Injury to the face are not as common as they used to be. Accidents and interpersonal violence
today are the most common injuries. Drs. McBride and Wittenberg are on the staff of Hazel Hawkins Hospital and treat patients with injuries to the face in the emergency room. The treatment involves the suturing of small lacerations in the face, or the repair of bony injuries to the bones of the face. Most injuries are the broken lower and upper jaw bones, but occasionally a patient is seen with a fracture to the cheek bone or the bones of the nose and the orbits. Most of these injuries need to be treated in the hospital, but broken lower jaws are treated in the operating room in our office.

Maxillofacial Trauma
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. Dr. Wittenberg is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon as well as holding a Medical Degree. Dr. Wittenberg is on staff at your local hospital and provide emergency room coverage for facial injuries including:

• Facial lacerations
• Intra-oral lacerations
• Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
• Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
• Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

  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.

Injuries to the Teeth and Surrounding Dental Structures

Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Drs. McBride and Wittenberg are trained Oral surgeons involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth which 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 for the survival of the tooth. 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 which 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.

For more information schedule your free consultation with Dr. Wittenberg to discuss this procedure in full. Our experienced and professional office staff members are here to help you with all your questions. Call our offices at (831) 636-9808.