The dental specialist performs the proper treatment of facial injuries to our Oklahoma City patients. These professionals must be well versed in emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation not just for physical reasons but emotional as well. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving a hands on experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long term function and appearance.

Our OKC-OMS doctors in Oklahoma City meet and exceed these modern standards. They are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. They are on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:

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

The Nature Of Maxillofacial Trauma

There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries of teeth to extremely severe injuries of the skin and bones of the face. Typically, facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).

Addressing Facial Trauma

If you have experienced a traumatic injury to the face, the first step is to join us for an evaluation. Your oral surgeon will carefully examine the teeth, jaw, and skin, taking medical images as needed. You will then receive a fully tailored treatment plan, allowing you to regain form and function.

If your traumatic accident has resulted in tooth loss, we will likely recommend dental implant placement. A bone graft may also be required to restore lost jaw bone. For other patients, surgical intervention may be needed to repair injuries to the face or the jaw.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care? 

In some situations, a facial injury may warrant immediate care. We recommend seeking emergency intervention if your injury meets any of the following criteria:

  • You have noticed a change in your bite.
  • You have lost an adult tooth or have an adult tooth that is exceedingly loose.
  • Your jaw or face is significantly swollen.
  • You have noticed a change in sensation somewhere in the facial area.

Hospital Affiliations

OKC-OMS is a leading oral and maxillofacial surgery practice affiliated with two of the most prestigious medical centers in Oklahoma City: Integris Baptist Medical Center and Mercy Health Medical Center. This affiliation allows OKC-OMS to provide you with access to a wide range of medical services and resources, ensuring the highest quality of care.

Types of Facial Trauma

Soft Tissue Injuries Of The Maxillofacial Region

When soft tissue injuries such as lacerations occur on the face, they are repaired by suturing. In addition to the obvious concern of providing a repair that yields the best cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). Our Doctors are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons and are proficient at diagnosing and treating all of our Oklahoma City Patients types of facial lacerations.

Bone Injuries Of The Maxillofacial Region

Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar to the fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form of treatment is determined by various factors, which include the location of the fracture, the severity of the fracture, the age, and general health of the patient. When an arm or a leg is fractured, a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.

One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. Certain other types of fractures of the jaw are effectively treated and stabilized by the surgical placement of small plates and screws at the involved site. This technique of treatment can often allow for healing and obviates the necessity of having the jaws wired together. This technique is called “rigid fixation” of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of rigid fixation have profoundly improved the recovery period for many of our Oklahoma City patients, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.

The treatment for our Oklahoma City patients for facial fractures should be accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. More importantly, the patient’s facial appearance should be minimally affected. An attempt at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary is always made. At the same time, the incisions that become necessary, are designed to be small and, whenever possible, are placed so that the resultant scar is hidden.

Injuries To The Teeth & Surrounding Dental Structures

Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral surgeons usually are involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of splinting (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together). If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in saltwater or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe the tooth off, since remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of replanting the tooth. Other dental specialists may be called upon such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.

The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of specialists who are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation of our Oklahoma City patients.

Facial Trauma FAQs

The most common causes include accidents (car crashes, falls), assaults, sports injuries, and even animal bites.

You should seek medical attention for any serious injury, breathing difficulty, vision changes, bleeding, numbness, or suspected fractures.

Facial reconstruction surgery may include bone grafting to rebuild structures, soft tissue repair to fix cuts and lacerations, dental implants to replace lost teeth, and various techniques to address scarring.

Recovery time varies widely depending on injury severity and treatment. Minor injuries may heal within weeks, while complex surgeries can take months or even longer.

You can expect pain, swelling, discomfort, potential dietary restrictions, and medication post-surgery. Physical therapy may be needed to regain function and reduce scar tissue.

Seek Care for Facial Trauma in Oklahoma City

Facial injuries can be both physically and emotionally traumatic, and our team of highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons at OKC-OMS is skilled in all aspects of treatment, from emergency care to long-term reconstruction. We offer treatment for a variety of facial injuries, including lacerations, avulsed teeth, fractured bones, and more. Our focus is on achieving the best possible cosmetic outcome while ensuring proper healing and function. Contact our offices in the Oklahoma City area for your facial trauma appointment.