One of the most common types of serious injury to the face occurs when bones are broken. Fractures can involve the lower jaw, upper jaw, palate, cheekbones, eye sockets and combinations of these bones. These injuries can affect sight and the ability to breathe, speak and swallow. Treatment often requires hospitalization.

Our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are experienced in treating the most complex facial fractures and injuries.

The principles for treating facial fractures are the same as for a broken arm or leg. The parts of the bone must be lined up (reduced) and held in position long enough to permit them time to heal. This may require six or more weeks depending on the patient's age and the fracture's complexity.

Don't treat any facial injury lightly

While not all facial injuries are extensive, they are all complex since they affect an area of the body that is critical to breathing, eating, speaking and seeing. Even in the case of a moderately cut lip, the expertise of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is indispensable. If sutures are needed, placement must be precise to bring about the desired cosmetic result. So a good rule of thumb is not to take any facial injury lightly.

Prevention : The best policy

Avoiding injury is always best. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons advocate the use of automobile seat belts, protective mouth guards, and appropriate masks and helmets for everyone who participates in athletic pursuits at any level. You don't have to play at the professional level to sustain a serious head injury. New innovations in helmet, and mouth, and face guard technology have made these devices comfortable to wear and very effective in protecting the vulnerable maxillofacial area. Make sure you're well protected.

In the event a facial or mouth injury occurs that requires a trip to the emergency room, the injured patient, his parent or coach should be sure to ask that an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is called for consultation. With their background and training, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the specialists most qualified to deal with these types of injuries. In some cases, they may even detect a "hidden" injury that might otherwise go unnoticed.