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. Farren and Dr. Kirkwood meet and exceed 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). Drs. Farren and Kirkwood are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons and are 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.
Great Oak Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Farren is very pleasant to deal with, answers questions fully, explains procedures and is very skillful administering local anesthetic, as well as performing surgical procedures. All the staff are friendly and help put patients at ease. The whole experience is professional, but also friendly and reassuring.
- Nancy H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Farren and his staff: Hillary, Anna, Adriana and front desk girls were amazing in all aspects in my treatment. Like I wrote above exceed my expectations. Great work, extraordinary care! Thank you very much!
- Yaroslav T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Easy painless procedure and very friendly staff.
- Jenn L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Super nice and comforting staff, overall great experience.
- Morgan M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you Dr. Farren and Staff! You really took care of me. You are talented, compassionate, understanding and caring. I had two other dental implant consultations before choosing Great Oak. I definitely made the right decision! Thirty years of serious dental issues is behind me now thanks to you all, I have and will recommend you to everyone who has dental/facial issues.
- Vickie L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I recently had a wisdom tooth extraction by Dr. Farren and my overall experience was phenomenal. From the time you walk into the door, you’re greeted with a smile from every single staff member you encounter. Every appointment I had, there was no wait, all my questions were answered and I felt comfortable. Every staff member was personable and professional and put me at ease along the way. Thank you to everyone who participated in my care! You all are amazing! I would recommend Dr. Farren for your next wisdom tooth extraction!
- Chelsea M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My family and I had met with a couple oral surgeons in the area when my son’s orthodontist told us my son would need to get his one tooth extracted. Being my son is 9 and this is his first experience with surgery I especially wanted someone who both my son and I felt comfortable with. After not getting a good vibe from the other surgeons, we scheduled a consultation with Dr. Farren. The minute we left his office, both my son and I knew he was the right man for the job. Dr. Farren and his staff are beyond amazing. They are so sweet and friendly and were so caring and kind to my son (especially McKenzie and Hillary-THANK YOU!!!) . Their “bedside” manner and the way they helped him feel at ease the day of his surgery helped to make an unpleasant situation more enjoyable, or as enjoyable as oral surgery can be! I cannot say enough good things about the team at Great Oaks and will refer them to anyone needing an oral surgeon. I would especially recommend them to parents of younger children. Being 9 he is inquisitive and wants to ask all the questions and know all the things. Dr. Farren and his staff were fantastic and were able to provide him with details and information about his procedure without adding to his nervousness. Thank you for everything Great Oaks! We appreciate you!.
- Sarah C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came to Dr. Farren after an accident in which I sustained a good amount of facial trauma. I lost 2 teeth and needed 3 more extracted. Dr. Farren performed 2 bone grafts on my jaw followed by 3 implants. His work is impeccable and I am so glad that he was recommended to me. I hope I never have to see him again, but he is the best oral surgeon I could have hoped for. The team at Great Oaks Oral Surgery were always professional, accommodating and truly made me feel at home and comfortable. Thank you all for the amazing work you did for me.
- Ian D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had major procedure with extremely easy recovery. Pain was short-lived and at a minimum. Super friendly staff all around!
- Steve D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience with Dr. Farren and his staff was wonderful. I was nervous going into the office, but they calmed my nerves and performed a totally painless extraction. Dr Farren clearly and calmly explained everything he was doing as the procedure was performed and made sure I was aware of expectations and procedures post surgery. In the quiet time, while waiting to leave, Adriana was fun to talk to, keeping me upbeat. All I can say is Dr Farren and staff are the best. I totally wasted a worry!
- Diane H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This Dr’s kindness and compassion and professional skill level is reflected by all the professionals he employs in his practice. It is a blessing to have him and his whole team providing such a wonderful service to all those in his care.
- Beverly D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my first experience with having an implant and from what I heard from family and friends I was not looking forward to having it done but I knew I needed it. Dr. Fallen and everyone in his office explained everything in the process in terms that I could understand. Everyone in Dr. Fallen's office was friendly but more importantly professional. During the whole procedure Dr. Fallen explained everything he was doing and made sure I was not in pain. I would recommend Dr. Fallen and his office to anyone who is considering or has decided to get an implant.
- Richard O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleased with visits. Everything went well, thanks to the expertise of staff and Doctor.
- Raymond S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had the most epic experience in this class act office. Dr Farrens nurse McKenzie is phenomenal!
- Cerrone
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My entire experience with Great Oaks was as pleasurable as dental surgery could be. Any anxiety was alleviated by the performance of all the staff, from the front office to the surgical assistants to Dr. warren himself.
- James P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was just a guest to the office as a ride for my girlfriend twice as she had extractions, bone grafting, and then 2 dental implants. The office is very comfortable and nicely decorated. The staff is very welcoming and friendly, and immediately put my girlfriend right at ease. I like the coffee there. My girlfriend came out in a very reasonable time in very good spirits both times. She says both times she was asking when procedures would start to only find out she had just woke up and they were already done. She says both times healing and everything that she had no pain at all. My girlfriend raves about the Doctor, Hilary the Surgical Assistant, the lady that starts the iv’s, and Shawn (the lady that answers phones, greets you, and confirms appointments. I liked her very much too. Overall it seems to me they are amazing and based on my girlfriend’s experience I would highly recommend Doctor Farren as a first choice for oral surgery.
- Danielle H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Practically pain free implants, not even an exaggeration. I am actually shocked as to really having no pain since 2 implants 3 days ago. The same for 3 extractions and bone graft in preparation for the implants in January. I had been putting off procedures for years for fear. Doctor Farren and his Surgical assistant Hillary are amazing! Something that had been so dreaded was one of the easiest appointments.
- Jaime G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Farren is very helpful answering all your questions as well as outlining what to expect during as well as after the procedure. The staff is also very supportive and professional which is important. I would definitely recommend their services.
- Robert S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My son broke his jaw over the weekend and we were able to get in right away. During a tough time the staff made us as comfortable as possible. They answered all of our questions and put us at ease.
- David E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My dentist referred me to Dr. Farren for dental implants. Dr. Farren and his whole staff were very professional. The ease of scheduling appointments, the pleasant and knowledgeable assistants and Dr. Farrens calming and reassuring demeanor put me at ease and made the whole experience that much easier. I would highly recommend Great Oak oral surgery and dental implant center.
- Dave C