Procedures Used to Treat Facial Trauma

Facial trauma can have serious long-term consequences for your oral health and your overall well-being if you fail to get prompt treatment for your injuries. Anyone who experiences facial trauma should consult with an oral surgeon as soon as possible to ensure proper healing.

Even if your injury is initially stabilized at your local ER, you will still benefit from working with an oral surgeon for additional facial surgery that may be needed.

Of course, we always encourage patients to reduce their risk of facial trauma whenever possible, which can help you avoid facial surgery in the first place. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps you can take to help you achieve this goal.

Facial Trauma Procedures: An Overview

The face is comprised of the most complex joints in the human body, and facial trauma can affect any of its components. An oral surgeon might perform one of the following types of facial surgery to restore the facial structures after an injury:

• Corrective jaw surgery: A surgical procedure may be needed to address a jaw fracture or to reposition the jaw in the proper alignment.
• Bone grafting: When bone is too severely damaged to support the facial structures, it may be necessary to insert bone tissue from a donor source at the site of the injury.
• Soft tissue grafting/reconstruction: Affected soft tissue may need to be replaced or rebuilt in order to fully restore the facial structures.

Preventing Facial Trauma

Facial trauma is often preventable, so you can take steps to reduce the likelihood that you will need to undergo facial surgery at all. These steps include:

• Always using your seat belt when in a moving vehicle
• Never driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs or even excessive drowsiness
• Wearing preventive mouthguards while playing contact sports
• Keeping floor spaces in your home free from tripping hazards

Check in with your surgeon to see if you are doing everything possible to minimize your risk of facial trauma.

Patients who have experienced facial trauma should follow up with our team at Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery as soon as possible to be evaluated for ongoing treatment to address the damage. Don’t delay in calling us to schedule your appointment to support your optimal healing.