Facial Trauma

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.

Maxillofacial Traumas

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 soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).

Depending on the extent of injury, additional 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 dental specialists and cosmetic surgeons who are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the patient.

Our surgeons are highly trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. Our surgeons are on staff at local hospitals and delivers emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:

  • Facial lacerations

  • Intra oral lacerations

  • Avulsed (knocked out) teeth

  • Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose or eye socket)

  • Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)