Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Specialists in Dental Implants

What Is Maxillofacial Trauma and Possible Treatment

Posted on 8/22/2022 by Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Maxillofacial trauma is the damage or injury to the head, neck, and facial bone structures. This trauma can be caused by accidents or a sudden blow to the face, such as coup-contrecoup injuries, closed and open fractures, penetration wounds, etc. There are several treatment possibilities for maxillofacial trauma, but the best treatment largely depends on each case.

Possible Treatments for Maxillofacial Trauma

Oral surgeons can manage maxillofacial trauma using various treatment methods. Here are the most common treatment methods for the condition:

Surgical Operation

If you sustain serious injuries during an accident, surgery may be necessary to repair your facial bones and restore normal function to your jawbone and teeth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work together with dentists to perform this type of surgery because they have special training in dentistry and plastic surgery techniques. Also, they have access to advanced surgical tools that allow them to perform complex procedures safely and effectively without developing complications.

Controlling Airways

If there is bleeding inside your mouth or nose, it could obstruct your airway. This could be life-threatening if not treated immediately. To prevent this from happening, emergency medical professionals may insert a tube into your throat (tracheotomy) to help you breathe while you are in the hospital.

Similarly, in some cases where there is severe damage to your jawbone and cheekbones, they may need to surgically remove this area to perform emergency surgery on your face without worrying about damaging the healthy tissue around it.

Repair of Bone Fractures

Bone fractures are common in maxillofacial trauma and may occur due to direct blows to the face or indirect forces such as falls. The most common fractures are those affecting the maxillary (upper jaw) bones, divided into two types: transverse and vertical fractures.

Transverse fractures occur across the width of a bone and usually require no treatment other than rest for seven to 10 days before returning to normal activities. However, some patients may experience pain when chewing or opening their mouths wide.

On the other hand, vertical fractures run from front to back along the length of a bone, often resulting in displacement that requires surgical repair with wires or plates inserted into both sides of the fracture site (open reduction internal fixation).

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Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1750 SW Harbor Way, Suite # 100, Portland, OR. 97201 - (503) 446-6776 - dentalimplantsinportland.com - 6/3/2023 - Key Phrases: oral surgeon Portland -

Oral and Maxillofacial SurgerySpecialists in Dental Implants