Weekends, night time and Monday mornings are the most common times that facial injuries occur. In short, facial trauma simply means an injury to 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).

Possible causes of facial trauma include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Accidental falls
• Sports injuries
• Interpersonal violence
• Work-related injuries

Facial injuries have the potential to cause disfigurement and loss of function; for example, blindness or difficulty moving the jaw can result. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotion, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries require special training which includes “hands-on” experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long term function and appearance. Dr. Tebyanian is well versed in emergency care, acute treatment and long term reconstruction and rehabilitation – not just for physical reasons, but emotional as well. He is highly trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma.

Soft Tissue Injuries Of The Maxillofacial Region

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 Tebyanian is a well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon and is 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.

Dr. Tebyanian’s goal will be to put the bones back into their natural position. This is called “reducing” the fracture. He’ll also want to keep the bones in place to prevent further injury, which is referred to as “ridgid fixing” of the 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 as soon as possible to increase its chance of survival. 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.