Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeons are trained to manage and treat
facial trauma. Dr. VanHoose is on staff at
Spectrum Hospital and provides emergency
room coverage for facial injuries including
all aspects of maxillofacial trauma.
Injuries to the face cause emotional, as
well as physical trauma to patients. The art
of treating these injuries requires special
training and an understanding of how the
treatment provided will influence the
patient's long term function and appearance.
There are a number of possible causes of
facial trauma. Motor vehicle accidents,
accidental falls, sports injuries,
interpersonal violence and work related
injuries account for many. Types of facial
injuries can range from injuries of teeth to
extremely severe injuries of the skin and
bones of the face. Typically, facial
injuries are classified as either soft
tissue injuries, bony injuries, or injuries
to special sensory regions.
When cuts or lacerations occur on the face,
they are repaired by suturing which usually
yields the best cosmetic result. Also, care
is taken to treat injuries to structures
such as facial nerves, salivary glands and
salivary ducts. Dr. VanHoose is proficient
at diagnosing and treating all types of
facial lacerations.
Fractures of the bones of the face are
treated in a manner similar to the fractures
in other parts of the body. The specific
form of treatment is determined by various
factors, which include the location of the
fracture, the severity of the fracture, and
the age and general health of the patient.
One of these options involves wiring the
jaws together. However, certain other types
of fractures of the jaw are best treated and
stabilized by the surgical placement of
small plates and screws at the involved
site. This technique of treatment can often
allow for healing and eliminate the need to
wire the jaws together. This technique is
called rigid fixation of a fracture. The
relatively recent development and use of
rigid fixation has profoundly improved the
recovery period for many patients by
allowing them to return to normal function
more quickly. Furthermore, Dr. VanHoose may
sometimes, especially in growing children,
opt to use resorbable plates and screws that
dissolve away.
The treatment of facial fractures should be
accomplished in a thorough and predictable
manner. Importantly, the patient's facial
appearance should be minimally affected. An
attempt at accessing the facial bones
through the fewest incisions necessary is
always made. At the same time, the incisions
that become necessary are designed to be
small and, whenever possible, are placed so
that the resultant scar is hidden.
Injuries to teeth are common and require the
expertise of a oral surgeon. A fracture in
the bone supporting the teeth or replacing a
tooth, which has been knocked out are best,
treated by trained surgeons. These types of
injuries are treated by one of a number of
forms of stabilization which consists of
wiring or bonding teeth together. Your
dentist may recommend a root canal or may
need to repair fractured teeth. In the event
that injured teeth cannot be saved or
repaired, dental implants are often used as
replacements for missing teeth.
