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
Have to say even tho my visit involved surgery ! It was a great experience. The staff was amazing. Dr. Howerton was professional but super friendly. I will differently come back if I need my other wisdom tooth extracted.
- Sesilia S
Patient Review
By far one of the most professional, pleasant and kindest experiences one could expect in a oral surgery setting.From the time of scheduling to the day of the procedure I couldn't have imagined a better outcome. On the day of procedure I told the associates that were prepping me for surgery, "I feel like i am in a spa". This is not the first time that I or my family have been patients here and I know I speak for all of us these folks are tops. Thank you all, Ralph Scariano
- Ralph S
Patient Review
The entire staff was attentive, knowledgeable and professional! Jessica was exceptional in her customer service and genuine care. She was very thorough in explaining the procedure and after care instructions. During the procedure, the staff and doctor were so attentive and asked several times if I was doing well. I really appreciate that kind of exceptional patient care! I will definitely recommend and refer others to your office!
- Jenifer S
Patient Review
Prior to my tooth extraction, if someone asked me if I like having dental work done, I would have responded with a resounding "NO". Dr. Howerton and his staff have changed my response! I was seen promptly at my appointment time and surgery preparation was begun immediately. In no time, blood pressure and heart monitoring equipment was in place and Dr. Howerton inserted the IV. During this time the staff and I were chatting as if this was no big deal. It wasn't! When I awoke, I rejoined the conversation as I was moved from the surgical table to a wheelchair. I had to ask "Is it done"? I felt terrific with no after surgery hangover. I can't believe how well the entire process has gone. It's been 21 hours since the surgery - no pain, no adverse reactions of any kind. I also appreciate the follow-up call that Dr. Howerton made to ensure that all was well. I cannot recommend Dr. Howerton or his staff highly enough. All in all, a professional and courteous experience. Thank you!
- Dennis B
Patient Review
WOW the best service i have ever had the staff were very caring and made me feel very comfortable ,And Dr Howerton was great and called me later that night to ask me if everything was going ok after the surgery WOWOWOWOW
- eric p
Patient Review
being in the amount of pain I was in changes who you are...I really cant thank you guys enough for helping so quickly with the insurance stuff...and getting me in and taken care of quickly...you guys are the greatest and I cant imagine going to anyone else...THANKS AGAIN!!!
- rhonda f
Patient Review
It's been about 24 hours since my surgery by Dr. Hopkin. Just wanted to say that, though I'd never visited this office before, I was very impressed with the kind and professional care I received on 12/3. From the reception area to my personal guide, Hayley, to the hygienist, assistants, and Dr. Hopkin I couldn't have been made more comfortable as I experienced the procedure. The guide I took home with me was explicit and very helpful. I've consulted to often. A big THANK YOU to all!!!! ( I appreciated the warm blanket, too.)
- Gerald R
Patient Review
Doc Howerton and his staff are top shelf. My main nurse sat with me before the procedure and made me feel comfortable the whole. She wheeled me into the procedure room where I was met by several other nurses that where also friendly professional and caring. The doc was sure of himself and very good. Didn't feel the IV line and it was over before I knew it. He came in after to check on me and gave me a little more local for pain. 6 hours later and I'm feeling great. Thank you so much for being a top notch business.
- Bill C.
Patient Review
My wife had her first appointment about two years ago and she got to see Dr. Kennedy. My wife is a Coumadin patient and so some special concerns are necessary. Dr. Kennedy had to extract one tooth, which he did with the very best of care. He also called at 8:00 PM that evening to make sure all was well and that she was comfortable, what a wonderful gesture on his part. Last month, on a Sunday evening, my wife was chewing some pistachios and lost most of the top of one of her teeth almost to the gum line. Monday morning very early we went to see if she could see Dr. Kennedy, but he wasn't in that day, so Dr. Howerton said that he would work her in and he did that within about a half hour. After examining her it was determined that he would need to extract two teeth. My wife suffered very little discomfort from the procedure and the staff was just wonderful. At about 8:00 PM we received a personal call from him wanting to make sure she was fine and comfortable. We cannot praise the Dr. Kennedy or Dr. Howerton or their staff enough.
- Robert T.
