Facial Trauma
Dr. Howerton, Dr. Hopkin, Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Clark and Dr. Howerton are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. Injuries to the face impart a high degree of emotional and 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.
Types of Facial Trauma:
Drs. Howerton, Hopkin, Kennedy, Clark and Howerton are on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:
- Facial lacerations
- Intra oral lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
Do you have any of the issues listed above? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
Albany
Albany Office Phone Number 541-924-9000 Salem
Salem Office Phone Number 503-375-2000 Corvallis
Corvallis Office Phone Number 541-757-1566 Book Online
The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma
There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma. 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 (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 occur on the face, they are repaired by suturing. In addition to 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. Drs. Howerton, Hopkin, Kennedy, Clark and Howerton are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons and are proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.
Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
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, the age, and general health of the patient.
One option for treatment 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 obviates 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, while only minimally affecting the facial appearance. An attempt is always made at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary. At the same time, the necessary incisions are designed to be small, and, whenever possible, are placed so that the resulting 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 utilized as replacements for missing teeth.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
Albany
Albany Office Phone Number 541-924-9000 Salem
Salem Office Phone Number 503-375-2000 Corvallis
Corvallis Office Phone Number 541-757-1566 Book Online
Peak Implant & Oral Surgery
Patient Review
The friendly and professional staff made my visit as tolerable as can be expected! Highly recommended office!
- Craig H
Patient Review
Dr Kennedy has been great. I had a crown that broke off and I needed an extraction of the remaining tooth and then a bone graft and an implant. Dr Kennedy has been so knowledgable, kind and informative all along the way. I know I can trust Dr Kennedy to complete my treatment.
- Susan G
Patient Review
Great staff and friendly service
- Phillip "Jay" J
Patient Review
Very professional and all staff were so nice. After inplant care was top notch. Thank You!
- Bob F
Patient Review
Can't say enough about the way this expert surgery clinic operates! Will return if need be and would wholeheartedly recommend to the discerning patient.
- Tom A
Patient Review
Front line staff Katelyn and Trina were friendly and professional and excellent knowledge of where to look for needed info. In todays'' business world we need more people like this two. like this
- Dago B
Patient Review
I was in and out of there so fast. The staff from the front door all the way to the operating room, are all phenomenal. The staff and my surgeon were so kind and attentive. I really hope that if I ever need oral surgery expertise again, it will be with these guys!
- Cheyenne H
Patient Review
I had to get my wisdom teeth removed without general anesthesia. I was very nervous but the dental assistants were so kind and compassionate towards me. Later that evening, Dr Demetri himself called me to check in and see if I had any questions. I don’t think I’ve ever had a doctor call me personally to check in and I really appreciated that.
- Jamie M
Patient Review
Everyone I had contact with were nice, the and very informative.
- Carol N
Patient Review
My first visit was very informative and it was also easy to talk to both doctor and associates
- KENNETH D
Patient Review
Dr. Clark is very knowledgeable, kind, and funny. My implant was easy and pretty close to pain free.
- April M
Patient Review
I am actually looking forward without apprehension to the next phase of implants!
- Linda P
Patient Review
Only had 1 visit so far, but I really liked Dr. Kennedy
- Janet H
Patient Review
I had the most comfortable dental experience I have ever had and this morning I awoke with no pain after 4 extractions yesterday. I will definitely recommend them to everyone. Thanks again.
- Cheri B
Patient Review
I have not seen a dentist in over 30 years. I know I needed some extractions and have been researching Oral Surgeons for two years. I selected this clinic based on my research and picked Dr. Kennedy. I had some anxiety but during the initial consult and all the information on their web page, I was placed at ease. From the counter staff to the nurses and the facility, it is top notch! Dr. Kennedy was very pleasant and I put myself into his hands. Surgery scheduled, all prep work done. Surgery day I felt like I "had this". In no time all three teeth were out and I was on my way home. Very little pain. I only took pain meds for 24 hours and I am not sure I even needed that. Dr. Kennedy encouraged me to have other non-surgical work done at another dentist and that will be done in two weeks. My constant worries over my teeth condition will be done. I also found out that two of my best friends go to this clinic and everyone I have spoken to raves about it. I highly recommend this clinic and Dr. Kennedy!!!
- Craig Z
Patient Review
Best dental experience I’ve ever had in my life. Absolutely the most amazing nicest dental staff I’ve met.
