Facial Trauma

Facial trauma injuries include any wound to the forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, jaws, lips, or mouth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in the treatment of facial bone fractures as well as soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations to the skin. The severity and location of your facial trauma will determine the necessary treatment options. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in treating and repairing facial trauma, including fractures involving the teeth and jaws, fractures of other facial bones and soft tissue injuries to the face and mouth. Their knowledge regarding proper jaw position and bite (dental occlusion) is critical when repairing complex facial fractures. 

Treating Facial Injuries

Dr. Nishimoto will determine the best course of treatment for your facial trauma injury depending on its severity and other factors. Providing our patients with optimal results and compassionate care is our top priority. Common treatment plans for facial trauma injuries include the following:

Facial Lacerations
If a patient has an open cut on the face or mouth, an oral surgeon will suture the site closed to facilitate optimal healing with minimal scarring.

Facial Fractures
Treatments for fractures to the jaws, eye sockets, cheekbones, and other facial bones vary depending on the extent and location of the injury. Facial fractures are treated similarly to any other fracture; the bones must be stabilized in their correct positions while they heal. Fractures to other parts of the body are stabilized using casts or splints, but this is not possible for facial bones. Instead, oral surgeons can surgically place small plates and screws to secure facial bones.

Dental Injuries
Dentists can repair minor tooth injuries, but when an injury knocks out a tooth or damages the bone surrounding the teeth, an oral surgeon is needed. When a tooth is knocked out, an oral surgeon may be able to replace the tooth if it is brought in right away. An endodontist may sometimes help restore the tooth. Never wipe off or clean a tooth that has been knocked out, as the ligaments attached to the tooth are crucial for replacement. If your natural tooth cannot be saved, we offer natural-looking restorative options like dental implants to restore your smile.

Facial Trauma Treatment

Facial trauma emergencies are unexpected and require immediate treatment. That’s why we are here for you. If you or a loved one has experienced a facial trauma injury, please contact our office. We will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible, in most cases on the same day you call.