Expert Care for Injuries to the Face, Mouth, and Jaw
Facial trauma resulting from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults requires immediate and specialized attention to restore both function and appearance effectively. These complex injuries can affect soft tissues, teeth, and the underlying facial bones. The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists possess the extensive hospital-based training and surgical skill necessary to manage the full spectrum of facial trauma across our Alabama locations. Dr. Cameron Walsh and Dr. Stefan J. Vila provide expert, compassionate care focused on optimal healing and recovery.
Types of Facial Injuries We Treat
Our practice is equipped to diagnose and manage a wide range of traumatic injuries affecting the maxillofacial region. Common types of facial trauma treated by our oral surgeons include:
- Facial Lacerations: Careful repair of cuts and tears involving the skin of the face, lips, and soft tissues inside the mouth, prioritizing minimal scarring and proper healing.
- Avulsed (Knocked-Out) or Displaced Teeth: Urgent management of teeth completely knocked out or shifted from their sockets due to impact, including potential reimplantation and stabilization when feasible.
- Fractured Facial Bones: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of broken cheekbones (zygoma fractures), eye sockets (orbital fractures), and other facial bone injuries requiring precise realignment and stabilization.
- Fractured Jaws (Maxilla & Mandible): Comprehensive management of upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) fractures using methods ranging from wiring techniques (MMF) to internal fixation with plates and screws to restore proper bite alignment and function.
Our Approach to Facial Trauma Care
Effective facial trauma management begins with prompt and thorough evaluation, often coordinated with emergency departments for initial stabilization. At WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists, assessment involves a detailed clinical examination coupled with advanced 3D imaging like Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans for precise diagnosis of bone fractures and associated injuries.
Based on the findings, Drs. Walsh and Vila develop an individualized treatment plan, which may involve single or multiple staged procedures. Surgical repair focuses on accurately repositioning fractured bones, meticulously closing soft tissue lacerations, and addressing any dental injuries concurrently. Appropriate anesthesia ensures patient comfort throughout necessary interventions performed with expert surgical care.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several levels of anesthesia and sedation to match the procedure complexity and your personal comfort requirements:
Why Specialized Care Matters for Facial Trauma
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to treat complex facial injuries due to their specialized knowledge of facial anatomy, including nerves, blood vessels, muscles, bones, and teeth. Their extensive hospital-based surgical residency training focuses specifically on managing trauma to the hard and soft tissues of the face and jaws simultaneously. The dual DDS/MD qualifications held by Dr. Walsh and Dr. Vila provide a comprehensive medical and surgical foundation essential for addressing the functional and aesthetic complexities inherent in facial trauma repair for the best possible long-term outcomes.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of injuries are considered facial trauma treated by an oral surgeon?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons manage injuries involving the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws. This commonly includes fractured upper or lower jaws, broken cheekbones or eye sockets, significant facial cuts (especially involving the lips or inside the mouth), and traumatic injuries resulting in knocked-out or displaced teeth.
Should I go to the Emergency Room or your office first after a facial injury?
For any severe facial trauma, significant bleeding, loss of consciousness, or suspected neck/head injuries, go immediately to the nearest Emergency Room for initial stabilization and assessment. Oral surgeons typically become involved afterwards for definitive management of jaw fractures, complex lacerations, and dental injuries once the patient is stable.
How are fractured jaws typically repaired by an oral surgeon?
Jaw fracture repair aims to restore proper bite alignment and bone stability for healing. Depending on the fracture type and location, treatment may involve temporarily wiring the upper and lower jaws together (maxillomandibular fixation or MMF) or surgically placing small, strong titanium plates and screws across the fracture lines (open reduction and internal fixation or ORIF).
What type of imaging is needed to diagnose facial fractures accurately?
While standard X-rays might provide initial information, detailed 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans are usually essential for oral surgeons to accurately visualize the precise location, pattern, and severity of facial bone fractures. This advanced imaging is critical for meticulous surgical planning and ensuring optimal repair outcomes.
What is recovery generally like after facial trauma surgery?
Recovery time and specifics vary greatly depending on the nature and severity of the injuries treated. It often involves a period of managing swelling and bruising, adhering to specific dietary restrictions (often liquid or soft foods if the jaw is involved), maintaining careful oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. Full bone healing typically takes six weeks or longer.
Expert Facial Injury Care in Alabama
If you or a loved one has experienced a facial injury requiring specialized surgical evaluation and treatment, trust the expertise available at WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists. Our dedicated surgeons provide comprehensive facial trauma care across our Trussville, Prattville, and Birmingham offices. Contact us for urgent assessment needs or to schedule a consultation regarding reconstructive options following facial trauma.