Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work to repair jaws that have been damaged due to an accident or an injury. It is important to get your teeth and jaws fixed after you've been involved in a traumatic event, such as a workplace injury or a traffic accident. Here are some of the most common facial traumas that need the skills of an oral surgeon.
Intra-Oral Lacerations
Intra-oral lacerations occur when the teeth cut into the soft tissues of your mouth. Often, these lacerations occur when you are hit with something in the face, such as a ball, or when you have facial trauma due to an automobile accident. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can use special thread to suture lacerations closed. These sutures dissolve over time with your saliva.
Avulsed Teeth
Avulsed, or knocked-out, teeth also occur due to facial trauma from an accident or an injury. If your family member has a baby tooth knocked out, dentists will let the tooth remain out since it will fall out eventually. However, if you or a family member loses a permanent tooth, the goal is to have it placed back in. If you can find the tooth, immediately place the tooth either back into the socket, in your mouth, or in a glass of milk. You will need to go to the dentist as soon as possible. If there is a lot of damage to gum tissue, you may need stitches as well or other surgical treatments for your mouth.
Bone Fractures
If you have been in a particularly serious car accident, or you experienced a facial injury due to sports, or an accident at home, you may have bone fractures as well. The most common bone fractures include cheekbones and jaw bones. Both cheek and jawbone injuries can affect your ability to chew, and you will need to see a surgeon to determine what procedure you'll need. Facial injuries are nothing to sniff at. Because facial injuries can affect your ability to chew and speak, don't wait. See a dentist as soon as possible.
Oral Surgeon Gilroy • About South Valley Oral & Facial Surgery We believe your smile is a work of art; it deserves as much care and attention as any masterpiece. Give us a call in San Jose, Gilroy or Los Banos today! South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery, 5595 Winfield Blvd, Suite 202, San Jose, CA 95123-1220 : 408-479-9449 : svofs.com : 12/2/2024 : Tags: dental implants San Jose CA :