Traumatic facial injuries can occur as a result of sports, motor vehicle accidents or altercations. The facial structures are some of the most frequently injured parts of the body. Injuries can range from minor dental injuries to facial lacerations to fracture of one or more of the facial bones. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat facial injuries.

Dental Trauma

Dental trauma is a common injury alone or in conjunction with other more serious injuries. The most minor injury, a fractured or “chipped” tooth, often can be treated by your family dentist. Sometimes accidents can displace or move teeth out of their normal position. If this occurs the tooth or teeth must be immediately repositioned and splinted to prevent problems. If a tooth is avulsed or “knocked out” it should be immediately replaced into position by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and stabilized. Failure to seek care immediately may result in the permanent loss of the tooth. If a tooth is avulsed it should be placed in milk and brought to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon as soon as possible. Under no circumstances should the tooth be scrubbed or cleaned in any way as this may disrupt the natural ligament that will help to anchor it back into the tooth socket.

Dentoalveolar Trauma

Dentoalveolar trauma occurs when there is sufficient force to disrupt not only the tooth and tooth socket but the surrounding jaw bone. This type of injury requires care from an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon to stabilize the teeth and bone to allow for proper healing. Failure to seek prompt care can result in improper healing of the bone or improper positioning of the teeth.

Facial and Oral Lacerations

Lacerations of the facial skin, lips and oral tissues is not uncommon in traumatic injuries. Lacerations should be repaired as soon as possible after they occur to minimize scarring and to ensure the most cosmetic result. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are well trained in the cosmetic repair of facial and oral lacerations. Laceration scars can often be lessened with the use of dermabrasion or laser resurfacing after a period of healing.

Facial Bone Fractures

The nasal bones are the most commonly fractured facial bones followed by the zygoma (cheek bone). This occurs because these bones protrude furthest from the rest of the face. The mandible (lower jaw), maxilla (upper jaw), orbit (eye socket) and frontal bone (forehead) are other areas of the facial skeleton that are sometimes fractured or injured. The proper and timely repair of facial bone injuries is crucial to proper function and optimal esthetics. Late repair of facial injuries can result in poor function and unsightly deformities which may be difficult and sometimes impossible to repair.

Dr. Ferdowsmakan treats all facial injuries. Some injuries can be treated in our office surgical suite at Torrey Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. More severe or complex injuries usually need to be treated in a hospital setting. Dr. Ferdowsmakan maintains hospital privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego.