Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
Facial Trauma (also known as (maxillofacial trauma)
Facial trauma (maxillofacial trauma) is any injury that occurs on the face and is generally classified as either being a soft tissue injury (gums and skin), bony injuries (fractures), or injuries that occur in special regions, such as the salivary glands, facial nerves, or eyes.
Examples of facial trauma include the following:
- Knocked out teeth
- Injuries to the jaw
- Interior and exterior soft tissue lacerations of the mouth
- Fractured forehead, eye sockets, nose, and/or facial bones
Facial trauma can occur due a variety of causes, the most common being trauma that occurs due to motor
vehicle accidents. Additional common causes include:
- Falls
- Sports related injuries
- Injuries related to work
- Interpersonal violence or assaults
At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical Procedures, specializing in facial reconstruction, facial surgery, corrective jaw surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and wisdom tooth removal. If you would like to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment for treating facial trauma, contact us today. New patients are welcome and a referral from another doctor is not required.
Bone Injuries
If a patient fractures a facial bone, the bone will need to be set; however, unlike other fractured bones, like a leg or an arm, it is not possible to place a facial bone in a cast. There are, however, a variety of treatment options to address this issue. Which treatment option is most appropriate for your particular case will be determined by a number of factors, such as the general health and age of the patient, where the fracture has occurred, and how severe the fracture is.
One method for setting facial bones is through the use of wiring. This approach is often used when the injuries are related to the jaw. By wiring the jaw shut, movement will become restricted, which will allow for the healing process to progress faster. After enough time has passed, the wire will be removed and the jaw will be checked for stability. If the jaw is deemed appropriately stable, the patient can begin the rehabilitation process; if it has not improved sufficiently, it will be wired shut again.
Another common method for treating facial fractures is using metal plates and screws. One of the benefits to using metal plates and screws compared to wiring the patient’s jaw shut is that stability can be achieved and patients can retain the use of their jaw for speaking and eating. It has become increasingly common for surgeons to place a rigid fixation on a fracture, which means the screws and plates are left in place permanently. This technique has significantly improved patient’s recovery time.
Regardless of which approach to treating facial fractures is performed, your surgeon will take every possible step to limit the long-term impact on your facial appearance, while ensuring a proper and speedy recovery.
Injuries to the Teeth
One of the most common types of trauma that occurs to the face are injuries to the teeth. One of the most common types of injuries that occur to a patient’s teeth is that a tooth becomes knocked out. If a patient’s tooth is knocked out, it is important to address the issue as quickly as possible.
One of the most important things to remember when a tooth becomes knocked out is to not panic. The first thing you should do is locate the tooth and try to either place the tooth back in the patient’s mouth, or if this is not possible, keep the tooth moist, using either saliva or, if available, milk. It is also important to not wipe off the tooth when handling it, as doing so can damage vital ligaments that will play a critical role in the chances of the tooth being reattached.
Once the tooth is properly handled and secured, call our office or the nearest dental office, even if you are certain they are closed, as many times an alternate emergency number will be provided in the message. If you are not able to contact a local dental office, call the emergency room. The emergency room may not be able to perform the necessary dental procedure, but they will be able to address any bleeding and prescribe antibiotics and/or pain medication if necessary.
Ideally, your tooth will be able to be reattached, but if this is not possible, there are implant options that can help address this issue.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries refer to injuries that occur on the inside of the mouth and/or the surface of the face. Although these type of injuries tend to be less severe than other forms of facial trauma, it is still critical to treat and repair these type of injuries as soon as possible, both for cosmetic reasons and to prevent additional health issues from developing.
The most common treatment for soft tissue injuries occurring on the face are sutures.
Cost of Facial Trauma
The cost of treating facial trauma will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your condition, any unique oral or health issues you have that may complicate the procedure, and what type of dental insurance plan you have. Our office will file your claim, handle the paperwork, and ensure you maximize your insurance reimbursement. The remaining balance following your insurance coverage will be your responsibility.
Prior to performing any procedure, we will discuss the expected cost, as well as payment plan options that are available to you, such as Lending Club and Care Credit, which offer 6 and 12 month interest-free payment plans.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, we are committed to treating our patients the way we would expect to be treated. Because Dr. Haigney is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you can be confident you will receive care that implements the latest dental advancements and is informed by current research and best practices, resulting in you achieving the results you deserve.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact our staff at (704) 255-5888 or request an appointment online.