Maxillofacial trauma, otherwise referred to as facial trauma, involves injury to the jawbone or face. Treatment for facial trauma can involve airway control, bleeding control, reduction of swelling, prevention of infection, repair of bone fractures, lacerations or soft tissue injury and facial reconstruction.

Our Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons at MIC have the training and expertise to restore facial aesthetics, as well as the functionality of jaw joints and bites, and treatment for damaged or missing teeth. Our MIC specialists are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation of the patient.

TYPES OF FACIAL INJURIES

Facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).

Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

When soft tissue injuries occur, they are repaired by suturing. Great care is taken by our MIC surgeons to restore the aesthetics of the facial region, and to inspect for and treat injuries to structures including facial nerves, salivary glands and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). 

Our surgeons, Dr Young and Dr McGown, are proficient at diagnosing and treating most types of facial lacerations.

Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

With advances in medical technology, rigid internal fixation is almost exclusively used to relocate bone fractures into their correct anatomical position via cosmetically placed incisions. 

Rigid fixation has greatly improved the recovery period, so patients can return to their daily lives and enjoy normal function much sooner. Occasionally grafts, of bone, fat, dermis etc, are required to complete the reconstruction.

Our Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons perform facial fracture treatments in the most thorough and predictable manner. An attempt at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary is always made, so facial appearance will be minimally affected. 

Injuries to the Teeth and Surrounding Dental Structures

If an injury to the tooth occurs, an appointment with an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon should be booked as soon as possible. Surgeons are usually involved in treating fractures of the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. 

Patients should not wipe the tooth off, as remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw may be attached and are required to successfully replant the tooth. 

Other dental specialists, such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. 

If teeth can’t be saved or repaired, dental implants will be suggested to suitable patients as a replacement for missing teeth.