Facial Trauma

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is thoroughly qualified to repair facial injuries. These professionals are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation – not just for physical reasons, but for emotional ones as well. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional as well as 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.

Dr. Kortebein, Dr. Kimmel and Dr. Wagner meet and exceed these modern standards. They are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. They are on staff at local hospitals and deliver coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:

  • Facial lacerations
  • Intraoral lacerations
  • Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
  • Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
  • Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma

There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries to teeth to extremely severe injuries to 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, such as lacerations, occur on the face they are repaired by suturing. 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). Drs. Kortebein, Kimmel and Wagner 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 to the bones in the face are treated in a similar manner to 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, and the age and general health of the patient. When an arm or leg is fractured a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.

One of these options 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 eliminates 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. 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 are usually 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 now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.

The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of specialists who are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the patient.

Trauma Doesn’t Have To Be Permanent!

Let us help you heal! Our caring staff is here to help you if you have any questions!

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Oral Surgery Associates of Milwaukee, S.C.

5 out of 5 stars based on 909 Facial Trauma reviews

Patient Testimonial

Extracted my tooth quickly. Very efficient. Very considerate in the process.

- Scot P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Very good-gentle-informative

- Claire Landowski E

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Patient Testimonial

Everyone at the office and during the procedure we're super nice and helpful. As far as getting a tooth pulled goes, it went way quicker and easier than I expected. Thumbs up all around!

- Kelsey K

5 out of 5 stars on

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Totally satisfied with my experience.

- Jim P

5 out of 5 stars on

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Friendly and efficient

- Mike C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Wonderful experience! Dr Kimmel is awesome. My procedure was pain free and quick.

- Kathleen J

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. Wagner and his staff were terrific. They were very patient listened to me whine and all of my concerns. They explained everything thoroughly which has to be a tough job in and if it’s self because they do this all day long. They saw me on time and the procedure was so fast. I have no anxiety about my return trips.

- Stephanie S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Everyone was very friendly and seemed genuinely caring. I work in healthcare and can tell when there is sincere caring.

- Joan N

5 out of 5 stars on

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Excellent service, very professional, quick and no pain!

- Ron E

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Patient Testimonial

My Dentist recommended Oral Associate to pull my tooth. I cannot say enough good things about Dr Kimmel. His bedside manner is outstanding. His assistant was a Sweetheart and made sure and answered any questions I had before the doctor came in. That big old sore tooth was gone in less than two minutes maybe even last I was totally shocked. He made sure there was no pain during the procedure and treated meLike you would treat your own mother. I would recommend him 1000 times over and will go back to him for any other dental work I need done that my Regular dentist cannot perform. Thank you to everyone that I dealt with today and Oral Surgery associates.

- Cindy M

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I was treated very well and my procedure went great. Staff was awesome explained everything in detail including procedures and after care.

- Greg L

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Dr. Kimmel was very caring and patient. Explained everything he was doing. Made sure there was no pain. Highly recommended

- Anthony D

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Patient Testimonial

Had an implant placed by Dr. Kimmel today. Entire staff was incredibly kind and helpful. Dr. Kimmel was warm, kind, professional, efficient and thoroughly explained everything he was doing. Would absolutely recommend!

- Kate H

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Patient Testimonial

Every single aspect of my experience today was top notch!!!!!

- Craig P

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Patient Testimonial

Customer service outstanding! Dental assistant’s outstanding! So anxious at first, they calmed my nerves and procedure was done and over with fast. Awesome place! Totally recommend if you’re a big baby like me!

- Sue P

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Everything was like clockwork. Two thumbs up.

- Jeff F

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A nice place very professional the doctor was very humble and kind never experienced that before. I would recommend this dentist office to everyone

- Bettye P

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Patient Testimonial

Very kind and patient. Explained everything very clearly. Great experience in spite of it being a tooth extraction! Lol

- Dawn K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Very professional and friendly staff. Dr and assistance explained things completely.

- Carol J J

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Patient Testimonial

My visit was very pleasant. Dr Kimmel and his assistant was very caring and did everything they could to keep me comfortable.

- Gail T

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