Facial Trauma Covington, LA

Traumatic injuries to the face can often result in lasting damage to the teeth or jawbone. Such injuries can compromise the way your face looks, but more than that, they can lead to lingering discomfort or impaired functionality.

At The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana, we treat many patients who have sustained facial traumas, helping them achieve both cosmetic and functional restoration. Our practice is known for providing compassionate care to patients throughout the Covington, LA area and the surrounding community, making us a trusted ally for patients injured in any kind of accident.

Facial Trauma Explained

Facial trauma refers to any injury to the face. Facial trauma can sometimes result in dental health concerns, such as broken, loose, or missing teeth. It may also result in significant damage to the bones, including the upper jawbone, requiring a surgical restoration.

There are several potential causes of facial trauma, but the most common are:

• Car collisions
• Motorcycle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Accidents in the workplace
• Incidents of interpersonal violence

What Are the Types of Facial Trauma?

At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, we treat many different types of facial trauma. Some examples include:

• Avulsed teeth (e.g., teeth that have been knocked out or badly damaged, requiring replacement)
• Fractured facial bones, including cheek, eye socket, or nose
• Broken jawbones, including both the upper and lower jaw
• Facial lacerations and other forms of soft tissue damage

No matter the specific type of facial trauma you have experienced, it is essential to seek care from a trained physician as quickly as possible. Often, early intervention can prevent further complications.

What Are the Symptoms of Facial Trauma?

Often, the symptoms of facial trauma are quite obvious. For example, you will know if you have a missing tooth or a facial laceration. In other instances, the symptoms can be more subtle. If you have been involved in any kind of traumatic incident, be alert to the following signs:

• Changes in feeling over your face
• Parts of the face that seem uneven or deformed
• Difficulty breathing through the nose (which may suggest swelling)
• Bleeding from the nose
• Double vision
• Swelling or bruising around the eyes, especially when accompanied by sudden vision problems
• Chipped or cracked teeth, or teeth that suddenly feel loose

These symptoms can be taken as evidence of severe facial trauma, requiring professional diagnosis and care.

How Is Facial Trauma Diagnosed?

When you visit Dr. Brandner, you can rest assured that he will take as much time as is needed to run tests and confirm your condition, then he will carefully explain the treatment options available to you.

Dr. Brandner will diagnose facial trauma using a variety of methods, including:

• Physical exams to check for blood in the nose, swelling, breaks in the skin, and improper tooth or jaw alignment
• CT scans of the head or specifically the jaw
• Further tests to evaluate the movement of the jaw

What Is the Treatment for a Facial Fracture?

Facial fracture treatment can depend on many factors, including the location of the fracture, severity of the fracture, and age and overall health of the patient. Sometimes, the jaw must be wired together to ensure it heals properly, with the correct alignment. For more serious fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary.

The goal of any treatment is always to stabilize the patient’s condition, first and foremost, and then ensure that fractures heal with minimal impact on facial aesthetics or functioning.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, surgical intervention may be required. Surgery will usually involve the placement of small screws and plates in the impacted area. This type of surgery promotes proper healing and can often eliminate the need to have the jaws wired together.

At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, our goal is to empower you to be a mindful participant in your own clinical care decisions. If you have questions or concerns, Dr. Brandner is here to educate and counsel.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Brandner in the Covington, LA Area

Need to seek treatment for facial trauma? Dr. Brandner specializes in oral surgery for the face and jaw. Learn more about how he can help you by contacting our team at (985) 687-1616.