If you’ve suffered facial trauma, you may be surprised to learn an oral surgeon is often the first and most effective source of help. In addition to more complex dental procedures, oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) treat and repair a wide range of facial injuries. From orbital and jaw fractures to deep lacerations on the face, the in-depth knowledge of dental occlusion and jaw structure that comes with an OMS specialty places them on the list of recommended trauma team members outlined in the American College of Surgeons guidelines.
What Is Considered Facial Trauma?
Any injury to the face, jaw or mouth falls under the heading of facial trauma. Whether sustained during an accident, a sports injury or a violent attack, these injuries can have an impact on a patient’s quality of life, self-esteem, and confidence.
This is where oral and maxillofacial surgeons are vitally necessary. Because they’re highly trained in emergency care, reconstructive procedures, rehabilitation, and acute treatment, oral surgeons are ideally suited to the treatment and management of facial trauma. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to ask for an oral surgeon to consult upon arrival in an emergency room or urgent care setting.
How is Facial Trauma Treated?
Because the term encompasses such a wide range of injuries and issues, facial trauma can be treated in many different ways. Soft tissue injuries, like those involving the skin or gums, will need to be treated through reconstructive care and suturing. This minimizes scarring while taking facial nerves and the salivary system into account. Because of their in-depth knowledge of overall cranial anatomy, oral surgeons are able to manage the complicated task of repairing damage without impacting closely adjoining glands, ducts and other tissues.
When fractures of the facial structures are sustained, there are a variety of techniques skilled oral surgeons can employ to restore the patient’s appearance and repair damage. Though often associated with complex dental procedures solely involving the mouth, oral surgeons are typically the first choice for treating fractures of the eye socket and orbital area, nose, forehead, and jaw.
At Katy Cypress Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we provide expert treatment for everything from complex facial trauma to wisdom tooth extraction. Dr. Millwala has had experience treating facial trauma throughout his residency and in his practice at a Level 1 hospital. No matter your oral or facial surgery needs, we can provide the very best in facial trauma and oral surgery care. Call today to discuss treatment and management options for severe facial injuries.