The face is a part of the body which provides uniqueness and personality to an individual. The role of the teeth in aesthetics cannot be understated. Unfortunately, these two areas are also the most vulnerable to various kinds of injuries. It is said that when you pick up one end of the stick, you automatically pick up the other end. Recent advances in technology also bring with it increased risk as well as severity of injury. The most common cause is road accidents due to high speed vehicular traffic. Other causes include falls, fights, sports related injuries, industrial accidents and natural disasters.

Dental injuries may vary from a slight chipping off of the enamel to complete loss of the tooth. Treatment options include build up with composites, Root Canal Treatment, Artificial Crowns, Splinting and complete tooth replacement. However, what is natural is natural. In case a tooth gets knocked out it can be splinted and may continue to give good value for many years to come. Results vary according to how early it has been replaced and on the severity of the injury. While at the site of the accident, the tooth may be lightly washed with fresh water and gently pushed back into its socket. If this is not possible, the tooth may be placed under the patient's tongue or in a small container of saline, milk or even water. The patient should be rushed to the specialist for examination and splinting of the tooth. This may save the patient from complex and expensive replacement procedures like removable partial dentures, fixed bridges and dental implants.

Maxillofacial injuries, which include fractures of the jaws, are more complex, often requiring multi-speciality intervention. Recent advances like miniplate fixation ensure better alignment of the fractures and faster healing. This prevents facial disfigurement and absence from work for long periods of time. In most cases, it prevents prolonged closure of the mouth by intermaxillary fixation which is quite uncomfortable and would have lead to nutritional deficiencies, problems with speech and compromised oral hygiene.

Fortis Hospital, Mohali, is well equipped to deal with emergency as well as definitive care of all kinds of dental and facial trauma. It provides the latest state-of-the-art facilities with highly qualified specialists who ensure excellent care and early rehabilitation of the patient.

Dr. Preet Kanwal Singh,
Consultant, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery,
Fortis Hospital, Super Speciality in Heart, Mohali.