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Trauma and Reconstruction

Defects affecting the upper and lower jaw can be seen in a variety of patients. With maxillofacial trauma being very common, and the culprit for many of these injuries, the treatment of facial trauma and reconstruction of defects goes hand-in-hand. An injury can cause damage to the jaw, resulting in bone loss, or the problem may be a result of flawed developmental processes. In some patients the jaw may not develop fully in certain regions. Some medical conditions, such as cancer and infections of the head and neck, can lead to jaw deformities and defects.

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Causes of Facial Trauma and Treatment

Severe facial injuries can be seen in a variety of circumstances. Car accidents and assault are the leading causes seen in facial injury, others include sports and falls. When the facial structures are damaged by trauma, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is often involved in the treatment to repair and reconstruct that damage. When teeth are lost as a result of an injury, they can also be replaced with dental implants as part of the reconstruction.

 

Immediate intervention is typically required in most cases of maxillofacial trauma. If broken bones are involved and displaced, those fractures must be returned to the original position and stabilized in place until the healing process is complete. Once the initial injury is treated and stabilized, patients often need ongoing follow-up. Additional procedures may be needed in order to return the patient to form and function.

How We Can Help You

Regardless of the cause of the defect, Dr. Duraini can help restore the patient to normalcy. The patient may elect to undergo reconstructive surgery to restore esthetics or function, or both. Every patient is thoroughly evaluated to determine the best type jaw reconstruction. Visual inspection and examination by Dr. Duraini along with advanced imaging techniques available at Texas Maxillofacial Surgery will help in making the decision.

 

A consultation with Dr. Duraini will help you understand the nature of the defect and the roadmap to recovery. Please don’t hesitate to call our office to make an appointment if you have any questions.

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Goals of Jaw Reconstruction Surgery

  • Establish a safe and patent airway so the patient can breathe with no difficulty
  • Give patient the ability to chew and function properly
  • Give the patient the ability to speak properly
  • Improvement in appearance of the face and return patient to feeling normal
  • Returning the patient to form and function will dramatically help patient regain confidence

Saving Faces, Changing Lives

Let us help you get on the road to recovery.