A facial injury can be frightening. Whether it happens in a car accident, a sports collision, or an unexpected fall, knowing where to turn and how quickly to act can make a real difference in your recovery.
At The Oral Surgery Institute, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of facial trauma conditions. With hospital privileges at local facilities and advanced surgical expertise, we provide expert care when you need it most.
What Is Facial Trauma?
Facial trauma refers to any physical injury to the face, including the skin, underlying bones, teeth, and soft tissues. It can range from superficial cuts and lacerations to complex fractures of the jaw or orbital bones. Because the face houses critical structures, the eyes, nose, mouth, and airway, prompt and specialized treatment is essential.
Did you know? Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive extensive hospital-based training in facial trauma management, making them uniquely qualified to treat injuries that go beyond the scope of a general dentist or emergency room physician.
Facial Trauma Conditions We Treat
Our surgeons at The Oral Surgery Institute are equipped to evaluate and treat the following facial trauma injuries:
- Facial Laceration: Cuts and wounds to the outer face requiring precise closure
- Intraoral Lacerations: Cuts and injuries inside the mouth and soft tissue
- Avulsed (knocked-out) theeth: Theeth dislodged from the socket due to trauma
- Fractured Facial Bones: Fractures of the cheek, nose, or eye socket (orbital).
- Fractured Jaws: Breaks in the upper jaw (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible)
Common Causes of Facial Injuries
Facial trauma can happen to anyone, at any age. The most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: the leading cause of serious facial fractures
- Sports injuries: contact sports like football, basketball, and martial arts
- Falls: especially in young children and older adults
- Workplace accidents: particularly in construction or industrial settings
- Physical altercations: blunt-force trauma to the face
Why Choose an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon for Facial Trauma?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) are the specialists most extensively trained in the anatomy and treatment of the face, jaws, and mouth. After completing dental school, OMS physicians complete a 4-6 year hospital-based residency that includes rotations in trauma surgery, anesthesia, and reconstructive procedures.
This means your surgeon understands not just the bones and soft tissue, but also the complex relationship between your facial structures, your bite, and your long-term function and appearance.
At The Oral Surgery Institute, our surgeons hold privileges at local hospitals in the Greensboro and Asheboro areas, meaning they can provide care across multiple settings, from outpatient offices to inpatient hospital facilities, depending on the severity of your injury.
What to Do If You Experience a Facial Injury
1. Seek emergency care if needed: If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or severe pain, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.
2. For a knocked-out tooth, act fast: Time is critical. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse gently with water, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist in a glass of milk or saline and call our office right away. A tooth re-implanted within 30-60 minutes has the best chance of survival.
3. Control bleeding from lacerations: Apply gentle, firm pressure to facial cuts using a clean cloth. If bleeding doesn’t slow after 10-15 minutes, seek emergency care.
4. Contact The Oral Surgery Institute: Once stabilized, contact our office as soon as possible. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and supports better long-term outcomes, especially for fractures and soft tissue injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Trauma
Is facial trauma treatment covered by insurance? Facial trauma treatment is often covered under medical insurance, not just dental insurance, since it typically results from an injury or accident. Our team can help you understand your coverage options. Contact us, and we’ll work with you.
Will I need surgery for a facial fracture? Not always. Minor fractures may be managed conservatively with rest and soft-food diets. However, displaced fractures, those where bones have shifted, typically require surgical repair to restore proper alignment and function.
How long does recovery from facial trauma take? Recovery varies based on the type and severity of the injury. Soft tissue injuries like lacerations often heal within one to two weeks. Bone fractures can take six to eight weeks or longer, with functional restrictions during healing.
Can facial injuries affect my jaw or bite long-term? Yes, untreated or improperly treated jaw fractures can result in bite misalignment (malocclusion), chronic pain, or TMJ problems. This is why specialized surgical evaluation is so important, even for injuries that seem minor at first.