If you haven’t experienced it yourself, then you probably know someone who has. Facial trauma is more common than you think.
Facial trauma, or maxillofacial injury, happens to people of all ages. Whether you experience a sports injury or just a simple fall at home, even the most basic circumstances can cause drastic injury to the face, jaw, teeth, and skin. This is where an oral surgeon comes in.
The Oral Surgeon and Facial Trauma
When dealing with facial trauma, the oral surgeon must be versed in several different types of treatments and procedures. For instance, when it comes to facial injuries, the oral surgeon will have to be well versed in acute care, emergency treatment, rehabilitation and obviously, reconstruction. In most cases, facial trauma will present itself first in the emergency room, and this is where the role of the oral surgeon begins.
The oral surgeon should have experience in both physical and emotional care, as facial trauma can cause severe emotional distress, depending on the situation. The best oral surgeons know what to say and do to make the injured feel calm and protected. The importance of this aspect cannot be overstated.
Soft Tissue Repair
Some facial trauma only causes soft tissue damage. In these cases, the oral surgeon will only have to administer sutures or stitches to repair the problem. The oral surgeon is trained to also discover any nerve damage that could be present and act accordingly.
Bone and tooth damage
If damage has been done to the bones of the face or the teeth, the oral surgeon will determine the best avenue of treatment depending on how bad the injury is, and the age and overall health of the patient. The oral surgeon may enlist the help of an endodontist for a root canal or other repair to the teeth.
An oral surgeon can help you, too
If you’ve suffered from facial trauma, and haven’t enlisted the help of an oral surgeon, then now is the time. The sooner you seek help, the less chance of long-term scarring or side effects. Consult Katy Cypress Oral Surgery and begin your road to recovery.