Facial Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery

After a car accident or other facial trauma, you may require surgery to correct the damage. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained to perform all types of surgery that are needed after facial trauma. Facial trauma can be repaired in a local hospital or outpatient surgery center. Some of the types of facial trauma, which may require surgery, include facial lacerations, knocked-out teeth, and broken or fractured cheek, nose, jaw, or eye socket.

Facial trauma causes a high degree of physical and emotional trauma to the patient. Correcting facial trauma requires special training and an in-depth understanding of the long-term functioning and appearance of the face. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons take into consideration the patient’s prior appearance and any permanent damage that will affect the results.

When accidents happen, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are here to help. Facial trauma refers to any unexpected force to the face that results in any injury to the teeth, bones, or soft tissue of the face.

These injuries can affect vital functions, like breathing through the nose or blinking, and are associated with mishaps like car accidents and sports injuries, and typically demand emergency care.

Facial trauma can look like:

Chipped, Loosened, or knocked-out teeth

If treated immediately, a loosened or knocked-out tooth can successfully be re-implanted into the jaw. When that isn’t possible, a dental implant is a great option to replace a missing tooth.

Broken jaw, eye socket, or other facial bones

The treatment of broken facial bones is unique and requires special techniques to stabilize the bones so that facial appearance, structure, and function can be restored. Sometimes, this involves wiring the upper and lower jaws together so that bones heal in alignment with each other. In other cases, plates and screws are used to secure bones in position. In all cases, function and aesthetics are the priority.

Injury to the soft tissue and skin of the face, including salivary glands or facial nerves

There are many small soft tissues in the face, including salivary glands that help us digest food and facial nerves that help us smile. These procedures vary but typically involve closing wounds with stitches or sutures and applying medication to prevent infection.

Prevention is the best treatment for facial trauma. Wearing seatbelts and using protective gear like helmets and mouthguards can greatly reduce your risk of facial trauma.

If you ever find yourself in emergency care for facial trauma, make sure to ask for a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon so you receive the best possible outcome.