Facial Trauma Specialist

What causes facial trauma? 

As the term implies, facial trauma happens when your face suffers due to a significant force. However, even a minor blow can cause significant damage if it results in a fracture. The most common causes of facial trauma include: 

• Accidents in the workplace
• Domestic violence
• Motor vehicle collisions
• Dental complications
• Falls
• Sports injuries

If you've been in an accident, visit the skilled team at Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center.

What are the symptoms of facial trauma?

Facial fractures are painful and commonly lead to swelling, tenderness, numbness, and bruising. Depending on which part of your face is fractured, you may also experience other symptoms.

Jaw fracture

People often lose or break their teeth when they fracture their jaw, or their teeth may no longer feel like they fit in the mouth properly. This can give you trouble eating and speaking, and bruising under the tongue is also common.

Orbital fracture

You may have blurred or double vision, your eyeball may bulge or become sunken, the whites of your eyes may turn red or discolored, and you might find it challenging to move your eyes. You'll also have a black eye if not two.

Nose fracture

A broken nose bleeds heavily. The bruising is heavy, especially around the eyes and over the site of the break. Your nose may also look twisted, crooked, or misplaced, and you could have difficulty breathing.

Forehead fracture

If you've fractured your frontal bone, your forehead may have a dent in it, looking as if it's pushed inward. You'll likely have sinus pain and discoloration around the eyes.

The sooner you seek treatment for a facial fracture, the less likely you are to develop further complications.

How do you treat facial trauma?

Your treatment depends on the extent of your injuries. The team at Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center strives to reduce the fracture by moving your facial bones back into their natural position and securing them in place. This is accomplished by using screws, and plates under IV sedation or fully intubated general anesthesia depending on the extent of the defect.

Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center has a team of dental and medical experts who are experienced in treating patients with all degrees of facial trauma. Call the practice or use the online inquiry form to book an appointment today.