Facial Trauma Treatment |
Rapid City SD
The dental specialist performs the proper treatment of facial injuries. These professionals must be well versed in emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation not just for physical reasons but emotional as well.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. 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. Crossland, Dr. Van Dam, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Richman 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
- Intra oral lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- 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 of teeth to extremely severe injuries of 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).
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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). Dr. Crossland, Dr. Van Dam, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Richman are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons who are proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.
Bone Injuries Of The Maxillofacial Region
Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar to the 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, the age, and general health of the patient.
When an arm or a 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 obviates 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.
Black Hills Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Sam B
Scott Vandam is an awesome guy, he and his staff were so helpfully thru my 3 extractions. Very professional, we are so fortunate to have this in the Rapid City surrounding area.
- Sam B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Don C
This is the place to go in Rapid City when you need oral surgery, implants, etc. Dr. Van Dam and his staff are outstanding and took excellent care of me from start to finish.
- Don C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Chala R
Dr. Morgan and his assistant were thoughtful and extremely caring.
- Chala R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Paula M
I feel the overall staff is great, the nurses were awesome and so was Dr Crossland! However, they have one bad apple dealing with the public Gloria! She is the sole reason this business would not get 5 stars! Recommend but beware of the one, maybe bring her flowers…make her day somehow! I sure wish I would have, she made me feel like the bad kid in kindergarten that gets sent to the corner with the dunce hat! Lol! I really hope my case is an isolated incident for everyone.
- Paula M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Jeff B
Super nice people and they all make sure you understand what they will be doing and afterwards what you need to do for a good recovery
- Jeff B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Mimi L
After 3 other dentists in RC and hundreds of dollars spent with negative results I was finally referred to BH Oral Surgery. Best place in Rapid City. All the staff were awesome. They work like a well oiled wheel. In and out quickly. Had a post op question and Dr Morgan got on the phone and reassured me by explaining what was happening and it was normal.
- Mimi L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Margie A
Friendly & helpful staff - very courteous. Dr. was kind, courteous & very helpful. Post-procedure instructions were concise & easy to follow. Would recommend this facility to anyone experiencing tooth issues!
- Margie A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Marilyn K
After a rocky start with my dental implant being less than satisfactory, the problem was amended and a very successful outcome has given me a smile of which I am proud. Thanks to the astute and timely intervention of Dr. Van Dam, I would recommend this implant center to other patients looking for care.
- Marilyn K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Justin T
Dr. Richman did an excellent job with my tooth extraction and the implant of my abutment. I had little to no pain with both procedures. Dr. Richman took the time to personally call and see how things were going after the abutment implant. I see that as a sign of a good doctor that cares about his patients. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone looking into oral surgery.
- Justin T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Marilyn K
I am disappointed in the way my smile looks. The implant tooth, though I checked the color match before the tooth was made, was good but the implant is not a good match. The one the aide and I picked out matched very well but this one is almost gray. The implant tooth itself is clearly shorter than the surrounding teeth and I am disappointed in the way it looks when I smile.
- Marilyn K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Clair S
I had two extractions in one visit and did not feel any pain Dr. Van Dam did an excellent job. Doctor called me the evening after surgery to check pain level, I had no pain that night or in the days following. It was much better than i expected. I am recommending Doctor VanDam to a friend.
- Clair S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Gail D
I called on a Thursday morning with a concern Dr Van Dam got me in for a check that afternoon and went over and above helping with my issue! He even called the next day to check on me. I highly recommend using Dr Van Dam for any of your dental issues!
- Gail D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Edward H
I would recommend Dr. Van Dam and his entire staff for any needs that you may need. They were professional, patient, kind, caring, and compassionate. Any future needs I may have will definitely be done with Dr. Van Dam and his staff.
- Edward H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Pamela C
My doctor was very kind, reassuring, and he thoroughly explained the procedure and my options. Going in for a tooth retraction, and being very nervous, my doctor and the staff made my experience very comfortable.
- Pamela C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Carolyn B
I had three extractions in June of 2022 at the Spearfish office; two of those teeth had to be replaced with implants which was done in January 2023 at the Rapid City office. Both procedures went surprisingly well. I get extremely nervous about dental surgery and opted for sedation both times. The entire staff was very understanding and did everything possible to put me at ease. Dr. Van Dam was excellent and was very patient in answering all of my questions. I received several phone calls checking up on me after the procedures. My only complaint is that they didn't automatically call me to schedule the appointment for the implants or for my post-op visit as they said they would and I had to call to make the appointments but that's minor. I was very pleased with the procedures and the care that I received for both of them.
- Carolyn B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By David H
First experience with BH Oral Surgery and it was first rate, without exception. First time ever that a Medical Doctor (Dr. Van Dam) called me early evening after the procedure to make sure I was doing ok. In addition, had a phone call the next day to make sure everything was good. Most strongly recommend Black Hills Oral Surgery!
- David H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Hazel S
I was very satisfied with the care I received!
- Hazel S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Helen S
I was not looking forward to having a molar tooth in the back of my mouth pulled so I requested anesthesia for the procedure. It went very well and was soon over with. Someone called from the office to check on me at home for two days! I am doing well!
- Helen S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Michael M
The experience I had at Black Hills Oral Surgery was excellent. My appointment was on time and the extraction procedure was accomplished as fast as was possible. I had little pain and the healing was rapid. I would highly recommend B.H. Oral Surgery!
- Michael M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Robin w
everyone was so pleasant! Dr Morgan was very good with information and made me feel very comfortable in what was happening. The surgical tech girls were also so caring and friendly. Everyone from the front desk to the girl wheeling me out to the car were top notch! Thank you all so much
- Robin w
