Isolated teeth injuries occur commonly and require the expertise of multiple dental specialists. Typically, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are typically involved in treating supporting bone fractures or replanting displaced or “knocked out” teeth.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons have extensive expertise and training in the specialty area of dental and facial trauma care, which is highly beneficial for patients.

Judicious oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides treatments for facial and oral injuries to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities in the spectacular Yellowhammer State.

 

Treatments

The treatment of facial and dental injuries involves various forms of splinting (stabilizing using wires or bonding teeth together). A “knocked out” tooth should be preserved in milk or salt water. For the better survival of the tooth, it should be replaced into the dental socket at the earliest.

It is important for the patient to consult a dentist, or ideally, an oral surgeon as soon as possible. Do not try to “wipe the tooth off,” as the remaining parts of the ligament which holds the tooth within the jaw are connected and are important for the survival of the replanted tooth.

To treat the injury, other dental experts such as endodontists (for the root canal therapy) and/or restorative dentists (for the repair and rebuilding of broken teeth) may be engaged. Dental implants may be used to replace missing teeth if the injured teeth cannot be repaired or saved.

The quick and correct treatment of facial injuries is crucial and should ideally be managed by surgical experts who have extensive training and experience in emergency care and long-term reconstruction and rehab of the patient.

 

Oral Surgery – FAQ

What is the time taken for the surgery?

The time taken for the surgery depends on the treatment. Some surgical procedures take under 30 minutes, while others are more extended.

 

Will there be inflammation or facial bruising?

The patient may experience some pain and swelling after the tooth extraction. Using an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas on the area can minimize the swelling. The patient should take the prescription pain meds as directed.

The inflammation typically reduces after 48 hours. There may be some minor bruising with certain treatments. But procedures such as the placement of dental implants typically do not cause bruising.

 

Do I need to avoid specific drugs?

During the pre-operative consultation at Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry, the patient should openly reveal all medications that they take. Most meds including Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, and other blood thinners can be continued.

 

Pre-Surgery Guidelines

The patient should follow the below mentioned guidelines before an oral surgery:

• Consume a light meal on the night prior to the procedure
• Not drink or eat anything on the day of the appointment if the procedure involves sedation
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with short-sleeves
• Arrange for an attendant to accompany them to the office as well as drive them back home
• The patient cannot drive a car on the day of the surgery in case sedation is involved

Devoted oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for facial and oral injury treatments.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.