Facial Trauma

The oral & maxillofacial surgeon performs the proper treatment of facial injuries. These professionals must be well-versed in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation, not just for physical and emotional reasons. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, injuries to the face impart a high degree of emotional and physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving hands-on experience and understanding how the treatment will influence the patient’s long-term function and appearance.

Our oral surgeons meet and exceed these modern standards. They are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. They are on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:

  • Facial lacerations
  • Intra oral lacerations
  • Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
  • Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
  • Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

 

The Nature Of Maxillofacial Trauma

 

Facial Trauma

There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries of teeth to extremely severe injuries to the skin and bones of the face. Typically, 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).

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Stop looking further for your oral surgery needs, Dr. Auerbach is all you need to know. A few minutes into my consultation visit and I already knew I was in great hands. He was very professional, great on answering all questions I had, and gave me as much time as I needed without making me feel rushed. There's a reason the NJ Devils trust Riverside. I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed in just under an hour. Thankfully, he did a great job on that as well as preparing me for what the recovery process would entail. He personally followed up with me the next day to check in on me and see if I was having any complications....which I wasn't, cause he's just that good.

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I cannot say enough about Dr. Auerbach and the staff at Riverside Oral Surgery! Dr. Auerbach did an awesome job extracting four of my son's wisdom teeth. His patient care and concern really touch my heart. He made himself available to answer my questions and it was obvious that he cares about his patients and their families. The ladies at the front desk, along with the nursing staff that I encountered were knowledgeable, gracious, and kind! Furthermore, the place is immaculate and stylish! I highly recommend Dr. Auerbach and Riverside Oral Surgery. God bless all of you!

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My gums were infected and super sensitive, I went to my normal dentist who told me it was nothing serious and sent me on my way. It got worse and my dentist didn’t answer the “emergency line” so I reached out to Dr.Auerbachs office and they were kind enough to get me in due to the pain I was feeling. As soon as I sat in the chair Dr.Auerbach knew exactly what the problem was and assured me it will be treated properly and efficiently. The staff was so kind and prompt. I was so thankful to have gotten in when I did. Dr.Auerbach came highly recommended, which I can reassure you, he is the best. I will always be using him and his office. They really do make you feel calm and like things will be taken care of! I would recommend to anyone 10/10!

Soft Tissue Injuries Of The Maxillofacial Region

When soft tissue injuries such as lacerations occur on the face, they are repaired by suturing. In addition to the obvious concern of providing a repair that yields the best cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). Our oral surgeons are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons who are proficient at diagnosing and treating all facial lacerations.

Bone Injuries Of The Maxillofacial Region

Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar to the fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form of treatment is determined by various factors, including the fracture’s location, the fracture, the severity of the fracture, age, and the general health of the patient. When an arm or a leg is fractured, a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.

One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. Certain other types of fractures of the jaw are best treated and stabilized by the surgical placement of small plates and screws at the involved site. This technique of treatment can often allow for healing and obviates the necessity of having the jaws wired together. This technique is called the “rigid fixation” of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of rigid fixation have profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.

The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. More importantly, the patient’s facial appearance should be minimally affected. An attempt at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary is always made. At the same time, the incisions that become necessary, are designed to be small and, whenever possible, are placed so that the resultant scar is hidden.

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Injuries To The Teeth & Surrounding Dental Structures

Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral surgeons usually treat fractures in the supporting bone or replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of splinting (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together). If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe the tooth off, since remnants of the ligament holding the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to replanting the tooth. Other dental specialists may be called upon, 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. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.

The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of specialists who are well-versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the patient.

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