How Can Dental Surgery Correct a Facial Injury?

Have you experienced an injury to your face? You may feel pain, and you might feel self-conscious about the way you look. Fortunately, dental surgery can help.

Highly trained dental specialists known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform procedures to fix injuries to your jaw or mouth. These procedures address soft tissue injuries, broken bones, and injuries to the teeth.

Keep reading to learn more about dental surgeries and how they can correct many types of facial injuries.

Facial Injuries and Trauma

There are several types of facial injuries or trauma you may experience. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in addressing three main categories of facial and dental injuries.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Cuts to your face or the inside of the mouth cause damage to the soft tissues of your face. Dental surgery can correct soft tissue injuries with stitches (sutures). Your dental surgeon will inspect the injury location to ensure no further complications.

Broken Bones

When you think of the bones in your face, you might initially think of your upper and lower jaw. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons also treat fractured facial bones, including cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and bones around the eye socket. Treatment may involve screws, plates, or wiring the jaw together.

Injured Teeth

If you experience avulsed teeth or a tooth or teeth that have been completely knocked out, dental surgery may be able to replant the missing teeth with wires or bonding.

Function and Appearance

When you undergo dental surgery to treat a facial injury, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will focus on restoring the function of your soft tissue and bones. This special care promotes proper healing and helps you regain the ability to chew, speak, and move your facial bones and muscles normally.

Your dental surgeon will also consider the cosmetic outcome of your procedure. For example, after cuts, lacerations, or fractures heal, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon understands that you also want to regain your appearance and confidence.