Any injury to the face or head, either due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports, work related accidents or physical violence, can affect either your sight or your ability to breathe, speak or swallow. These injuries can range from facial cuts and lacerations to more serious problems such as broken teeth and fractures. Facial fractures can involve any combination of bones in the lower or upper jaw, palate, cheekbones or eye socket.
Injury to the bones of the mid-face (upper jaw, cheeks and sinuses) and orbit (eye socket) can cause double vision and/or sinking of the eye into the socket or cheek. Repairing an orbital fracture provides support to the eye to prevent or correct these complications. The decision to perform surgery on the orbit depends on the severity of the injury as well as the doctor’s and patient’s preferences. In most cases, a CT scan will be done to help make the decision.
Dr. Jungkeit is specially trained to treat injuries specific to the mouth, face and jaw. Not all facial injuries are alike; some are more serious than others. Even in the case of a moderately cut lip, the expertise of Dr. Jungkeit as a facial plastic surgeon is invaluable in bringing about the desired cosmetic result.
The treatment of facial fractures is similar, in principle, to the treatment of a broken arm or leg. The method of treatment is determined by various factors such as the location and severity of the fracture and the age and health of the patient.
The patient’s facial appearance is minimally affected in the treatment of facial fractures. In accessing the facial bones, the incisions are designed to be small and, whenever possible, placed in areas such as the hairline or jaw so that the resulting scar is hidden from view.
While you cannot always avoid injury, accidents do happen. It is important to use seatbelts when riding in any automobile. For that same reason, if you are an athlete, use protective mouth guards and appropriate masks and helmets for your sport.