
Bony Injuries – This category encompasses the entire face including fractured cheekbones, jaw bones, eye sockets, palates and noses.
Special Regions – Special regions refers to the nerves in the face, the eyes, and the salivary glands.

Reasons for Facial Trauma Reconstruction

Aside from the obvious aesthetic reasons for repairing damage to the face, there are also a number of serious health and dental concerns that can arise from even a small amount of trauma. No facial injury should be taken lightly. Depending on the exact location of the injury, respiration, speech and swallowing can be greatly impaired.

Though broken facial bones are generally treated in the emergency room, damage to the teeth can be quickly dealt with by the dentist. Failure to treat dental and facial trauma can lead to the following longer term problems:

Loss of Functionality: When teeth have fallen victim to trauma, they may become loose in their sockets and make eating and speaking much more difficult.
Smile Aesthetics: Chipped, broken or missing teeth can be detrimental to a beautiful smile. The dentist is able to repair chips, fractures and missing teeth easily.
Bite/Jaw Irregularities: After trauma, it is possible that the teeth will become badly aligned. The poor alignment of the teeth can lead to TMJ, uneven teeth wear and other complications.

What does correcting facial trauma involve?

If facial bones have been fractured or broken, they will be treated in much the same way as any other broken bone. Of course, a plaster cast cannot be applied to a cheekbone, but the bones can be held firmly together by either wiring or the insertion of small plates and screws. Soft tissue lacerations will be treated immediately by way of suture (stitching).

In cases where a tooth has been knocked cleanly out of the mouth, there is still a possibility of reinserting it. The quicker a re-insertion can be performed by the dentist, the greater the likelihood that the natural tooth will survive. In the event that the tooth lacks the ligaments necessary for reinsertion, the dentist can implant a prosthetic tooth to restore both functionality and aesthetic appearance. The dentist can also “splint” displaced teeth using structural support such as bonding or wiring with a good amount of success. Root canal therapy is also a possibility for loose or broken teeth.

Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination and take various x-rays in order to determine the precise condition of the afflicted area and plan a course of action. Pain medication will be prescribed as necessary, and you’ll be given post treatment advice for your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of facial trauma can Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons treat?

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons specialize in managing and treating a wide range of facial injuries, including lacerations, fractured teeth, broken jaws, facial bone fractures, knocked-out teeth, and intraoral lacerations. These injuries often result from accidents, falls, automobile crashes, and other forms of trauma.

What does the process of facial trauma reconstruction involve?

Reconstructing facial trauma may involve procedures such as wiring or placing small plates and screws to stabilize fractured bones, suturing soft tissue lacerations, and re-implanting or splinting knocked-out or displaced teeth. Depending on the severity of the injury, root canal therapy or prosthetic tooth implants may also be required to restore functionality and aesthetics.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Petrie, Storer and Associates, D.D.S. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our dental offices in Chicago.

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At our practice, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile. Our experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to providing exceptional cosmetic dentistry services that enhance your smile’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to brighten your teeth, correct imperfections, or achieve a complete smile makeover, we offer personalized treatments designed to meet your aesthetic goals.

From teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to cosmetic bonding and crowns, we use the latest techniques to transform your smile with precision and care. Our focus is on creating results that look natural, giving you a radiant smile that boosts your confidence.

No matter your age or dental history, our friendly and professional team is here to guide you through every step of your cosmetic journey. We prioritize your comfort and ensure that each visit leaves you feeling more confident and excited about your smile. Let us help you discover the beautiful, confident smile you’ve always wanted!

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