Facial Trauma
An oral and maxillofacial specialist 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. Stivers meets and exceeds 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 emergency room 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). Dr. Stivers is a well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon and is 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 usually are 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.
Did You Experience Facial Trauma?
Dr. Stivers can examine your injury to determine the best treatment.
Puget Sound Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would give Dr. Stivers & his Assistant Tina 10 Stars! I had been dealing with an infected tooth since the end of February, and due to COVID-19 hitting Seattle, kept not being able to get an appointment for Oral Surgery where I go for dental care. I took two rounds of antibiotics as I kept trying and trying to get an appointment. On April 2nd, the tooth got worse and my Primary Care Doctor gave me more antibiotics. I continued to keep calling everywhere to get an appointment with an Oral Surgeon, and on Friday, April 3rd I called Dr. Stivers office and they agreed to treat me and I was scheduled for April 6th. Dr. Strivers and Tina came in just to treat me, and they were wonderful. It was a tooth under a bridge and Dr. Strivers did a great job of getting it out. After I got home, he and his office called to see how I was doing and he kept stressing that I could call or text him anytime. What a wonderful, caring Dentist! I so appreciated Dr. Stivers getting back to me so rapidly, and his assurances that I could contact him anytime. What had become a painful and frightening experience for me was resolved finally with kindness and expertise. I have healed well, and I can't thank Dr. Stivers and Tina enough for agreeing to open the clinic and treat me, so thank you both from the bottom of my heart for what you did for me
- Janice W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If I could give them 6 stars I would! Dr. Stivers was so kind and down to earth. I’m usually seconds away from a freak out the moment I step into any dental office but him and his entire staff put me at ease the moment I walked in the door. I was surprised at how effortless everything was. From scheduling the appointment to the procedure itself. Big thumbs up!
- Ronianne O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so impressed with how well everything went. I had almost no pain the same day and next day I am only a little soar in the jaw. I've needed hardly any pain meds or icing and I have almost no swelling. I can't help but tell everyone what a breeze it was getting my wisdom teeth out with your office. I appreciate your office enormously!
- Elana H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall the experience was great! I was referred by my regular doctor and scheduling was a breeze. Everything I needed was promptly handled, including calling in prescriptions for medicine pre-procedure. Pricing and payment were fairly and promptly handled. All charges were clearly explained and my permission was obtained for all extra charges beyond what my insurance covered. Overall I had an awesome experience and would recommend Dr. Stiver's office to others who need similar procedures done.
- Natalie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Awesome service, felt very safe and taken care of by all the staff
- Avery K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Scheduling my initial appointment was easy! The receptionist helped me figure out my out of pocket costs and scheduled a consultation for me, and then I was able to schedule my extraction in office. In all, I believe the appointment itself took no longer than 2 hours. Staff were very detailed regarding aftercare and told me to call any time with questions or concerns. I would recommend them to anyone!
- Molly V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service!
- John H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very grateful for the prompt service, friendly staff, comprehensive information and excellent professional treatment I received. Dr Stivers and his crew went out of their way at an awkward time on short notice and still provided me with excellent care.
- Eric G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professinal and friendly service
- Kingsley
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good experience. Everyone was professional and friendly. Dr. Stivers was the first doctor to administer local anesthesia without the feel of the pinch for me. Totally recommend.
- Flavian C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for such a great experience. I was really dreading getting my wisdom teeth out, but all of the staff was so awesome and totally made me feel comfortable. I am telling all of my friends who have been putting it off to just go to Puget Sound Oral Surgery and get it over with!
- Melissa M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My daughter moved from Alabama to Seattle last year after college. I called several OS offices and was most comfortable with your office ... being a Mom with a daughter living over two thousand miles away from you is hard enough but when they have to have wisdom teeth out .... But your office staff made me feel so at ease and Camille said she lived the office and staff as well. Thank you for taking care for her and me !
- Paula T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service, friendly staff, all necessary information provided, all procedures explained. My wisdom teeth removal was quick and almost painless (local injection, obviously, hurt a little). Quick recovery period!
- Yuliya R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great overall experience
- Maryjane B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience
- Yumeng M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for getting my daughter in right away with her wisdom teeth pain. It's a relief to have them out. We'll see you next summer with my son.
- Laura W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so nervous to get my wisdom teeth removed, I waited painful 6 months to find the perfect fit. Puget Sound Oral Surgery was the perfect fit. Everyone was extremely kind and diligent.
- Shawnice D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went smoothly. Thanks!
- Stewart M