27 Aug Facial Trauma: Soft Tissue Injuries
Any injury to the face can be devastating. After all, your face may be one of the most sensitive parts of your body, and also one of the most visible. A cut, scrape, or laceration to the face can be both painful and unattractive.
In light of these facts, it’s important that you seek the help of an oral surgeon with the experience and training to diagnose and treat facial lacerations. Compared to other dentists, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the dental specialist who is most familiar with the facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts that can make surgery complicated. In the case of soft tissue trauma, the underlying tissues are often damaged as well, requiring additional treatment.
While paying close attention to the anatomy beneath the surface, the final esthetic result requires a great deal of skill as well. For most injuries to the soft tissues such as a cut lip, sutures are almost always the recommended treatment. For the best cosmetic outcome, the sutures must be placed with precision and great attention to detail. Taking extra precautions at this stage can help to significantly minimize scarring and improve healing.
Quite often, facial trauma is the unfortunate result of car accidents, sports accidents, or domestic violence. If the injury warrants an emergency room visit, the patient should request an evaluation by an oral surgeon. With extensive training in cosmetic surgery, anesthesia, and emergency medicine, your surgeon’s expertise can be invaluable. The combined surgical and dental background can be especially helpful if the injury extends to include the teeth and bones.
A great majority of facial injuries can be prevented with only a minimal amount of planning. Choosing to wear seat belts in the car and protective equipment during sporting activities can immediately reduce your risk of accidental injury and trauma.
For advice and treatment of mild, moderate, or severe injuries to the head and face, call Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center to schedule your professional consultation today.