What are Maxillofacial injuries?

Maxillofacial injuries, also referred to as facial trauma, encompass any injury to the mouth, face and jaw. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specifically trained to repair such injuries.

One of the most common types of serious injury to the face occurs when bones are broken. Fractures can involve the lower jaw, upper jaw, palate, cheekbones, eye sockets and combinations of these bones. These injuries can affect sight and the ability to breathe, speak and swallow.

Treating Facial injury

Treatment often requires hospitalization.The parts of the bone must be lined up (reduced) and held in position long enough to permit them time to heal.This may require six or more weeks depending on the patient’s age and the fracture’s complexity.

When maxillofacial fractures are complex or extensive, multiple incisions to expose the bones and a combination of wiring or plating techniques may be needed. The repositioning technique used by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon depends upon the location and severity of the fracture. In the case of a break in the upper or lower jaw, for example, metal braces may be fastened to the teeth and rubber bands or wires used to hold the jaws together.

Patients with few or no teeth may need dentures or specially constructed splints to align and secure the fracture.

During the healing period when jaws are wired shut, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon prescribes a nutritional liquid or pureed diet, which will help the healing process by keeping the patient in good health.

After discharge from the hospital, the doctor gives the patient instructions on continued facial and oral care.