Facial Trauma
Facial trauma can refer to any injury to the tooth, jaw bone, or face. The severity and location of your facial trauma will determine the necessary treatment options. Since an oral and maxillofacial surgeon has a specialized understanding of the structures of the face, they are the ideal provider for repairing facial trauma injuries.
An oral surgeon commonly treats facial trauma injuries such as
Fractures to the jaw or facial bones
Dental injuries, such as broken or avulsed teeth
Facial cuts
Treating Facial Injuries
Your oral surgeon will determine the best course of treatment for your facial trauma injury depending on its severity and other factors. At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, providing our patients with optimal results and compassionate care is our top priority. Common treatment plans for facial trauma injuries include the following.
Facial Cuts
If a patient has an open cut on the face or mouth, an oral surgeon will suture the site closed (also known as stitches) using the best techniques that allow the wound to heal optimally and with minimal scarring.
Facial Fractures
When a patient experiences a fracture of the facial bones, traditional casts are not able to hold these bones in place. Instead, the bones need to be set using screws, plates, and wires. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can stabilize these bones with tools that are used beneath the skin and produces minimal scarring.
Dental Injuries
A dentist can often repair a cracked or broken tooth. However, in more severe cases, such as a tooth that has been completely knocked out or broken at the socket, an oral surgeon is the most qualified to perform the dental repair.
A tooth that is knocked out is considered a dental emergency, and you need to visit an oral surgeon immediately. The best chance to save the natural tooth is within 30 minutes of the injury. Please bring the tooth with you to our office in a container of saliva or whole milk. Do not wipe off the tooth or try to disinfect it. Sometimes teeth that have been knocked out are unable to be saved; if this is the case, we will discuss replacement options, such as dental implants.
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 offices in Wenatchee, WA, and Moses Lake, WA. We will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible.
To request a consultation and learn more about our services, please request an appointment now. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health and smile!
