If one or both ears are malformed, it can lead to frustration and low self-confidence in adults and children alike. Many times, defects in the ear shape or protuberant ears may be present since birth.

However, ear injury can also cause a deformed shape. Otoplasty is an effective and proven cosmetic surgery procedure to restore an appealing, natural looking shape and size of the ears.

Otoplasty or ear reshaping surgery or ear pinning surgery is meant to correct large, asymmetrical or awkward looking ears. A skilled and experienced surgeon will use cutting-edge surgical techniques to ensure that this procedure is more precise and less invasive.

Dr. Landon D. McLain provides otoplasty cosmetic surgery procedure to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Appropriate Candidates

A person who is unhappy about the appearance of their oddly shaped or prominent ears may be a suitable ear reshaping surgery candidate.

Before considering a patient for otoplasty, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s overall health condition, facial anatomy, and their personal cosmetic goals and desires.

The patient may require ear reconstruction in combination with reshaping if they have suffered an ear injury.

Children whose ears are fully developed can also make ideal candidates for otoplasty as long as they are old enough to choose the procedure with a fundamental understanding of why they want to undergo it. This surgery is appropriate for kids who feel shy or unhappy in their peer group due to their oddly shaped ears.

 

Procedure

The ear is made up mainly of cartilage, which can be sculpted by the cosmetic surgeon to develop the desired size or shape.

The objective is to develop a shape that is harmonious with the other characteristics of the face and is proportional to the head shape. It is also crucial to make sure that both ears resemble each other in a mirrored manner.

The patient should have reasonable expectations from the procedure. The surgeon will inform them that the ears cannot be identical to each other. It may appear unnatural, while the procedure aims to create natural looking ears.

In many cases, a skilled surgeon will only change one ear to accomplish a balanced appearance and make the procedure less invasive. But some patients may need correction in both ears.

After making the necessary changes, the surgeon will place stitches. These will be taken out in around one week after the ear surgery. The incisions will be made behind the ears to ensure that any future scarring remains discreet.

 

Recovery

After otoplasty, an average patient will be able to return to their normal routine or resume work in around one week. However, they will need to avoid aggressive physical activities for nearly two weeks to allow the healing to be completed.

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for otoplasty cosmetic surgery.

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.

If an accident or injury causes trauma to the face, cosmetic surgery can help restore facial appearance and function. The surgical techniques and approaches will differ depending on the severity and location of the injury.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can use their specialized skills to perform various procedures, from simple wound closure to skin grafts, flaps, and bony fracture repair.

These surgeons devote a significant part of their professional lives assisting people to overcome traumatic facial injuries. Their goal is to restore the function and appearance of the face to its pre-injury state.

McLain Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

 

What are Common Types of Facial Trauma?

Trauma to the face may occur in various ways and can damage the soft tissue, underlying bone, or facial and jaw nerves. Due to the delicate nature of facial injuries and their ability to cause a high level of emotional and physical distress, early assessment and immediate treatment of facial trauma are vital to attaining the best possible results.

Facial trauma reconstruction can generally be used to address:

Facial Lacerations

Soft tissue injuries characterized by cuts, tears, or breaks in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, or underlying muscle. Facial lacerations commonly occur due to extreme pressure or blunt force impact.

Fractures Facial Bones

Facial fractures can develop within the nose structure, orbital (eye) sockets, or cheekbones. Nasal fractures are the most commonly occurring type of facial fracture due to the thin and fragile bones and cartilage in the nose.

Factors determining the suitable treatment for fractured bones include the patient’s health, age, and location and severity of the fracture.

Fractured Upper and/or Lower Jaw

Fractures in the upper and lower jaw may warrant surgery in order to properly realign the jaw as well as restore normal biting and chewing function.

Injuries of the Facial Nerves

Injuries that lead to facial weakness or paralysis should be promptly examined. There are many innovative techniques available to restore normal facial movement.

The patient will typically require a CT scan to evaluate the extent of the injury properly and determine the necessary steps for function restoration and attaining an optimal cosmetic outcome.

 

How is Facial Trauma Treated?

Soft Tissue Injuries

Depending on the severity of the injury, facial lacerations can usually be addressed with suturing and stitches. Along with treating the apparent breaks in the skin, the underlying facial structures, such as the ducts, salivary glands, and facial nerves, must be treated with utmost care.

People who have concerns about facial scarring can consult our reconstructive surgeons to undergo revision surgery. This can significantly reduce the appearance of unattractive scars.

Bone Injuries

Similar to bone injuries in the extremities, facial fractures also require stabilization to encourage proper healing.

