Facial Trauma: Learn the Facts Before It Happens!

The phrase “facial trauma” probably triggers thoughts of extensive injuries from a car wreck or other catastrophic accident, but not all facial trauma is severe. However, any injury to the face must be treated as soon as possible to avoid possible long-term consequences such as scarring or limited jaw mobility.

What is Facial Trauma?

Facial trauma is any injury that causes damage to facial structures, including the jaw, teeth, and gums. These injuries include soft tissue injuries and bone injuries such as fractures. Common causes of facial trauma include sports-related injuries, car accidents, falls, work-related injuries, and assault.

Soft Tissue Facial Trauma

Soft tissue injuries can include cuts, lacerations, and other damage to the face, mouth, and cheeks. Most can be repaired by stitching or suturing. At Flushing OMS, we also address traumatic injuries to the salivary glands, salivary ducts, facial nerves, and underlying muscles of the face. This ensures that your face recovers not only aesthetically but functionally.

Bone Trauma

Maxillofacial bone damage may include eye socket, cheek, nose, or jaw fractures. These broken bones cannot be set with a cast or mobilized with a sling. Instead, facial fractures often require metal plates and screws to hold the bones in place until they heal.

Dental Trauma

Injuries to the teeth and jawbone are often sustained during contact sports and auto accidents. One of the most common injuries is a tooth that is knocked out or a broken jaw. Either of these injuries requires the help of an oral surgeon and should be seen immediately. If a tooth is knocked out, be sure to pick it up by the crown, place it in milk or saltwater, and bring it to us so that we can try to restore it to its position surgically. The sooner you see an oral surgeon, the more likely you will be able to save your natural tooth.

How Flushing Oral Surgery Treats Facial Trauma

Depending on the severity of the injuries, Flushing Oral Surgery provides various treatment options to repair facial trauma. Our oral surgeons are adept at performing all oral and maxillofacial surgeries, including:

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to repair a broken jaw and restore joint, ligament, and tendon function.

Dental Implants

When teeth have been knocked out, dental implants can replace the missing teeth and help preserve the jawbone.

Reconstructive Surgery

Rigid fixation with screws and plates or wiring of the jaw are both options depending on which bones of the face (cheekbone, eye socket, etc.) are broken or fractured. We are experienced in all aspects of facial reconstructive surgery.

How Do I Know I Need an Oral Surgeon?

If you have a minor cut or a toothache, you may not need an oral surgeon, but you should always see your dentist or doctor to confirm that your injury is adequately treated. However, some situations require the skills of an oral surgeon. If you have any of the symptoms below, ask your dentist for a referral to Flushing Oral Surgery or schedule an appointment with our office:

• Swelling of the face, gums, or jaw, which could indicate an infection.
• New or continued pain, stiffness, or locking of the jaw joint.
• A knocked-out tooth or, in adults, a loose tooth.
• Regularly bleeding gums.
• A sore in the mouth or on the lips that does not heal.
• Intense, throbbing pain radiating down the neck or up into the ear.
• A constant, severe toothache.

Prompt action is essential to a successful recovery after facial trauma. If you have any of the symptoms above or have injured your face or teeth, please contact us immediately at Flushing NY Office Phone Number 347-943-1960 so that we can have the highest chance of restoring your teeth and repairing any facial damage.