Accidents and injuries can result in facial trauma that may affect teeth, bone and soft oral tissues. There are certain steps that you can take to reduce your risks of suffering such injuries, but it’s important to know how to proceed if you do experience facial trauma. To preserve your appearance and the functionality of your jaw and your smile, you should consult with a specialist such as an oral surgeon with extensive experience in repairing damage that results from facial trauma.
Causes Of Facial Trauma
Facial trauma most often occurs due to car accidents, injuries sustained while playing sports and falls that occur in the home or public areas, such as shopping centers or workplaces. Whenever possible, patients should take action to prevent such injuries, such as wearing seatbelts at all times, only driving when sober and alert and wearing protective gear while playing sports.
Common Injuries Caused By Facial Trauma
Facial trauma can cause fractures in facial bones, such as the jaws or cheekbones, dislodged teeth or lacerations affecting facial skin or soft oral tissues, such as the lips, tongue, gums or interior of the cheek. Time is of the essence in repairing these injuries, as the healing process can be negatively affected if the patient is unable to access prompt treatment, such as facial surgery.
Treatment For Facial Injuries
Facial injuries are classified based on the tissues involved: Soft tissue, bone or specialized (e.g. facial nerves, salivary glands). Depending on the severity of the injury, you may first seek care and treatment at an emergency room, where an oral surgeon credentialed with the facility will determine any immediate treatment that is warranted. Facial surgery may happen in this setting, and additional interventions may also be needed at a later date. An oral surgeon may also collaborate with other specialists to fully restore the patient’s facial appearance after trauma.
We encourage you to do everything possible to prevent facial trauma, but if you do experience facial injuries, contact our team at Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery as soon as possible to be evaluated for appropriate treatment or to follow up after receiving emergency care from another provider.