Have you recently suffered from facial trauma? If so, you may be searching for oral surgery, corrective jaw surgery, or maxillofacial surgery in Burke, Reston, and Alexandria, VA. If you're looking for an Alexandria dental implant surgeon, don't hesitate to contact Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery Clinic. The practice specializes in providing treatment for people who have suffered from facial trauma.
What Is Facial Trauma?
Facial trauma is also known as maxillofacial injury or trauma. This is when physical trauma has occurred to the face. Facial trauma includes injuries such as burns, bruises, and cuts that damage the soft tissue on the face. It can also include damage to the jaw bone or skull, as well as injury to the eyes.
Facial trauma is very rarely fatal, however, it can cause severe pain, inflammation, and deformity as well as a loss of function in the eyes, ears, or mouth. This could include blindness or difficulty eating and swallowing. People who have suffered from facial trauma may have had changes in the structure of their faces, which in severe cases can cause permanent disfigurement.
Treatment For Facial Trauma
An operation can correct injuries and deformities of the face. If you've suffered from facial trauma, the doctor will likely wait until any swelling has reduced. This will allow them to get an idea of the severity of the trauma and deformities suffered. You'll probably need to have surgery to correct any imperfections, and this will vary depending on the type of injuries sustained.
You may have to have jaw reconstructive surgery, oral surgery, or dental implants to replace missing teeth. These procedures can all be carried out by a dentist. In more severe cases where deformities have been suffered, the doctor will recommend having maxillofacial surgery.
What Is Maxillofacial Surgery?
Maxillofacial surgery is performed by a doctor who has been trained in oral surgery. This type of surgery will treat injury, trauma, or diseases that affect the face and head. It does not include operations or treatment of the brain. Maxillofacial surgeons will carry out a variety of operations. They are able to reconstruct broken bones and improve the appearance of people who have suffered deformities.
Doctors can carry out surgery that will help a patient's sinuses work more effectively. They will also be able to improve the appearance and function of congenital disabilities, and often work with children who have been born with a cleft palate.
Who Provides Treatment For Facial Trauma?
There is an overlap in the work of an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) and a maxillofacial surgeon. A maxillofacial practitioner will perform operations and procedures that involve the bones of the face and head, whereas ENT’s deal with tissue structure and the functioning of the ears, nose, and throat. Some surgeons will specialize in oral surgery and operate on the mouth. If there's a problem with the jaw or teeth, a dentist may also be involved in the rehabilitation and healing process.