Common traumatic facial injuries we treat include:
Dentoalveolar Trauma
This type of injury includes damage to the teeth, the bone around them, and the gums. It is considered one of the most serious dental conditions. The following injuries may occur:
- Knocked-out (avulsed) or broken teeth
- Fracture of the part of the jawbone that holds the teeth (alveolar process)
- Cuts on the gum and other soft tissue
Fractured Jaw
A broken jaw needs specialty treatment from an oral surgeon to regain full function. Broken jaws cause severe discomfort, difficulty eating and drinking, and breathing problems. The jaw joints can also crack, break, or become dislocated from the skull.
Treatment of Facial Trauma
Patients should always seek emergency medical care if they are in a life-threatening situation. After the patient is stable, an oral surgeon can help them regain function in their teeth, gums, and jaws using specialized procedures.
Why Choose Davis Oral Surgery and Implant Center?
We provide expert care in a friendly, relaxing environment. Our compassionate office staff welcomes all patients and wants to ensure that patients have all the information they need to make decisions.
No matter how serious a patient’s injuries may be, we will do our best to make them comfortable and do as much as possible to save their teeth and jaws from further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Trauma
What are the signs of a serious facial injury?
If patients notice a change in their breathing, eyesight, appearance, dental bite, or ability to swallow or speak, they should seek medical care before calling an oral surgeon. They may have a fracture in a facial bone if they have double vision, pain behind their eye, or blurry vision. They may also notice tingling or numbness in their lips and face.
What happens if a permanent tooth becomes loose in an accident?
We may be able to splint it to its neighbors to help the ligament holding the tooth in place to reattach. Patients will need to eat a soft diet while the tooth heals.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
If a patient’s tooth becomes completely knocked out, save it in a cup of saliva or milk and bring it to the oral surgeon. Ideally, reaching the doctor in 30 minutes to an hour will give the knocked-out tooth the best chance of replanting. We will replace the tooth in the socket and splint it to encourage reattachment.
Does a fractured jaw have to be wired shut?
Today, most fractures to the facial bones can receive small titanium plates and screws. A brief wiring period may be necessary if the jaw is very unstable.
Is it possible to prevent facial trauma?
One of the best ways to prevent traumatic injury for adults and children who play sports is to wear a mouthguard provided by a family dentist. A mouthguard protects teeth and gums from common injuries like falls and contact with fast-moving sporting equipment.
Call Davis Oral Surgery & Implant Center
We can help patients who have suffered accidents or traumatic dental injuries. We can restore their appearance and the full function of their teeth and jaws. Please call us at 530-297-7000 to be seen as soon as possible.
