Facial Trauma

With more than three million facial trauma cases in the United States each year, it is no wonder that oral and maxillofacial surgeons become regular, active members of an emergency room trauma team. If you or someone you love experiences a facial trauma, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the expert in treating and managing any facial trauma case.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the most qualified dental professionals to treat facial trauma injuries. Oral surgeons undergo extensive education and specialized training to properly address injuries to the mouth, teeth, facial bones, and skin.

What causes facial trauma?

The most common traumatic events that cause injury to the face include automobile accidents, falls, work-related injuries, sports injuries, physical assaults, and everyday accidents in the home. The specific treatment that is employed to correct the injury will depend on the kind of injury sustained by the patient.

Every individual facial trauma is unique; some of the more frequently seen facial trauma injuries include:

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

If you’ve experienced a minor injury, such as a facial laceration or an avulsed tooth, you may only require the placement of sutures or dental implants. Serious facial injuries, like a facial fracture or a jaw fracture, may involve a more complex procedure requiring more than one treatment. Regardless of the severity or type of injury, it is extremely important to have facial trauma cases treated quickly and efficiently. Immediate treatment ensures that the mouth and face are properly restored and do not develop long-term complications. If the patient does not seek immediate treatment, they are at risk for long-term problems such as jaw misalignment, the development of TMJ disorder, or jaw bone deterioration.