- Ashley D
Patient Review
Dr. Clark and Jalen were great. They answered all of my questions and made me feel as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
- Kathleen B
Patient Review
Something I dreaded was really OK! They are genuinely concerned about comfort and care, and am totally pleased with my experience. The blast of cold air at the IV site is a great idea. I would definitely recommend this team. BTW I had Dr. Howerton, who had the graciousness to laugh at my jokes. (So did the rest of the staff, when we talked about peanut butter oreos -- ugh). Blessed be all of them.
- Anonymous
Patient Review
Very friendly staff, made me feel very relaxed and comfortable and made the process fast and easy
- Cassandra H
Patient Review
Removed 10 remaining teeth and it was more then comfortable. I didn'tneed any pain meds, only ice
- JACKIE R
Patient Review
Excellent experience. Staff is superior from front office to operating room. Dr. Howerton with Brandy , Cindy and Kat made this procedure very smooth and put me at ease with the extraction. Highly recommend this office.
- RALPH S
Patient Review
I highly praise this group of oral surgeons. I have had Dr Clark on two occasions to remove most of my teeth in preparation for dentures. Dr Clark has such a great personality. He put me to sleep and when I awoke it was over! I am 67 years of age, but I am a tuff old bird! Thank You Dr Clark
- Dianne E
Patient Review
Overall, the surgery went well and I haven't had any complications so far. However, the prep for the surgery in the office was kinda overwhelming for me because there were too many things happening at once. There were four different people in the room for prep, one taking my blood pressure, one putting oxygen over my nose, one putting on EKG strips, and one trying to put an IV in my arm, all at the same time. One at a time would have been much more manageable, but all at once was really overwhelming, especially for someone like me with ASD and an anxiety disorder. However, when I mentioned that I was anxious because I couldn't see the person with the IV because of the oxygen tube on my face, they removed it so I could see when they were going to insert it, which helped some. They were all very nice and helpful, but for other patients like me, maybe a slower-paced pre-surgery experience would help decrease feelings of being overwhelmed. Other than that, I had a pretty good experience, and I love the massage chairs in the waiting room.
- Melanie S
Patient Review
Practice was great, sent me patient portal prework to have done so I wouldn’t have to fill out at appointment. Consultation for extraction was direct educational and to the point. Didn’t keep me for anything that wasn’t necessary. Set follow up to extraction within reasonable amount of time. Kid friendly as I brought my two kids they were very accepting and made us all feel welcome.
- Brian F
Patient Review
I had a wonderful experience here. Everyone was kind, and obviously knowledgeable for their position. I had every one of my questions answered. Dr. Kennedy listened to my concerns and reassured me that he would have my problems fixed before he was done with me. From beginning to end, I was well taken care of. I highly recommend them for any dental care needed.
- Anne L
Patient Review
Very kind and professional
- Jim W
Patient Review
Dr Howerton is an excellent OS. I had a sinus lift, bone graft and two implants placed. I experienced minimal discomfort. The final outcome was very successful. Thank you. Dr Howerton.
- Mary L
Patient Review
Incredible experience!
- Cheyenne M
Patient Review
My husband and I were greeted by a friendly Receptionist (Rena? who was wearing purple) and taken care of by Blake & Echo. Tammi did a "purr-fect" job of giving injections & said I was relaxing well. Dr. Howerton had wonderful bed-side manners & we're glad he removed the tooth that day instead on making another trip from Toledo. He repaired a broken jaw of Steve & Jennie's son 30 years ago. We're pleased a letter from OHP said extraction was covered. He sure took good care of me!!! Thanks, Roberta
- Roberta Ann B
Patient Review
Would definitely recommend to others. Extremely courteous and professional staff. D
- Pat O
Patient Review
I am completely satisfied with the staff and services provided by these oral surgeons. Unfortunately, I needed to have a molar extracted due to an infection. Dr Kennedy was able to do this nearly painlessly, and inserted an implant so the tooth can be replaced. Dr Kennedy and the staff were very friendly and thoroughly professional. Hopefully, I won’t need them again, but wouldn’t hesitate to go back.
- Tom A
Patient Review
While dental surgery is not my favorite past time the needed procedure of extraction and implant was highly professional and efficient Patient care us 5 stars.
- thurman M
Patient Review
I would recommend this office hands down. Just so friendly and personable. Thank you very much!
- Dave H
Patient Review
Very professional and efficient.
