Facial Trauma Barrie, ON
Facial Injuries and Trauma
Oral and maxillofacial specialists are specially trained to handle facial injuries and trauma. Their training not only in the dental field, but also in emergency care and facial reconstruction, plays a vital role in their success in this field. OMS specialists understand the level of emotional trauma involved in facial injuries and use their training in a hands on setting to provide the treatment that will create the most successful outcome for the patient.
The Trauma of Facial Injuries
Facial trauma occurs for a variety of reasons, whether a car accident, slip and fall injury, a violent act or a sporting accident, the final result is the same and it can be devastating. Emergencies occur as a result of the inability to breathe, severe pain or excessive bleeding that can occur with facial injuries. Broken bones, injuries to the eyes, damage to the facial nerves and lacerations are just a few of the injuries that can occur to the facial region. An OMS can handle these situations in an emergency setting, often helping to save a person's life as a result.
Soft Tissue Injuries Are Worrisome
Soft tissue injuries might not seem like a lot to worry about, but when you consider the scarring that can occur — the emotional aspect of the injuries is exponential. In addition, there is the risk of damage to specific nerves in the face and to the salivary glands. The right OMS will step in to assist with the damage right away, taking proper care to minimize scarring while saving the patient's life.
Bone Injuries Can Be Serious
Broken bones in the facial region pose special issues for the patient and/or the doctor. Because this area of the body cannot be placed in a stabilizing cast to allow the bones to heal, other measures need to be taken. An OMS will find the least invasive method to allow for an easy recovery. There are still some cases where a broken jaw must be wired shut, but in some cases, today's technology makes it possible to insert screws or plates to stabilize the area and negate the need for wiring it shut. This allows for a faster and more pleasant recovery for the patient. If incisions are necessary to fix the area of concern, an OMS will do so in the most inconspicuous manner in order to allow for minimal scarring.
Teeth Injuries
Facial trauma often involves damage to the teeth, whether it is just the jaw or the entire mouth. Knocked out and fractured teeth are among the most common injuries that are seen — both of which should be seen on an emergency basis. The severity of the injuries will determine where the patient is seen and how he or she is handled. Knocked out teeth need to be kept moist and clean until medical attention can be sought. Fractured teeth can be severely painful and warrant an emergency visit as well. The sooner you are seen for any type of tooth injury that occurs during a serious accident, the more likely it is that the natural tooth or teeth can be saved.
The nature of the training that an oral maxillofacial surgeon receives makes them the perfect candidate for treating any type of facial trauma, whether it includes the teeth or just the soft tissues/bones in the facial region. Being seen on an emergency basis by a doctor who has the specialized training to handle such incidents not only as an emergency, but for long-term care can mean the difference between keeping your original look and suffering from long-term, emotionally debilitating injuries and scars.