Tahoe Oral Surgery
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TahoeOralSurgery-pages-1511-1-facialtrauma

Facial Trauma

Patients who have sustained facial trauma, whether from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, interpersonal violence or sports-related injuries, often experience complex physical and emotional trauma.  Not only does the long-term function of the treated area need to be considered, but also the final appearance and the emotional impact of the treatment on the patient.  Dr. Martin and Dr. Appelblatt are experts in emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation.  Both doctors received special training in treating facial trauma while working at Trauma Centers (Highland Hospital in Oakland and Bellevue Hospital in New York respectively).  During this training, they dealt with complex facial injuries. 

While most facial trauma cases treated by oral surgeons involve injuries to the teeth and mouth, injuries to the facial skin, bones of the face and jaw are also quite common. The following is a list of some of the conditions we treat:

  • Fractured facial bones (jaws, cheek, nose and orbits)
  • Facial lacerations
  • Intra-oral lacerations
  • Avulsed (knocked out) teeth

Facial injuries are typically grouped into three categories:

  1. Soft tissue injuries (injuries to the skin, muscles, and gingiva)
  2. Bone injuries (fractures of bones, damage to teeth)
  3. Injuries to other areas, such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries to the face are typically repaired by suturing. With facial suturing, extra care must be taken to ensure that the damaged area will heal properly and with the best cosmetic results possible. Additionally, we must take into account the possibility of damage to structures such as nerves, salivary glands, and vessels. These areas must be carefully examined to minimize the chances of undetected damage, which can create long term problems.

Bone Injuries to the Maxillofacial Region (Fractures)

The primary goal in the treatment of all types of fractures is to “reduce and stabilize” – simply put, the goal is to return the bone to its proper position and keeping it there.  When a person fractures their arm, an orthopedic doctor typically places a cast on the injured area to keep the bone in its proper position for healing.  Since a cast cannot be applied to the bones of the face, we must use special techniques and materials to ensure sufficient support while the fractured bones heal. While treatment for your particular case will be determined by Dr. Martin and Dr. Appelblatt during examination, we will explain some common treatment methods here for reference:

Intermaxillary Fixation

One method of stabilization used for jaw fractures is called Intermaxillary Fixation – this is where surgical braces are placed around the teeth and then the braces are fixed together.  This is often referred to as wiring the jaws together.  For certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw, this is the best option, as it completely stabilizes the fractured area(s). Generally this period of stabilization lasts between 4 – 8 weeks depending on the type and severity of the fracture.

Rigid Fixation

Another method of fracture stabilization is called Rigid Fixation. This method provides stabilization of the fractured area through the surgical placement of small titanium plates and screws.

Injuries To The Teeth & Surrounding Dental Structures

Injuries to the teeth are the most common type of facial trauma we see. Dental injuries often require the expertise of several dental specialists working together.  Dr. Martin and Dr. Appelblatt are often the first specialists called in to treat the immediate injury. They help to stabilize the fractures in the supporting bone, suture any soft tissue injuries, and place implants or bone grafting in areas where teeth have been lost.  Re-inserted or displaced teeth are typically stabilized by wiring or bonding the teeth together but will require further treatment from an endodontist and restorative dentist after the patient’s immediate injury is addressed.

In some trauma cases, permanent teeth are so badly damaged (or outright lost) and cannot be saved.  Dental implants are typically the best option for replacing the missing teeth with fully-functional, natural looking and feeling teeth.

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Oral Surgery Client Testimonials

Dr. Martin and staff are amazing and wonderful. I highly recommend Dr. Martin for all your surgical needs for your teeth.
Steven J.
I went to Dr.Martin a couple years ago to get my wisdom teeth taken out, since then I have referred three of my friends and they were also very happy with his work. The staff and himself were so nice and friendly, made each of us feel comfortable and relaxed.
R.D.
My daughter had her wisdom teeth out and everything about the experience was easy. The staff was efficient and responsive, and the procedure went just as expected. Highly recommend this practice!
Alaina R., Truckee, CA
Dr. Martin and his staff are so professional that I’m compelled to write my first review of anyone. He was considerate and calming, answered any questions I had, reviewed procedures and relieved any anxiety I had for my implant.
David C. , Zephyr Cove NV
Dr. Martin and his staff have been and were during my procedure absolutely amazing and kind and professional. For … oral surgery, he and his staff are the best place to be taken care of.
Alison B., Truckee, CA
Dr. Martin and his office staff were extremely professional, their compassion and caring was awesome! I would recommend Dr. Martin to anyone in need of an oral surgeon.
Pam M., Truckee, CA
Dr. Martin is great, after having a wisdom tooth removed I had no problem or pain. I would highly recommend Tahoe Oral Surgery.
Sandy Wingate
Dr. Martin and his staff are awesome and super nice! I definitely recommend Dr. Martin to anyone looking for an oral surgeon!
Lyndsay F.
I highly recommend [Dr. Martin] and would not hesitate to drive back to Tahoe to have my son seen again (in fact, I already did!).
Erin E.
If you have to have oral surgery for any reason, you couldn’t pick a better place than Tahoe Oral Surgery & Implant Center. The staff makes you feel welcome and Dr. Martin is lovely!!!!
Kay Taylor

Tahoe Dental Implant Blog

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  • Eight Things to Know Before Getting Dental Implants – Dental Implant FAQs

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More Info

  • Introduction
  • First Visit
  • Scheduling
  • Financial & Insurance Policy
  • Patient Registration
  • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
  • Referring Doctors
  • FAQs

Surgical Instructions

  • Before Anesthesia
  • Wisdom Tooth Removal
  • Dental Implant Surgery
  • Extractions
  • Multiple Extractions
  • Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Truckee (& mailing)

Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center
40165 Truckee Airport Road
#303 (2nd floor)
Truckee, CA 96161
530-587-5440

South Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center
591 Tahoe Keys Blvd.
Suite D4
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
530-541-4042
Daniel C. Martin, DDS and Dr. Rachel Appelblatt, DDS, MD your Truckee and Lake Tahoe Oral Surgeons

Proudly Offers the Following Oral Surgery Services:

Dental Implants, All-on-4™, Teeth-in-an-Hour™, Bone Grafting, Jaw Bone Health, Jaw Surgery, Jaw Bone Deterioration, Ridge Augmentations, Sinus Lift, Nerve Repositioning, Socket Preservation, Pre-prosthetic Surgery and treatment of Facial Trauma, and Oral Pathology.

Serving the following California and Nevada communities: Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, Reno, Gardnerville, Minden, Carson City, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Incline Village, Zephyr Cove, Stateline NV, Sierraville.

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