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Maxillofacial Trauma Reconstruction
Honolulu & Oahu




Maxillofacial Trauma Reconstruction provided by and in Honolulu & Waipi'o, HI at


Dental x-ray of a full mouthOral and maxillofacial surgery is a dental practice that focuses on treating illnesses, injuries, and abnormalities of the face, jaw, and mouth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive training in facial reconstruction, possessing specialized expertise in the maxillofacial region encompassing the bones and tissues of the lower face and jaw. Our expert surgeons at Pacific Maxillofacial Center possess advanced knowledge of the palate and dental structures and are well-equipped for facial trauma reconstruction.



What Does Trauma Reconstruction Mean?



Trauma reconstruction refers to the process of correcting head and face deformities. Also known as craniofacial reconstruction, it varies based on the type and seriousness of the deformity, as well as the individual health of each patient. This surgery involves the skull, brain, eyes, facial bones, and skin. Sometimes, a plastic surgeon collaborates with a neurosurgeon.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring deep sleep and pain relief, and can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours or more. Certain facial bones are cut and repositioned, with tissues being moved and blood vessels and nerves reconnected using microscopic techniques.

Bone grafts, taken from the pelvis, skull, or ribs, might be used to fill gaps resulting from the movement of facial and head bones. Titanium screws and plates or absorbable fixation devices are utilized to secure the bones in place, and implants may be employed to reshape the skull. The jaws may be wired together to maintain the new bone positions, with tissue flaps from the hand, chest wall, or thigh used to cover any openings.

Following trauma surgery, swelling of the face, mouth, or neck may occur, lasting weeks to months, potentially obstructing the airway. In such cases, a temporary tracheostomy may be necessary, creating a small hole in the neck through which an endotracheal tube is inserted into the airway (trachea) to facilitate breathing when the face and upper airway are swollen.



Why Is Maxillofacial Trauma Reconstruction Necessary?



Facial reconstruction following maxillofacial trauma is often necessary due to the significant impact trauma can have on both appearance and health. Even minor facial fractures can result in severe health and dental issues. The location of the injury plays a crucial role, as it can affect speech, swallowing, and breathing.

When a person sustains a bone fracture in the lower part of the face, they typically seek immediate care at the emergency room. Following initial treatment, many patients schedule a follow-up appointment with a maxillofacial or oral surgeon. These specialists can address the damage to teeth, soft tissues, and the palate caused by facial injuries.

If left untreated, maxillary fractures can lead to persistent problems, including complete loss of functionality. After trauma, teeth may loosen in their sockets, making eating and speaking challenging. Further chipped, broken, or missing teeth can significantly impact the smile. Oral surgeons are able to repair mandibular fractures and missing teeth, restoring your smile and overall appearance.



Types of Maxillofacial Injuries



The type of treatment administered will primarily depend on the type of injury being treated. Some injuries may lead to facial bone fracture, while others may only affect soft tissue. The facial injury treatment applied will be customized for the specific injury severity. Here are the three common maxillofacial injuries.


Soft Tissue Injuries


These are mainly cuts to the face and mouth and are treated by cleaning and stitching the tissue, under either general or local anesthesia, to achieve the best appearance after healing. Special attention is given to properly aligning nerves, glands, and ducts to prevent medical complications after treatment.


Tooth Injuries


Tooth fractures and associated injuries can also be treated. There are many solutions to broken teeth. However, some of the procedures may necessitate surgery. In case of jaw and gum injuries, orthognathic surgery will be undertaken by your surgeon.


Fractured Facial Bones


These injuries involve fractures to areas such as the upper and lower jaw, nose, cheeks, or eye socket. Treatment often involves using plates and screws to secure and stabilize the fracture. The jaws may need to be wired shut under specific circumstances for certain types of fractures.



Facial Trauma Treatment FAQs



If you have been injured and require facial injury reconstruction, chances are you have plenty of questions. Here are the frequently asked questions about maxillary fractures.


At What Point Should an Oral Surgeon Be Consulted?


If you have been injured and you are unsure whether you need medical attention, it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional to assess the severity of your injuries. Whenever there is a loss of consciousness after a head injury, no matter how short, it is advised to visit an emergency care center.

Seeking medical attention is vital if you have experienced a facial injury and notice any significant changes in your appearance, eyesight, breathing, bite, ability to swallow, or speech. Often, fractures in facial bones come with subtle signs. Symptoms like double vision, blurred vision, or pain behind the eye could indicate a fracture in the eye socket or cheekbone.


Will My Face Have Visible Surgical Marks After Treatment?


Oral surgeons leverage cutting-edge technology for the restoration of facial fractures, making it possible to treat such injuries without the need for external skin cuts. For instance, incisions can be made internally, either within the oral cavity or inside the lower eyelid, to effectively repair most fractures of the jaw, cheekbone, and eye socket without any visible facial incisions. In cases where the injury is particularly severe, a skin incision may be necessary. These are usually positioned within a natural skin crease beneath the jaw or hidden behind the hairline to minimize their visibility.


How Soon Can I Resume Work After Surgery?


The majority of individuals who have experienced significant facial trauma can expect to stay in the hospital for a period of 1 to 3 days, followed by several additional days of recovery at home. Depending on their profession, most patients are able to resume work within a week or even sooner. While there might still be some remaining bruising and swelling, the majority of patients typically feel sufficiently recovered to return to work about a week after the oral and maxillofacial surgery unless further complications arise.


Maxillofacial trauma reconstruction offers a solution that most people who have suffered severe injuries will desire. Although the surgery might be complex, it is sometimes a necessity to ensure oral health. At Pacific Maxillofacial Center, we have invested in state-of-the-art equipment and expert personnel to perform these surgeries. Contact us at 808-585-8455 to learn more about facial trauma reconstruction.


Pacific Maxillofacial Center Logo

Honolulu


1060 Young St #312
Honolulu, HI 96814-1604

Contact


Office: 808-585-8455
Email: Send us an Email

Office hours


Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm


Waipi'o


94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd #B-204
Waipahu, HI 96797

Contact


Office: 808-676-9560
Email: Send us an Email

Office hours


Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm





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Maxillofacial Trauma Reconstruction in Honolulu & Oahu
Get expert maxillofacial trauma reconstruction in Honolulu & Waipi'o. Trust our skilled surgeons to restore your facial health and appearance.
Pacific Maxillofacial Center, 1060 Young Street #312, Honolulu, HI 96814, 808-585-8455, pacificmaxcenter.com, 2/6/2025, Key Phrases: Dental Implants Honolulu,