The management of fractures of the facial skeleton

In the successful treatment of maxillo-facial injuries, the assessment of the damage sustained, the surgical management and post-operative follow-up will always remain the concern of a number of medical disciplines and therefore early consultation between various specialities is to be encouraged to ensure the best result for the patient. Of paramount importance in dentistry. Emphasis has not been placed on the psychological problems relating to various degrees of loss of body image which must accompany every severe facial injury nor to the value of the specialized care provided by dietary consultants and nursing personnel. Respect for the abilities of allied professions and early involvement of all in an inter-disciplinary team approach eliminates many management problems. This survey clearly indicates that no one specialist, regardless of whether he be dental or medical, should work alone but rather should work in willing cooperation with others. Post-operative occlusal problems can be avoided if the dental team is consulted early; in-patient management can be trouble-free if treatment planning is coordinated and based on the individual needs of the patient, not those of an individual specialist. Thus the dental surgeon must clearly understand the problems which may be encountered by other disciplines involved in the total management of the patient. The opinions expressed herein are based upon first hand experience. They may be of interest and value to clinicians called upon to manage patients with maxillo-facial injuries and stimulate thought and discussion concerning this important field of clinical practice.