Rigid fixation is a technique for stabilization where tiny plates and screws are surgically placed to prevent movement within the facial structure.

Some jaw fractures may need the upper and lower jaws to be temporarily wired shut to heal the fracture or reposition dislodged boned.

 

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.
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.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) refers to a small joint which is located in the front of the ear where the skull meets the lower jaw. It provides the lower jaw with the ability to move and function.

The occurrence of TMJ disorders is not uncommon. People with such disorders may experience various symptoms, including headaches, earaches, and challenges in opening their mouth.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides treatments to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.  

 

Diagnosis

The patient should consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) when symptoms of TMJ related problems surface. An OMS specializes in areas of the teeth, mouth, and jaws allowing them to diagnose the issue accurately.

The diagnosis of TMJ disorders can be challenging and may warrant various diagnostic procedures. The OMS may order special imaging tests of the joint as well as refer the patient to other dental or medical specialist or a physical therapist.

Sometimes TMJ arthroscopy is used to diagnose a TMJ condition. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a narrow tube (cannula) into the joint space. After that they insert a tiny camera, known as an arthroscope, to view the area and diagnose the condition.

 

Treatment

The treatment of TMJ disorders may range from conservative medical and dental care to complex surgery. The treatment may include short-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief and muscle relaxation, splint or bite plate therapy, or stress management consulting.

If nonsurgical treatment is ineffective, or there is extensive joint damage, the patient may have to undergo surgery. The surgical procedure may be arthroscopic or involve a direct surgical approach to repair damaged tissue.

After the correct diagnosis of the TMJ disorder, the OMS can recommend the most suitable treatment to address the problem.

 

Surgical or Other Procedures

In case other methods are ineffective the doctor may recommend the following procedures:

Arthrocentesis

This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting tiny needles within the joint to irrigate fluid through the joint in order to flush out debris and inflammatory byproducts.

Injections

Injecting corticosteroid into the joint may be helpful for some patients. At times, botulinum toxin type A (Botox, others) injections in the jaw muscles may offer relief from pain associated with TMJ disorders.

TMJ Arthroscopy

Sometimes arthroscopic surgery can be as effective in treating different types of TMJ disorders as conventional open-joint surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a narrow tube (cannula) within the joint space.

After this, they insert an arthroscope and tiny surgical instruments for the procedure. In comparison to open-joint surgery, TMJ arthroscopy has fewer risks and complications. However, it also involves certain limitations.

Modified Condylotomy

Modified condylotomy treats TMJ disorders indirectly. This procedure involves surgery on the mandible rather than the joint itself. This may be a suitable treatment option for patients experiencing pain and locking.

Open-Joint Surgery

If more conservative approaches are unable to relieve the jaw pain and it appears to occur due to a structural issue within the joint, the doctor or dentist may recommend arthrotomy (open-joint surgery) to restore or replace the joint.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas.

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.

A broken bone in the face is known as a facial fracture. The face comprises a complex bone structure consisting of forehead bone (frontal), cheekbones (zygomas), eye sockets (orbital bones), upper jaw (maxillary bones), lower jaw (mandible), and nasal bones.

Various other bones are found within the deep facial structure, and muscles that enable chewing, talking, and swallowing are linked to these bones.

Broken nose (nasal fractures) are the most commonly occurring facial fractures. Other facial bones may also undergo fractures. There may be a single fracture or multiple broken bones. High impact accidents such as car crashes can cause multiple fractures. Fractures may occur on one side of the face (unilateral) or both sides of the face (bilateral).

Some facial fractures are comparatively minor while others may lead to permanent damage, and even be a threat to life itself.

Therefore, seeking an accurate diagnosis and treatment before the occurrence of serious complications is crucial. Cordial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides treatments for facial trauma to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations across the horizon.

 

Facial Fracture Treatment

To ease the inflammation, a physician may prescribe medications for pain management and oral steroids. If the risk of infection is high, the physician may prescribe antibiotics.

The treatment for fractures generally involves resetting the broken bone(s) without surgery (closed reduction) or surgery that requires the placement of an incision to reposition fractured bones (open reduction). Complex multiple fractures require reconstructive surgery.

The treatment for facial fractures depends on the extent and location of the injury and aims to restore normal appearance and function to the damaged areas.

 

Type of Facial Fractures

Some of the common types of facial fractures are as follows:

Broken Nose (Nasal Bones)

The most common type of facial fracture is the broken nose which causes the nose to appear deformed and feels painful to the touch following the fracture.

