FACIAL TRAUMA

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to deal with injuries to the mouth or face due to our background and training. One of the most common types of serious injury to the face occurs when bones are broken. Knowledge regarding proper jaw position and bite is critical when repairing complex facial fractures.

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Facial fractures can involve the lower jaw (mandible), upper jaw (maxilla), nose, cheekbones (zygomas), eye sockets (orbits) and/or a combination of these bones. In many cases, lacerations and other soft-tissue injuries accompany fractures of the facial bones. Additionally, teeth can be injured and can compromise the way the teeth come together, known as the occlusion. 

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The principles for treating facial fractures are similar to those for a broken arm or leg. The parts of the bone must be lined up (reduction) and held in position (fixation) long enough to permit them time to heal. The goal is to restore you to normal function as soon as possible, and we will discuss the option that is best for your situation.