- Steve H
Patient Review
A very relaxed and professional environment helps to put my anxieties to rest.
- Mark C
Patient Review
Staff nurse Janice, exceeded all expectations. She portrayed "Patinet First" priority in all her care delivery. We were so fortunate to have been assigned to her! Her patience, diligence, attention to detail and patience comfort and communication was par excellence!
- Scott B
Patient Review
Dr Kennedy did tooth extraction bone graft and implant on me and it was such a comfortable process that I dread cleaning more than I ever will the work he did, my comfort was his priority and his staff was super courteous and professional overall it was honestly enjoyable even the conversation with Dr Kennedy was more like talking to a friend!! Thank you
- Ron R
Patient Review
Dr. Kennedy and his staff are really wonderful people. They take care of you like they would their own family. They are patient, kind, humorous, approachable, and generous. I've never had such a wonderful experience before with a doctor or their staffing. I just cannot say enough good things.
- Salina B
Patient Review
I love bikes 🙂 and I really appreciate how helpful and professional the staff here is. I would definitely recommend this office to other friends and family
- Colton N
Patient Review
Dr. Clark and his staff explained things completely and answered my questions - made me feel at ease in a time of extreme medical stress/anxiety.
- William D. S
Patient Review
Dr Kennedy and his assistants are phenomenal! Front desk was professional and Wendy was amazing at making me feel comfortable. This top surgeon is excellent and has great bedside manner. I would reccommend him and his staff to everyone as a first choice. Thank you for the care and service provided!
- Steph S
Patient Review
Many thanks to Dr. Kennedy and his wonderful staff at OMS. They are very professional in each aspect of their service, from the front desk, to each clinical staff member. Every staff member went out of their way in a kind and friendly manner to make sure that I received the proper care needed for my procedures to remove a very painful fractured tooth and prepare a bone graft with resulting implant. Every step of the process was explained by Dr. Kennedy or his staff to assure that I understood, and was comfortable, with what they were going to do. Dr. Kennedy's approach instantly puts you at ease during a painful experience. During the implant procedure, Ruby was excellent all along the way. As an RN for many years, I was interested to observe the sterile technique that the staff used to prepare me for the surgical implant. It was perfect. The follow up calls, appointments and attention to the healing process of the implant by Dr. Kennedy was very reassuring. I did not have any complications. The Albany facility is immaculate with state of the art equipment. You can be assured of the highest quality dental surgery care by the OMS team.
- Elaine G
Patient Review
Very nice doctors that made me feel totally comfortable and relaxed before my procedure.
- Joshua B
Patient Review
I cannot say enough good things about this place! I was 2000 miles from home on vacation when one of my teeth caused me some problems. I was in excruciating pain, and I had nowhere to go for help. This company welcome to me with understanding and kindness, from the women at the front desk to Alexa and Ruby and Dr Clark. All of them had compassion on me, which is very comforting being so far from home and in so much pain. Dr. Clark was very knowledgeable and extremely careful in removing my tooth and part of my bridge. His procedure was done very quickly and smoothly, and my pain immediately went away. I will forever be grateful to Dr Clark and this company and the way they treat patients with care.
- Jacqueline D
Patient Review
Thank you from an old girl who has always been afraid. I am humbled by your kindness and care. Thank you
- Ann M
Patient Review
My son had to have emergency jaw surgery and Dr Hopkins was awesome and he has been very well taken care of.
- Carla B
Patient Review
These guys are fantastic! They helped my little girl through a difficult surgery and helped to put her fears at ease. They are friendly and so helpful!
- Charity J
Patient Review
Excellent experience with very first implant. Care was very good and there were no problems. 10 out of 10 would do it again.
- Patrick S
Patient Review
I had two mesiodens taken out by Dr. Clark and his team. Before I went in I was scared, but they were really nice to me. They had lots of experience, they explained everything to me so I wouldn’t be scared, and it was easy! They even gave me a balloon (and my teeth)! Ben (10yrs old)
- Anonymous
Patient Review
This was my first tooth extraction since I was 12 years old. Because it was expected to be complicated I was referred to Dr Howerton by a former patient of his. Dr suggested general anesthesia and I felt comfortable from the get go. He has a very efficient and competent surgical staff. I was totally relaxed during the intake interview and throughout the entire process. Everyone was approachable and kind. I hope I don't need him again, but would not hesitate to go if I had to, nor would I hesitate to refer anyone to the office.
- Rosa W
