Facial Trauma

Facial Trauma

Injuries to the teeth, jaw bone, or face tend to happen when least expected. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the most qualified specialist to see in the event of a facial trauma injury. They are experts when it comes to restoring facial function and aesthetics.

For extensive facial trauma injuries or a facial trauma injury that occurs after hours, please go to the nearest emergency room to be treated by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon on call. At Bonita Medical Center, we will do everything that we can to see you and treat your condition promptly.

Common facial trauma injuries:

  • Facial cuts
  • Intraoral lacerations (cuts inside the mouth)
  • Dental injuries, including broken and avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
  • Fractured jaw or facial bones

Treating Facial Injuries

Dr. Schow and the entire team at Bonita Medical Center are here for your oral and maxillofacial needs, especially when the unexpected happens. We care about our patients and will do everything that we can to see and treat you promptly. Treatment for your facial trauma injury will be determined by the severity and location of the injury, among other factors. Some of the conditions we treat include the following:

Facial Cuts

A cut to the face or mouth may require stitches. Your oral surgeon will use a specific technique to close the wound to allow for optimal healing and the best aesthetic outcome.

Facial Fractures

Because of their location, facial fractures cannot be stabilized with traditional casts. Instead, screws, wires, and plates are required to secure the bones in place. Your oral surgeon will work beneath the skin to set the facial bones — this usually minimizes scarring.

Dental Injuries

In general, a dentist can fix a cracked or broken tooth. However, severe injury to a single tooth or multiple teeth may require an oral surgeon. Severe dental injuries include a tooth being knocked out or broken at the socket.

The first 30 minutes after a dental injury is the most critical. This is the window of time that provides the greatest chance to save your natural tooth. If one or more of your teeth have been knocked out completely, please visit our office. Make sure to bring the tooth with you in a container of saliva or whole milk. Do not wipe off the tooth or otherwise attempt to disinfect it.

We will do what we can to save your tooth, but some teeth cannot be saved after an injury. If your tooth cannot be saved, your oral surgeon will discuss tooth replacement options, such as a dental implant.

Facial Trauma Treatment in Santa Fe, NM

Immediate treatment is necessary for any facial trauma. In the event of a facial trauma injury, Bonita Medical Center will see you as soon as possible. If you have an extensive facial trauma injury or an injury that occurs after hours, please go to the nearest emergency room for prompt treatment from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon on call.