Facial Trauma

An oral and maxillofacial specialist is thoroughly qualified to repair facial injuries. These professionals are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation – not just for physical reasons, but for emotional ones as well. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving a “hands on” experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long-term function and appearance.

Dr. Wood meets and exceeds these modern standards. He is trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. He is on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:

  • Facial lacerations
  • Intraoral lacerations
  • Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
  • Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
  • Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma

There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries to teeth to extremely severe injuries to the skin and bones of the face. Typically, facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves, or the salivary glands).

Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

When soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations, occur on the face they are repaired by suturing. In addition to the obvious concern of providing a repair that yields the best cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). Dr. Wood is a well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon and is proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.

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Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

Fractures to the bones in the face are treated in a similar manner to 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. When an arm or leg is fractured a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.

One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. 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 eliminates the necessity of having the jaws wired 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, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.

The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. More 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 the Teeth & Surrounding Dental Structures

Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral surgeons usually are involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone, or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of splinting (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together). If a tooth is knocked out it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe the tooth off, since remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of replanting the tooth. Other dental specialists may be called upon, such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists, who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.

The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of specialists who are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the patient.

Bridgeport Oral and Implant Surgery Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 15 Facial Trauma reviews

Patient Review

Candy the receptionist is always very kind and welcoming. She gives great hugs! Shes charismatic and professional. The rest of the staff is awesome and helpful, Jocelyn and Tiffany are really good!

- Robert I

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

If you need a tooth extracted Dr. Wood is your doctor ️

- Dolores G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I wish I could go above five for the rating with the doctor Dr. WOOD was absolutely amazing and he’s a very sweet doctor and did a really good job he went well beyond exceeding all expectations I highly recommend him. There’s not one oral surgeon anywhere in Oregon that I can think of that is as good as he is let alone his staff

- Nicholas A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

This place is amazing! Everyone that works here is so kind, friendly and truly cares about the patients and their well-being! I feel so blessed to have found them!

- Mindy H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Good

- cArrie W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I had an emergency, Dr. Wood stayed later after teaching a class. He ensured my comfort and fixed me right up. Would recommend 10/10. Tiffany was amazing super helpful and understanding to my pain and irritation. The entire staff went above and beyond very grateful and appreciative.

- Randall P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I had tori on my palate and lower jaw and needed to have them removed. I was very nervous about this surgery. Dr. Wood clearly explained the procedure and options available to me and answered all my questions. Staff provide a clear statement of costs before surgery. Dr. Wood's "chairside manner" is great. He always takes the time to answer every question and put his patients at ease. I am so glad I went through with this surgery and glad I found Dr. Wood. I would definitely see him again if I need another oral surgery.

- Julia M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I travel from McMinnville, 40 minutes, because they are fantastic. And there are oral surgeons in McMinnville.

- Leanne R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I could have not asked for a better experience everyone here was wonderful! I had almost no pain at all with my tooth extraction it was great. If you need any kind of dental surgery this is the place to go.

- Heather W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Great staff they did awesome I was in and out within an hour

- Cole F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

This is a great place. Very friendly and professional staff. Would highly recommend.

- Jodie K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I had my jaw broke and Dr Wood and his staff took such good care of me in the office and the hospital. I can't say enough about the office.

- Pamela R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Dr. Wood is the best! I am VERY afraid of needles, so I was really nervous about getting my wisdom teeth removed... Dr. Wood and his team did an amazing job at making me as comfortable as possible and making the experience totally painless! You can tell Dr. Wood and his team truly care about their patients! Definitely recommend!!!!

- Brittany P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

This office is top notch! They are professional and knowledgeable. Dr. Wood speaks to you like an equal. This was my second oral surgery and the recovery this time was essentially painless. I would definitely recommend this office.

- Michael A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

They deserve 10 stars! Truly impressed. Every person I encountered just couldn't have been nicer... they really make you feel like a friend! They are extremely thorough and efficient. Dr. Wood was incredibly kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. I was very nervous getting my wisdom teeth removed but the staff and Dr. Wood reassured me that everything would be quick and painless! And it was! My recovery was short and pain free! I'm so, so happy to have found such a nice and professional place to make the whole dental experience such a pleasure!

- Joey D

5 out of 5 stars on