Facial Trauma Care

Immediate, specialized treatment to restore function, structure, and confidence after injury.

Expert Treatment for Injuries to the Face, Jaw, and Teeth

Facial trauma involves injury to the bones, teeth, or soft tissues of the face and jaw. These injuries may occur from accidents, falls, sports impacts, or other trauma and can affect both appearance and essential functions such as breathing, speaking, and chewing. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and restore facial structure, alignment, and stability following injury.

A doctor examines a patient's throat in a medical office.

Types of Facial Injuries

3D scan showing a mandibular fracture on the lower jaw.

Jaw Fractures (Mandibular Fracture)

The lower jaw is one of the most commonly fractured facial bones. Jaw fractures can disrupt bite alignment, cause pain with movement, and affect speech and chewing function.

Image showing a skull with a highlighted zygomatic fracture.

Cheekbone Fractures (Zygomatic Fracture)

The cheekbone supports facial contour and is part of the eye socket. Fractures may cause flattening of the cheek, facial asymmetry, or difficulty opening the mouth.

Illustration of an orbital fracture on a human skull.

Orbital Fractures (Eye Socket)

Injuries to the orbital bones surrounding the eye can affect vision, eye position, and facial symmetry. These fractures may require surgical repair to restore proper support.

Illustration of a skull with a dental trauma injury showing a fractured tooth and bleeding.

Dental Trauma

Trauma can fracture, loosen, or displace teeth. Prompt evaluation is essential to preserve tooth structure and prevent long-term complications.

Illustration showing fracture fixation in a human skull with surgical plates and screws.

Surgical Stabilization of Facial Fractures

When facial bones are displaced, small titanium plates and screws may be used to restore proper alignment and stabilize healing. These fixation devices hold bones securely while they heal in the correct position.

How Facial Trauma Affects Function

Facial injuries may impact:

  • Bite alignment
  • Chewing ability
  • Speech clarity
  • Jaw movement
  • Breathing pathways
  • Vision or eye support
  • Facial symmetry

Because facial bones support both structure and function, accurate restoration is essential.

Evaluation After Facial Injury

Assessment may include:

  • Facial examination
  • Bite evaluation
  • Jaw mobility testing
  • Imaging of facial bones
  • Tooth stability assessment

This determines injury type and treatment needs.

Doctor performing a nasal examination on a patient.

When Facial Trauma Requires Surgery

Surgical treatment may be recommended when:

  • Bone segments are displaced
  • Bite alignment is altered
  • The facial contour is affected.
  • The eye socket support is compromised.
  • Jaw movement is impaired.
  • The teeth are severely displaced.

Stable fractures may sometimes heal without surgery.

Why Choose an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Facial trauma involves complex anatomy, including bones, teeth, nerves, and joints. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide:

  • Specialized facial bone surgery training
  • Bite and jaw alignment expertise
  • Fracture stabilization techniques
  • Dental injury management
  • Facial symmetry restoration

This ensures both functional and aesthetic recovery.

Recovery After Facial Trauma Treatment

Healing depends on injury type and severity. Bone healing typically occurs over several weeks, while full functional recovery may continue over months. Follow-up care ensures proper alignment and healing progress.

Man sitting on couch, holding jaw in pain.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Urgent evaluation is recommended after:

  • Facial impact injury
  • Suspected jaw fracture
  • Altered bite after trauma
  • Facial asymmetry after injury
  • Tooth displacement or fracture
  • Eye or cheekbone injury

Early treatment improves outcomes.

Restore Facial Structure and Function After Injury

If you have experienced facial or jaw trauma, prompt specialist evaluation helps ensure proper healing and long-term stability.

Contact our office immediately for facial trauma evaluation.