Facial Trauma

Facial trauma refers to any injury to the tooth, jaw bone, or face. The severity and location of your facial trauma will determine the necessary treatment options. Since an oral and maxillofacial surgeon has a specialized understanding of the structures of the face, they are the ideal provider for repairing facial trauma injuries.

An oral surgeon treats facial trauma injuries like:

  • Fractures to the jaw or facial bones

  • Dental injuries, such as broken or avulsed teeth

  • Significant facial lacerations (cuts)

Treating Facial Injuries

Dr. Shirley will determine the best course of treatment depending on the severity of your injury taking every factor into account. At Piney Woods Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, providing our patients with the best results combined with compassionate care is our top priority. Common procedures for facial trauma injuries include the following:

Facial Lacerations

Sutures (also known as stitches) is the most straightforward treatment for an open cut on the face or mouth.

Facial Fractures

When a patient fractures one of the facial bones, traditional casts can’t be used to hold these bones in place. Instead, the bones need to be set using screws, plates, and wires. Dr. Shirley can stabilize these bones with tools that are used beneath the skin and produces minimal scarring.

Dental Injuries

A dentist can often repair a cracked or broken tooth. However, in more severe cases, such as a tooth that has been completely knocked out or broken at the socket, an oral surgeon is the most qualified to perform the dental repair.

A tooth that is knocked out is considered a dental emergency, and you need to visit an oral surgeon immediately. Seeking treatment within 30 minutes gives your tooth the best chance of survival. Please bring the tooth with you to our office in a container of saliva or whole milk. Do not wipe off the tooth or try to disinfect it. Sometimes teeth that have been knocked out are unable to be saved. If this is the case, we will discuss replacement options, such as dental implants.

Facial Trauma Treatment

Facial trauma emergencies are unexpected and requires immediate treatment. That’s why we are here for you. If you or a loved one has experienced a facial trauma injury, please contact our offices immediately. We will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible.