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Oral Surgery’s Role in Maxillofacial Trauma Recovery: Rebuilding Faces

Recovering from maxillofacial trauma can be a long and challenging road. Along with pain, swelling, bruising, broken bones, and lacerations, the emotional impact of lasting facial deformities can be devastating. An estimated three million people in the U.S. sustain maxillofacial injuries that require treatment every year. Fortunately, Dr. Steve Sedaros, an oral surgeon in Melbourne, FL, helps community members restore their appearance. If you or a loved one suffered a significant jawbone injury or facial condition, these are things to consider when deciding whether to undergo oral surgery.

What is Maxillofacial Surgery?

It’s important to understand there is no significant difference between an oral surgeon and a maxillofacial surgeon. Both have the same educational backgrounds, certifications, and expertise and conduct the same procedures. The critical difference is that oral surgeons are usually involved in private practices. Conversely, a maxillofacial surgeon usually works at a hospital or medical facility. That being said, these are ways an oral maxillofacial surgeon helps ailing community members rebuild their dental health and restore their appearance.

Dental Implants

Broken teeth are a common result of hard impacts to the head and jawline. We provide dental implants in Melbourne, FL, that restore the ability to chew food, prevent infections from setting in, and prevent teeth from migrating. This type of oral maxillofacial surgery delivers health benefits and allows people to smile with confidence.

Reconstructive Jaw Surgery

Also referred to as orthognathic surgery, reconstructing the jaw bones after maxillofacial trauma provides a major recovery step. The oral surgery corrects and realigns teeth and jaw bones in a way that restores your facial balance. This procedure is not necessarily restricted to people with facial trauma. It is also widely employed to resolve problems with biting, chewing, closing your mouth tight, and disorders such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Facial Reconstruction

Before integrating airbags in automobiles, facial reconstruction surgeries were too often needed following collisions. Although the number of crash-related facial repair procedures may have declined, sports injuries and hard-impact falls leave people with disfigurements and fractured bones. These typically include the jaw, nasal cavity, eye sockets, and cheekbones.

Cleft Lip and Palate Procedures

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, one out of every 1,600 babies is born with a cleft lip and palate, and one in 1,700 babies come into the world with a cleft palate. Although not caused by trauma, these congenital deformities can be corrected with elective oral surgeries. By utilizing the dental surgery Melbourne residents rely on, procedures can improve the ability to eat, talk, and breathe. Along with the medical benefits, cleft lip and palate surgeries generally buoy self-confidence and an overall positive outlook.

What to Expect from Oral Maxillofacial Surgery in Melbourne, FL

Oral maxillofacial surgical procedures differ due to the extent of the damage, the age and health of the patient, and other unique factors. That’s why we schedule a consultation to review the community member’s health and dental posture and conduct a thorough pre-procedure examination. You can expect a dental professional to review the pre-surgery guidelines and provide a copy. Once you arrive at the practice, these are steps you can anticipate.

  • General Anesthesia: Maxillofacial surgeries usually require complete sedation. You will not experience pain or discomfort or remember the procedure.
  • X-rays: It’s not uncommon for an oral surgeon to take X-rays while patients are sedated to ensure precision and accuracy.
  • Surgery: The procedure will largely determine the equipment and tools used. Once the process has been completed, your Melbourne oral surgeon will apply the necessary sutures and other items to close any wounds.
  • Pick-Up: You will need to organize a ride home due to the lingering effects of anesthesia. General anesthesia can impact your ability to drive or handle everyday tasks for at least 24 hours.

Over a week or more, you may experience minor bleeding, swelling, and bruising. This is a normal part of the healing process. If you are concerned about anything unusual, promptly contact your dental surgeon in Melbourne.

Contact the Oral Surgeon Melbourne FL Residents Trust

If you have suffered maxillofacial trauma, Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants has extensive experience restoring facial integrity. We have the expertise to provide compassionate procedures that improve oral health and restore your beautiful smile. Contact our Melbourne office to schedule a consultation.