Nearly 8 million people suffer facial trauma worldwide on an annual basis, many from car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assault crimes. Facial injuries can have long-lasting impacts, but thankfully, advances in treatment enable patients to recover and regain function much more quickly, in addition to preserving facial aesthetics.
At Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center, Brandon Kang, DDS, offers compassionate, patient-centered care and treatment for facial trauma, including state-of-the-art surgeries aimed at restoring facial structure following minor and complex fractures. If you’ve suffered facial trauma, here’s what Dr. Kang wants you to know.
Like any type of trauma, the symptoms you experience following a facial trauma can vary, depending on the type of injury, the seriousness of your injury, and the area of your face that’s involved.
Some of the most common symptoms of facial trauma include:
Depending on the location of your trauma, you might feel like your jaw is loose, or part of your face might look displaced as a result of a fracture.
Because facial trauma involves trauma to your head and skull, there may be a risk of concussion. You may feel dizzy or have double or blurry vision or problems speaking. You should always seek immediate medical attention for any type of facial trauma.
Dr. Kang specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery techniques using state-of-the-art approaches aimed at restoring form and function for each individual patient. Depending on the type of fracture and other factors, you may need surgery to reposition bones that are broken or moved out of their normal alignment.
Dr. Kang performs surgery using sedatives and general anesthesia, depending on the type and extent of your injury. To secure your bones in place, he uses screws and plates to provide stability and allow the area to heal and move normally.
After your surgery, you’ll be given careful instructions regarding how to care for the area, along with a list of dietary restrictions if your injury involves your teeth or jaw. Dr. Kang sometimes recommends physical therapy following certain injuries to help you regain complete function, especially in injuries involving your jaw.
Because facial trauma can affect function, appearance, and overall well-being, it’s very important to work with a doctor who has significant experience and expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
As a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Kang has advanced skills in facial trauma treatment, teaching residents at University of the Pacific in addition to treating patients at his offices in San Francisco and Oakland, California.
To learn more about facial trauma treatment at Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
