Facial Trauma

Dr. Rahn and Dr. Curiel are specialist, who are highly trained to manage facial injuries involving the mouth, face, and jaws.  There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma.  Motor vehicle accidents, mechanical falls, sports injuries, physical altercations, or work related injuries.  Types of facial injuries can range from damage to the teeth to severe injuries of the soft tissues and bone.  Many patients with facial injuries are first seen in the emergency room and then referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for further treatment.  Our surgeons are on staff at Community Regional Medical Center, Clovis Community Hospital, and St. Agnes Hospital to provide a higher level of care for the patients of Fresno County. 

Injuries to the Teeth and Soft Tissue

Our surgeons treat fractures that involve the bone that supports the teeth, and also specialize in replacing “knocked out” teeth or displaced teeth. These types of injuries are treated with splinting (stabilizing the teeth with wire or bonding).  If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or mil.  The sooner the tooth is re-inserted, the better the prognosis. Do not wipe off or attempt to clean the root surface, as this disturbs the viable  ligament which are still attached.  These teeth often require a root canal or repair by your dentist.  Time is of the essence and you should seek treatment as soon as possible.  In the event that the tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant can also be utilized to replace the missing tooth.

Facial injuries are often complicated by lacerations to the skin and intra-oral tissues.  These are carefully repaired by suturing the tissue together.  Dr. Rahn and Dr. Curiel are highly trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage these complex injuries to provide a healthy, aesthetic outcome. 

 

Bone Injuries

The treatment of jaw and facial fractures are treated similar to fractures in other parts of the body.  If you break your arm, a cast is placed to stabilize the bone during the healing process. Since a cast cannot be placed on your face, other techniques are utilized. One way to treat these fractures is by wiring the teeth together.  Other types of fractures are stabilized with small titanium plates. This technique is called “rigid fixation” at allows the patient to return to function sooner and does not require wiring of the jaws. The surgery is typically completed with intra-oral incisions, sometimes a small skin incision is made to access the fracture.  These incisions are well hidden in natural skin creases. Facial injuries impart a high amount of emotional and physical trauma to patients.  Treating these injuries requires special training and understand of your anatomy to provide an aesthetic and functional result. 

Office Phone: (559) 435-7993