Facial Trauma
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons here at Nelson & Wells Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are highly trained and skilled to evaluate and treat facial trauma. Naturally injuries to the face bear a lot of physical and emotional trauma. We have a “hands on” experience and understanding of how to provide treatment that will affect the patient’s appearance and long term function.
For more information about Facial Trauma or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nelson or Dr. Wells, call our Denver office.
What are Types of Facial Trauma?
The doctors at Nelson & Wells Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are trained for facial injuries, which include these conditions:
- Knocked – out Teeth
- Fractured jaw (upper & lower)
- Fractured facial bones (eye sockets, cheek & nose)
- Facial lacerations
- Intra oral lacerations
What Causes Facial Trauma?
There are several causes of facial trauma, such as sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, interpersonal violence, accidental falls, and work-related injuries. The types of facial injuries range from moderate to severe (a moderate as injuries to teeth to extremely severe injuries to skin and bones of the face). Facial injuries are categorized as soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or extraordinary regions (such as facial nerves, eyes or the salivary glands).
How Are Facial Injuries Treated?
Soft Tissue Injuries:
Soft tissue injuries are repaired by suturing. We take special care to ensure the best cosmetic results and that your facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts are intact and functioning properly.
Bone Injuries:
Fractures to the bones in your face are treated similarly to fractures in other parts of your body. The form of treatment is dependent upon the location of the fracture, how severe the fracture is, age, and your general health. A cast is often used when an arm or leg is fractured, but since a cast cannot be placed on your face, we have other methods to stabilize facial fractures.
Sometimes jaws are wired together for fractures to the upper and/or lower jaw. Other types of jaw fractures are treated by surgically placing small plates and screws at the injury site (see Figure 2). This technique is often favored because jaws do not need to be wired together and can still allow for necessary healing. This type of procedure allows patients to return to normal function quickly (see Figure 3).
We ensure your appearance will be minimally affected by accessing facial bones using the fewest incisions necessary. All necessary incisions are small and place so the resultant scar is hidden.
Teeth and Surrounding Dental Structures Injuries:
Oral surgeons commonly treat fractures in the supporting bone to the injured teeth, or replanting teeth that have been knocked out or displaced. These injuries are treated by a number of forms of splinting (bonding or wiring teeth together). If your tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk to keep it healthy. The tooth needs to be inserted back into the dental socket as soon as possible for the best chance of survival. You should never wipe the tooth off because there may be remnants of the ligament that held the tooth in the jaw and are vital to replanting the tooth successfully.
For more information about Facial Trauma or to schedule a consultation with Drs. Nelson or Wells, call our Denver office.
Nelson & Wells Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
The staff and the Doctor were very helpful and courtesy.
- David A
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
I had a wisdom tooth pulled. The staff was very friendly which helped me relax. Dr Wells was amazing. He is very kind yet extends a feeling of confidence in his knowledge.
- jenny j
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I would - and have - recommend Dr. Nelson to anyone looking for an outstanding and dependable dental surgeon/practice.
- Sara G
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
I would recommend this medical practice to anyone. They always treated me with dignity and respect, were so accommodating, made sure I was always informed of what each procedure involved, sent reminders for the appointments, and gave a phone number in case there were difficulties following any procedure. Having dental work done is not the most fun. But this oral surgery practice made very visit something I really looked forward to. Everyone was really wonderful and I am sorry I wont't need to return or see them again. But, I have very positive memories of the entire experience.
- Linda A
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Dr. Nelson is the best oral surgeon I've ever seen. I've been a bit of a challenge and he's always communicated everything to me. Then proceeded to take care of the situation. Dr. Nelson is pretty awesome.
- Bev F
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Would highly recommend. Professional staff. Can't say enough good things. This is my second visit and Dr Nelson was awesome once again. Extraction procedure was done as gently as possible. Experienced minimal discomfort. Thank you so much.
- Tony P
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I needed to have a molar extracted, before the extraction I was told the procedure would take half an hour and it did. I took tylenol for a day or so and today it's been a week since surgery and my sutures have dissolved and no pain at all! The staff was friendly and considerate, Dr Wells thoroughly explained everything. Dr. Wells and his staff made the experience as pleasant as it could be.
- Loraine V
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My daughter had her wisdom teeth removed & did very well. She had minimal discomfort & healed quickly. The doctor & staff are highly recommended.
- Kelli A
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Dr Wells and his staff were great. They were highly professional, personable, and very caring. I literally had no pain after the surgery. Thanks for everything!
- Dona R
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My son was having his wisdom teeth removed, the staff was very friendly and the oral surgery lasted less than an hour. After the oral surgery the information given to me for post operation was very helpful. Thank you to the staff and the doctor for taking good care of my son.
- Kinga W
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I would highly recommend Dr. Nelson to anyone needing oral surgery. His surgical skill and caring manner were exceptional. He explained care options not mentioned by another oral surgeon I consulted. Pricing was more than fair. My recovery was quick and painless.
- Carolyn S
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I am very happy that I was referred to this office. I am healing from a wisdom tooth extraction, but I cannot wait to see them next week for a follow up!
- Sheerley S
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Dr Nelson has both excellent skills and a good sense of humor. The office is well arranged and has the best Giant Lifesavers ever! With excellent skills and reasonable prices this is definitely a quality combination for patients needing these services. I can highly reccomend their services!
- Art R
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Wonderful staff
- Patricia M
For more information about Facial Trauma or to schedule a consultation with Drs. Nelson or Wells, call our Denver office.