 

Forehead (Frontal Bone) Fractures

The frontal bone is the primary bone in the forehead region. High-impact injuries to the head can lead to a fracture in the floor of the sinuses and frontal bone.

 

Broken Cheekbone/Upper Jaw

The cheekbones (zygomas) are connected at many areas of the maxilla (upper jaw) and skull bones. Cheekbone fractures may also involve breaks in the surrounding facial bones.

 

Le Fort (Mid-Face) Fractures

These fractures occur due to blunt force trauma and cause fractures along the lines of weakness in the mid-face region.

 

Lower Jaw (Mandible)

The mandible controls lower teeth placement and moves when a person speaks or chews. Lower jaw fractures impact the sections of the lower jaw that supports teeth (known as the body).

 

Orbital Rim Fracture

The thickest part of the eye socket is known as the outer rim. This bone requires substantial force to break. This fracture may occur along with various other injuries such as damage to the optic nerve.

 

Blowout Fractures

The orbital rim’s integrity remains intact in this fracture. However, a crack develops at the eye socket’s lower part.

Committed surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other cities and towns in The Heart of Dixie for facial trauma 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.

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.

Facial fractures refer to fractures of the mouth and face, including fractures of the cheekbones (zygoma), nose (nasal), and upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws.

The oral and maxillofacial team will assess patients of facial fracture to ensure that they don’t have other injuries to the head or neck if they have been knocked unconscious.

Accomplished 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 locations.

 

What leads to facial fractures?

Facial fractures are typically sudden (acute) or due to assaults (such as fighting), sports (such as football), and accidents (such as car crashes). In rare cases, a fracture may result from another treatment due to the bones being weakened by issues such as dental cysts.

 

How will I know if I have a facial fracture?

For people who have suffered sharp or blunt trauma to their face, doctor(s) or dentist(s) will want to check for signs of facial or other fractures. They will carefully assess the patient for inflammation, pain, and changes in mobility, and order x-rays for the patient as well.

While most fractures show up clearly as dark lines on the jaw, head, face, and dental x-rays, certain hairline (small fractures) are more challenging to identify and may need further x-rays and follow-ups.

 

What are the treatments for facial fracture?

The facial fracture treatment will depend on the extent and type of the fracture and any other issues that the patient may have at the time.

Doctors typically seek to bring the fractured bones back into a normal alignment, known as ‘reducing’ the fracture. They want to keep the fracture in this position, known as ‘fixing’ the fracture, to prevent further injury.

Some patients may require surgery and at times, surgeons may use screws, wires, or plates inside or outside the bones to hold the broken bones in their position. For more information on your fracture and its treatment, consult your oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

 

How long do facial fractures take to heal?

The extent and type of the facial fracture and the other issues a patient had at the time of the treatment will determine the healing period. Inflammation and bruising typically subside within two to three weeks.

 

What are plates used in facial fracture treatment?

Plates used in the repair of facial fracture comprise titanium. These plates hold together and provide strength to the bones of the skull (head), face, and/or jaws.

 

Will I have to have the plates removed?

Plates for fracture repair are designed to stay in place with the bone permanently. In rare cases, these plates may need to be taken out, for instance, if there is discomfort or infection.

 

What activities should I avoid for the next few weeks following a facial fracture?

Patients of facial fracture will be advised by their oral and maxillofacial team to avoid bumps or knocks to the site of the fracture for a minimum of six to eight weeks as ‘impacts’ on the fractured areas may cause the affected bones to move.

Experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas in The Heart of Dixie 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.

A facial laceration is a tear or cut in the skin due to a serious fall, being struck by a sharp or blunt object, a physical fight, a car crash or a sporting event.

These lacerations to the face are significant as they may involve blood and nerve vessels which can adversely impact skin and soft tissue integrity.

Reliable surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides treatments for facial lacerations to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other towns and suburbs in this standout Cotton State.

 

What are Facial Lacerations?

Facial lacerations include small cuts to the skin only that are linear. Such cuts can be treated easily with steri-strips. These are tiny strips of cloth tape and string that close the wound for around four days after which they can be removed.

Facial lacerations can also be uneven and craggy. This may require complex cosmetic surgery for repair. An especially challenging laceration is the burst-type of laceration which occurs when a person is struck by a blunt or relatively sharp object. This lacerations projects in all directions from a focal point, and may be complicated to repair.  

In children, lacerations commonly occur in the forehead, chin, and lip. They typically take a few days to heal. Laceration in adults can occur in any area around and including the cheeks, eye, and chin.

Both adults and children can experience lacerations that involve only the skin or the deeper tendons, fatty tissues, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. In general, facial lacerations have a tendency to bleed more profusely than lacerations in other areas of the body.

Facial lacerations, in particular, require repair for the best possible results. This repair should be able to render any potentials scarring as inconspicuous as possible.

The patient should choose a skilled and experienced surgeon to repair facial lacerations to ensure that post-healing scarring is minimal. Sometimes the laceration repair may involve more than one restorative surgery.

 

Facial Lacerations Types

Facial lacerations can be simple or complex. Simple lacerations are typically linear and involve only the skin, and at times, small amounts of soft tissue.

Steri-strips or primary suturing can address these lacerations. There is usually no associated infection or the requirement for complicated repair as the facial blood supply is abundant enough to enable the wound to heal easily.

Conversely, complex lacerations also include tendon, ligaments, nerves, muscle, and blood vessels. The treatment involves thorough cleansing and repair using dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures. The facial nerves require special attention during the restorative treatment.

The face contains many significant nerves which run superficially. These must be approximated allowing the nerve a chance to regenerate itself.

The possibility of contamination exists in all lacerations, and they should be appropriately cleaned with generous amounts of water and disinfectant soap to eliminate all apparent debris. After that, the wound can be repaired via routine suturing or cosmetic surgery.

Facial wounds such as those on the forehead are the most aesthetically apparent of all injuries. These require cautious assessment and diligent repair. While the emergency doctor can repair most types of facial lacerations, a consultation with a specialist is warranted when the technical facets of the closure are beyond the abilities of the physician.

Facial injuries involving tissue avulsion areas may be repaired most effectively in the operating room where flaps and grafts can be used. Prudent surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas in this area of the nation for facial laceration 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.

The term dental avulsion refers to the complete removal of a tooth from its socket after a traumatic injury. Front tooth injuries during childhood are fairly common. When the tooth is completely knocked out of its socket (avulsed), it is a severe injury.

The maxillary central incisors are the teeth which are most impacted by avulsion injuries. Permanent teeth that have not yet matured have less mineralized bone structure. Furthermore, the periodontal ligamentum structure in such teeth is looser which causes these teeth to be less resistant against extrusive forces.

Therefore, children between seven and nine years of age typically suffer from avulsion in case of dental trauma. Experienced surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides treatments for facial trauma to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

 

Replanting the Natural Tooth

Replanting the tooth as soon as possible is usually the best option. This holds true only in the case of permanent teeth. After the tooth is replanted, it can heal in two ways if properly managed. In ideal circumstances, the ligament around the tooth reforms and the longevity of the tooth is the same as any other tooth. This is called “periodontal healing.”

In cases of excessive ligament damage, the healing takes place by bony replacement. Effectively, bone replaces the tooth and is lost over a few years. This is known as “bony healing.’

 

Patient Guidelines

• The patient should remain calm.
• Locate the tooth, and lift it by the white part (crown). Do not touch the root.
• In case the tooth appears dirty, wash it briefly for around ten seconds under cold running water and place it in its position. The patient or parent should try to replant the tooth. The patient should be made to bite on a handkerchief to hold the tooth in place.
• In case this is not possible, store the tooth is an appropriate medium such as a glass of milk or a special storage unit available for knocked out teeth (for instance, saline or Hanks balanced storage medium). The tooth can be transported in the mouth as well by placing it between the molars and the inside of the cheek. However, if the patient is very young, they may swallow the tooth. Therefore, it is perspicacious to ask the patient to spit in a container and store the tooth in it. Do not store the avulsed tooth in water.
• Seek immediate dental treatment.

In case the tooth is replanted before the patient reaches the oral surgeon’s office, the surgeon will typically undertake the following:

• Let the tooth remain in place
• Cleanse the area with saline, water spray, or chlorhexidine
• Suture gingival lacerations if required
• Assess the normal placement of the replanted tooth clinically as well as with an x-ray
• Place a flexible splint for up to two weeks
• Systematically administer antibiotics with tetracycline being the first choice. If the patient is young, the surgeon may administer phenoxymethyl penicillin (Pen V) or amoxicillin at suitable a dosage on the basis of the patient’s weight and age as an alternative to tetracycline.
• In case the avulsed tooth has been in contact with contaminants such as soil and if uncertain of tetanus coverage, refer to a physician for a tetanus shot.
• The surgeon will also initiate root canal treatment between seven to ten days of the replantation and prior to the removal of the splint.

Dedicated surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for facial trauma 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.