Do you know that facial trauma can be worse from the inside than how it looks from the outside? Externally, you may experience pain, problems while breathing, or bleeding from the site of the injury. However, the internal damage after a facial injury needs immediate care from an oral surgeon.
So, how do you know that it’s time to seek help from an oral surgeon immediately? You need to follow and focus on the symptoms. In this guide, you will learn about the signs that will tell you that you need to see an oral surgeon immediately after experiencing facial trauma.
1. You See An Injured Tooth
An injured tooth is a strong sign that there is deep structural damage in your mouth. An oral surgeon can analyze how deep the injury is and whether it has only inflicted the tooth or also the bone holding it. An injured tooth shows the following signs:
- It has cracks
- Complete displacement from its place
- Appears loose or is wiggling
- A portion of the tooth chips off
2. Damage to soft tissue after facial Trauma
Your facial tissues are very delicate. If you recently experienced falling on your face, it is very likely that your soft tissues are under the threat of severe damage. Here is what a strong infliction on soft tissues looks like:
- Deep lacerations on the skin
- Extensive cuts and tears around the lips
- Torn gums
An oral surgeon has the right training to handle these soft facial tissues and knows how to treat the wounds properly.
3. Severe or Progressive Swelling
Facial trauma swelling to the face is very common. If you notice that the swelling is gradually increasing or getting worse, know that it’s time to see an oral surgeon immediately. It can indicate a facial fracture as well. Swelling after a facial trauma can affect your ability to:
- See properly
- Chew food
- Breathe
- Speak
4. Pain Due To Facial Fracture
Not all facial swelling can be indicative of a facial fracture. However, if you are experiencing pain in your face even with the slightest touch, note that it can be indicative of a cheekbone fracture, eye socket fracture, or jaw fracture.
It should not be left untreated. When you experience a facial trauma and it results in a facial fracture, you can experience the following:
- There is a noticeable disfigurement of the face
- A change in your jaw movement
- Displacement of the mandible (lower jaw)
5. Your Gums Are Bleeding
You know that you need to take bleeding gums seriously, especially after undergoing a facial trauma. It is a lot more than just a surface injury. It can be a sign that there is significant or deep damage to your periodontal tissues or the roots present in your teeth.
Referring to an oral surgeon can be helpful to evaluate the depth of the gum injury and the involvement of the bone.
The Bottom Line
Facial trauma treatments by oral surgeons can help restore proper oral functioning. Whether you need a tooth replacement after facial trauma or need a bone graft after bone loss, visit our oral surgery expert at Katy Cypress Oral Surgery & Implant Center. Call us now at (281) 667-0607 to get the right treatment before it’s too late.