Facial Trauma

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, like Dr. Craig Yamamoto, Dr. Blake Kitamura, Dr. Eva Kiezik, Dr. Thomas Yamamoto, and Dr. Michael Hironaka, at Oral Surgery Hawaii, are experts at repairing facial injuries, from minor cuts to severe facial fractures. Minor tooth and face injuries can usually be handled at our offices in Honolulu, Aiea, and Kaneohe, HI, but more severe injuries should be treated in a hospital environment. In fact, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are required members of trauma teams in level one and two trauma centers. Their surgical expertise and understanding of important facial structures make them highly qualified to treat all kinds of injuries.

TREATING DENTAL AND FACIAL INJURIES

Oral surgeons treat various facial trauma injuries and emergency care cases, including cuts, intraoral lacerations, fractures to facial bones, broken or knocked-out teeth, and more. The treatment you need will largely depend on your injury and your overall situation.

DENTAL INJURIES

For broken or knocked-out (avulsed) teeth, you may be treated by either a general dentist or an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons typically treat avulsed teeth or fractures that affect the bone surrounding the tooth sockets. Usually, the tooth is stabilized by being bonded or wired to a neighboring tooth, allowing the injury to heal.

If your tooth is avulsed (knocked out altogether), bring it to your oral surgeon as soon as possible. The first 30 minutes after the injury offer the best chances of replacement, so the sooner you bring in the tooth, the better. When your tooth is knocked out, do not wipe off any blood or connective tissue attached to it. These tissues are important for reattachment. Also, do not try to disinfect the tooth with any soaps or alcohol-based cleaners. Place the tooth directly into a container of saliva or whole milk, and bring it to the office right away.

When an injured or knocked-out tooth is damaged beyond repair, your oral surgeon can place a dental implant to replace your missing tooth. Your surgeon will also evaluate the areas surrounding your injury to ensure that no other damaged structures go unnoticed.

CUTS AND LACERATIONS

Facial and intraoral cuts are typically treated through suturing. Oral surgeons will ensure that no important facial structures (e.g., nerves, salivary glands, or bones) have been damaged when repairing a facial cut. Your surgeon will also use suturing techniques that produce excellent cosmetic results, minimizing any potential scarring.

FRACTURES

When bone injuries occur to the jaw, cheekbones, or eye socket, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can stabilize the bones using advanced surgical techniques. When bones in other parts of the body are broken, they are stabilized with casts or slings, but it’s not possible to use a cast over certain facial bones.

Instead, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can surgically insert wires or tiny screws and plates to stabilize facial bones. These techniques can drastically improve healing times for facial fractures. When accessing the facial bones, your surgeon will use techniques that preserve your appearance by strategically hiding scars and using the least amount of incisions possible.

FACIAL INJURY TREATMENT IN HONOLULU, AIEA, AND KANEOHE, HI

Our team at Oral Surgery Hawaii understands the need to treat facial injuries swiftly and efficiently. If you experience a facial or dental injury, our staff will see you as soon as possible, usually the day you call. If your injury is very serious, you may need to be treated in a hospital. Our oral surgeons are on staff at local hospitals, and they may be a part of your treatment team if you need emergency care.

To learn more about facial injury treatment at our practice, feel free to contact one of our offices. One of our staff members will be happy to assist you.