Most maxillofacial injuries are caused by accidents associated with sports, motor vehicle collisions, at work, at home, and with an altercation. The science of treating these facial injuries requires special training, experience and a clear understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long-term function and appearance.
When damage to the soft tissues or cuts to the face occur, they can be repaired by careful suturing. In addition to addressing the main concern of repairing the damage with a pleasing cosmetic result, our surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation to rule out damage to other facial structures such as nerves and salivary glands and ducts. They will also do an assessment to rule out the presence of a facial bone fracture.
If the injury caused is a facial bone fracture it will be treated in a similar manner to fractures in other parts of the body. A thorough evaluation and assessment are necessary to identify the location and severity of the fracture. Once this has been determined your surgeon will determine the best treatment option for your particular case. One of these options includes stabilizing the fractured segments with plates and screws (rigid fixation) allowing the patient to return to normal and function promptly. The other option is wiring the jaws closed (closed reduction) for several weeks. Treatment depends on the type and severity of your injury and your surgeon will discuss and recommend the best treatment option for your case. Remember that every case is different.
