Salt Lake City Oral Surgery, Facial Surgery | Utah Center for Oral & Facial Surgery

Facial Trauma and Reconstruction

Because facial trauma is not only physical but also emotional, the proper treatment by a trained, skilled Oral and maxillofacial surgeon is paramount. Dr. Stosich is experienced in emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation of facial reconstruction. He is on call for trauma at three hospitals, and he has been awarded privileges at six hospitals. This unusual service he renders gives him important “hands on” experience and a unique perception of how the treatment will influence the patient’s future function and appearance.

Dr Stosich and his staff treat the following conditions:

1. Facial lacerations
2. Intra oral lacerations

Soft tissue injuries are repaired by suturing. Dr Stosich has the expertise to provide repair that gives in the best cosmetic result possible. Special care is taken for injuries to facial nerves, salivary glands and ducts. He proficiently diagnoses and treats all types of facial lacerations.

1. Avulsed (knocked out) teeth

An oral surgeon, such as Dr. Stosich is usually involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. If a tooth is knocked it, it should never be wiped off, since the remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of replanting the tooth. The tooth should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner it is re-inserted into the socket, the better the chances are of success. If injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often used.

1. Fractured facial bone (cheek, nose or eye socket)
2. Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

Dr Stosich treats facial fractures in a thorough and predictable manner. The patients facial appearance is always in high regard and has minimal effect. Necessary incisions are skillfully designed to be small and when possible, placed so that the scar is hidden.

Similar to fractures of other parts of the body, facial fractures require stabilization. The specific treatment has determining factors such as location, severity, age and health of the patient. One option involves wiring the jaws together, other options use small plates and screws at the fracture site. Often this technique will allow healing without wiring the jaws together. This is called “rigid fixation”, and its relatively recent development has profoundly improved the recovery time for many patients.