Facial Trauma

If you have experienced a facial injury that is extensive, severe, and/or occurs after hours, please go to the nearest emergency room for prompt treatment by the oral surgeon on call.

Many vital functions, such as eating and breathing, occur due to the critical composition of the face. To ensure that facial trauma is treated properly, all patients should seek an educated and qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral surgeons undergo extensive education and training to restore facial aesthetics and proportions, correct the functionality of the jaw, and replace missing or damaged teeth.

Facial Trauma Causes and Treatment

Some of the most common causes of facial trauma injuries include:

• Sports injuries
• Accidents in the home
• Work-related injuries
• Falls
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Physical assaults

The specific surgical procedure to treat an individual trauma is determined by assessing the area of the face that is injured and its severity. In some cases, multiple treatments are necessary. Some of the more commonly seen facial trauma injuries include:

• Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
• Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
• Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
• Facial lacerations
• Intraoral lacerations

Minor injuries, such as knocked out teeth or facial lacerations, may require dental implants or stitches. More serious incidents may involve a more complex approach with multiple treatments. No matter the severity, it is important to treat facial trauma cases as soon as possible to ensure that the mouth and face are fully restored.