An injury that involves the structures of the face, including the jaw bone, is known as maxillofacial trauma. This type of trauma can involve cuts in the skin, obstructions in the sinuses or nasal cavities, damaged eye sockets, broken jaws, or knocked out teeth.
Treating injuries of this type and magnitude may involve controlling bleeding, maintaining an open airway, reducing swelling, repairing fractured bones, preventing infection, and repairing soft tissue lacerations. Sports injuries, accidents, and domestic violence are most commonly responsible for facial trauma.
Trust a Surgical Specialist
Dr. Leonhart offers a valuable combination of dental training and surgical experience, providing an incredible level of expertise when managing these complex problems. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Leonhart specializes in restoring function to the jaws, replacing missing teeth, and regaining the proper proportions of the face following these frightening and traumatic injuries for both children and adults. When finished most patients regain normal function.
Dr. Leonhart obtained this level of expertise by completion of both dental and medical schools, an internship in general surgery, and years of hospital-based surgical residency.
Understanding Facial Injuries
A facial injury doesn’t have to be extensive to require the services of a surgical specialist. The face and mouth are critical to your ability to breathe, see, speak, and eat. That’s why an injury such as a cut lip can still require complex and precise care, making the knowledge and expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon indispensable. From placing sutures to managing inflammation, receiving the appropriate surgical care can have a long-term impact on your health as well as the final esthetic outcome.
Take Action Now
If a facial or oral injury results in a visit to the emergency room, ask to be evaluated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as quickly as possible. The oral surgeon is the specialist who is most qualified to manage these injuries in the emergency room or in the dental office, especially when it comes to detecting the hidden injuries and complications that could otherwise go unnoticed.
For more help and information regarding oral surgery care for a facial injury, please contact our team today.