An oral and maxillofacial specialist is highly qualified to repair facial injuries. These professionals are well-versed in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation – addressing not only physical needs but emotional ones as well. Facial injuries inherently cause significant emotional and physical trauma. Treating these injuries requires specialized training, hands-on experience, and an understanding of how treatment will affect a patient’s long-term function and appearance. Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Gresehover meet and exceed these standards. They are skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma, are on staff at local hospitals, and provide emergency room coverage for facial injuries including:
Facial trauma can result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and workplace accidents. Injuries may range from minor tooth injuries to severe skin and bone damage. Facial injuries are generally classified as soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as eyes, facial nerves, or salivary glands).
When soft tissue injuries, such as facial lacerations, occur, they are repaired by suturing. In addition to ensuring a cosmetically appealing repair, we carefully inspect and treat injuries to structures like facial nerves, salivary glands, and ducts. Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Gresehover are highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons skilled at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.
Facial bone fractures are treated similarly to fractures in other body areas. Treatment depends on factors such as fracture location, severity, and the patient’s age and general health. While a cast can’t be placed on the face, other stabilization methods are available.
For some jaw fractures, wiring the jaws together may be necessary. Other fractures are best stabilized with small plates and screws surgically placed at the injury site, a technique known as “rigid fixation.” Rigid fixation often enables faster recovery and eliminates the need for jaw wiring. Facial fractures are treated carefully to preserve the patient’s appearance. Efforts are made to minimize incisions, and when necessary, incisions are designed to be small and placed discreetly to reduce visible scarring.
Isolated tooth injuries are common and often require various dental specialists. Oral surgeons treat fractures in the supporting bone and replant teeth that are displaced or knocked out, using splinting methods like wiring or bonding. If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk, and the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Avoid wiping the tooth to preserve the ligament remnants that aid in successful replanting.
Other specialists, such as endodontists, may perform root canals, and restorative dentists may repair or rebuild damaged teeth. If teeth cannot be saved, dental implants often replace missing teeth.
Today, the proper treatment of facial injuries is entrusted to specialists proficient in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term patient reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Serving the Following Cities
Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Evans, Berthoud, Windsor, Timnath, Johnstown, Milliken, Severance, Ault, Wellington, Estes Park, Longmont, Mead, Firestone, Fort Morgan, Sterling, Cheyenne, Laramie
