Dr. Navid Senehi is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMFS), which makes him uniquely qualified and experienced in the detection and treatment of facial trauma. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are experts in treating skeletal trauma. Additionally, as a dentist, Dr. Senehi can plan the facial skeletal reconstruction based on the foundation of the bite (the teeth).
Dr. Senehi’s experience at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Hospital in Dallas distinguishes him as a top choice for the treatment of maxillofacial trauma and its associated bone or soft tissue injuries including:
- Knocked out (avulsed) teeth
- Intraoral lacerations
- Facial lacerations
- Fracture of the lower and upper jaw
- Fracture of the cheek, eye socket or nose
Maxillofacial Injuries – Bone
A fracture of a facial bone is treated similarly to bone fractures on other parts of the body. During the comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Senehi will determine the course of treatment based on different factors such as:
- Patient’s age
- Location of the fracture
- Severity of the fracture
- Overall health of the patient
When a person suffers a fracture to a limb, the treatment involves a cast to stabilize the area. Since stabilizing casts are not regularly placed in the face, other methods of stabilization are used for treatment. In certain cases, the treatment involves wiring the jaws together to stabilize the site. Additional treatment methods include placement of small plates over the fracture site. This is called Rigid Fixation. This treatment eliminates the need for wiring of the jaws while the fracture heals. Rigid fixation allows patients who have suffered bone fractures to the maxillofacial region a shorter recovery time.
Maxillofacial Injuries – Soft Tissue
Dr. Senehi is highly trained and specialized in the treatment of all types of facial lacerations. Soft tissue maxillofacial injuries include cuts to the facial skin, and other structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and ducts. When addressing these situations, Dr. Senehi approaches treatment in a way that ensures the best possible cosmetic results.
Facial Trauma to Teeth and Surrounding Dental Structures
Injuries to teeth (crowns) are common and may be treated by various dental professionals. As an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Senehi is typically involved in treating fractures to the supporting bone around the teeth or replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. Splinting is often used when these type of injuries occur. However, when a tooth is replanted, various other dental professionals may be required to achieve a desirable result, including Endodontist (root canal specialists) and general dentists that would restore the tooth after a root canal has been performed. Often, the prognosis for teeth that have been knocked out completely is poor, and with recent technological advancements, dental implants have become the standard in these cases of trauma.
