Soft tissue injuries include lacerations to the face and intra oral lacerations. These are repaired by suturing, or stitching and Dr. Kassan is trained to obtain the best cosmetic results possible, with minimal scarring. He carefully inspects and treats injuries to facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts because the underlying structures need to be treated in addition to the damaged tissue.

Fractures of the facial bones (cheek, nose, eye socket, jaw) must be stabilized, much as any other bone in the body that has been fractured. Since a cast cannot be applied to the face, as it would to an arm or leg, oral surgeons must use other methods for stabilization. Rigid fixation is one method, whereby the jaws are stabilized by surgical placement of small plates and screws. This allows for healing of the bone, and is not as restrictive as when the jaws are wired together. Wiring the jaws together is more restrictive, but is also another treatment option.

Injuries to the teeth and surrounding dental structures may require the expertise of several dental specialists. Maxillofacial surgeons are involved when injuries include fractures in the supporting bone, or when teeth that have been displaced or knocked out need to be replanted. The other specialists that may be involved include endodontists, who can perform root canal surgery, and/or restorative dentists, who can repair or rebuild fractured teeth.

For more information about our procedures including maxillofacial trauma visit our treatment video page