Facial Trauma

Instances of facial trauma are more common than you might think; there are more than three million cases of facial trauma admitted each year to hospitals throughout the United States. Just like a cardiologist is called upon to treat heart-related issues, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be called upon to manage and treat facial trauma cases. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are frequently busy members of any emergency room trauma team.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have received extensive training during their education that allows them to address a plethora of dental and facial problems. They are required to complete years of comprehensive surgical training and medical education in addition to their dental school training, thereby making them experts in correcting the functionality of the jaw, restoring the aesthetics of facial proportions, and replacing damaged or missing teeth.

Each facial trauma case is different because there are various ways that the face and mouth can be affected by trauma situations.

Some of the more commonly seen facial trauma injuries include

• Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
• Facial lacerations
• Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
• Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
• Intraoral lacerations

What causes facial trauma?

Facial trauma injuries can be caused by several events, including motor vehicle accidents, work-related injuries, falls, sports injuries, physical assaults, and accidents in the home. The kind of injury that is incurred will determine the treatment necessary to correct the problem. Minor injuries, such as knocked-out teeth or facial lacerations, may only require the placement of dental implants or sutures. Serious cases may involve a more complex approach, and more than one treatment may be necessary.

It is important that immediate attention is given to facial trauma injuries to avoid any long-term problems that may arise if left untreated. Failure to treat facial trauma can result in impacted teeth, misalignment of the jaw and bite, resorption of the jaw bone, the development of disorders in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the jaw, and even facial discomfort and disfigurement. If you have suffered a facial injury of any sort, we urge you to contact our office immediately.

Dr. Simonton is on staff at the local hospital and is on call to deliver emergency room coverage for any facial injuries that may occur. At Gainesville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we are compassionate about helping to restore oral and maxillofacial function and aesthetics to every patient who has been in a trauma situation.

Where can I get facial trauma surgery near Gainesville, GA?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Fred Simonton, is a specialist in providing solutions for the treatment of complex oral and dental health problems, including the treatment of facial trauma injuries. With two office locations in Gainesville and Watkinsville, GA, Dr. Simonton and his staff serve a wide region, including cities in Georgia as well as cities in South Carolina and North Carolina.