Although many associate a trip to the dentist’s office with treatment for the teeth and gums, most offices are home to professionals capable of treating issues of the jaw as well. Skilled individuals like maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and others can help patients who are suffering from issues like TMJ syndrome, misaligned jawbones, and more. Here at Renew Dental, we offer something quite rare: facial trauma reconstruction.
What Is Facial Trauma?
Facial trauma typically refers to physical damage that affects the face in some way, shape, or form. A broken nose or facial injury during a car accident, for example, can qualify as facial trauma. At Renew Dental, the trauma we work with is injuries that affect the gums, jawbone, mouth, teeth, salivary glands, and others related to the jaws and surrounding area.
Facial Trauma Reconstruction
During facial trauma reconstruction, the ultimate goal is helping a patient overcome their injuries and restore full function to the jaws and mouth. We also understand that, to many individuals, the aesthetics of their face is an important element. We, therefore, also focus on reconstructing the face as much as possible to restore it to its original appearance, whether an accident or genetic defect caused the damage.
What Does Treatment Involve?
The treatment will vary between patients based on the location and extent of the trauma. If a facial bone is fractured or broken, a facial trauma surgeon near you can reset it and help keep it in place by installing small bone plates that hold the bone while it heals. If there are numerous soft tissue lacerations in and around the mouth, they can be stitched and sealed to heal properly.
If a tooth is knocked out, then an emergency dentist can often reattach it through reinsertion at the right time. If multiple teeth are missing, then dental implants or a denture can be installed to restore the smile.
Since the ultimate goal is restoring function, most facial reconstruction treatments will emphasize the ability to chew, speak, eat, drink, and otherwise use the mouth without pain or difficulty. Patients interested in reconstruction can make an appointment today for a consultation.
