Facial Trauma Experts

Serving Marietta, Woodstock, Dallas, & Acworth

At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we understand that experiencing facial trauma can be a traumatic event, both physically and emotionally. Whether it’s the result of an accident, sports injury, or a fall, injuries to the face require immediate attention and specialized care. Our team of skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons is dedicated to providing expert treatment for facial fractures, soft tissue injuries, and dental trauma, ensuring the best possible outcome for our patients.

What is Facial Trauma?

Facial trauma refers to any injury that affects the face, including the bones, soft tissues, and teeth. Common types of facial trauma include:

  1. Bone Fractures:
    • Mandible (Jaw) Fractures: Injuries to the lower jaw can affect your ability to chew, speak, and even breathe. These fractures often occur from accidents, physical altercations, or sports injuries.
    • Maxillary (Upper Jaw) Fractures: Injuries to the upper jaw often accompany nasal fractures, affecting both facial structure and alignment.
    • Zygomatic (Cheekbone) Fractures: These fractures can lead to facial asymmetry, bruising, and even issues with vision or eye movement.
    • Nasal Fractures: A broken nose is one of the most common types of facial trauma and typically results from falls, collisions, or sports accidents.
    • Orbital (Eye Socket) Fractures: Fractures around the eye can cause vision problems and, in some cases, require surgical intervention to repair.

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Soft Tissue Injuries:

Soft tissue injuries, including cuts, lacerations, and bruising to the skin and inside the mouth, are common with facial trauma. These injuries are treated to minimize scarring and promote proper healing.

Dental Injuries:

Teeth may be avulsed (knocked out), fractured, or displaced during trauma. Immediate care is crucial to prevent long-term dental issues.

Treatment for Facial Trauma at Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we provide comprehensive care for facial trauma. Our team specializes in both the surgical and non-surgical management of injuries, offering individualized treatment plans based on your specific needs.

  1. Initial Assessment and Stabilization:
    • Our first priority is your safety. We begin with a thorough evaluation to assess any potential threats to your airway, breathing, or circulation. Once your condition is stable, we will manage pain and prepare for further treatment.
  2. Fracture Treatment:
    • Non-Surgical Treatment: In some cases, fractures can be managed with less invasive methods such as immobilization or wiring the jaws together to allow the bones to heal naturally.
    • Surgical Intervention: For more severe fractures, surgery may be necessary. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons use advanced techniques, including plates and screws, to realign and stabilize the bones, allowing them to heal properly.
  3. Soft Tissue Repair:
    • Lacerations and soft tissue injuries will be carefully treated with sutures to minimize scarring. We may also use advanced techniques to promote healing and restore your facial appearance.
  4. Dental Repair:
    • If you have experienced dental trauma, we will work quickly to either reimplant an avulsed tooth or provide restorative options such as crowns, bridges, or dental implants, depending on the severity of the damage.
  5. Follow-Up Care:
    • Once the immediate treatment is complete, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. We’ll ensure that your healing process is progressing as expected, and we will address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Trauma

Q: What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during an accident? A: If a tooth is knocked out, it is important to act quickly. Place the tooth in a container of milk or saline, or gently between your cheek and gum, and get to our office as soon as possible. If treated within the first 30-60 minutes, we can often reimplant the tooth with great success.

Q: How do I know if I need surgery for my facial injury? A: Surgery is generally required for fractures that are displaced, unstable, or involve critical areas like the eyes or mouth. Our team will evaluate your injury with a thorough examination and imaging to determine the most appropriate treatment for your case.

Q: What are the long-term effects of facial trauma? A: While many patients recover fully from facial trauma, more severe injuries can sometimes lead to long-term effects, such as facial asymmetry, chronic pain, or difficulty chewing or speaking. Our goal is to minimize these effects through prompt treatment and careful follow-up care.

Q: How long will it take to recover from facial trauma? A: Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. Minor fractures may take a few weeks to heal, while more complex fractures could take several months. We will provide you with a detailed recovery timeline based on your specific injury and treatment plan.

Q: Can facial trauma be prevented? A: While some accidents are unavoidable, wearing protective gear such as mouthguards during sports and taking precautions to prevent falls can reduce the risk of facial trauma. We encourage patients to take preventive measures to protect themselves from injury.

Q: Will I have visible scars after facial trauma treatment? A: We take every measure to minimize scarring during the treatment of facial trauma. For soft tissue injuries, we use specialized suturing techniques to promote healing with minimal visible scarring. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore a more natural appearance.

Why Choose Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?

At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our team is committed to providing the highest level of care for facial trauma. We have extensive experience in treating facial fractures, soft tissue injuries, and dental trauma. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons utilize the latest techniques and technology to ensure that you receive the best treatment available. Whether your injury is mild or severe, we are here to help you recover and return to your normal life.

If you or someone you know has experienced facial trauma, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We are here to provide compassionate care and expert treatment every step of the way.