Facial Trauma

Management of Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete years of specialized training and education to understand the function and aesthetics of the face. In the event of an injury to the head, neck, mouth, or jaws, oral surgeons are the most qualified individuals to administer care and manage recovery. Dr. Tyler Boynton at Napa Sonoma Oral Surgery & Dental Implants treats facial injuries for patients of all ages.

Facial trauma injuries can happen anywhere, at any time. If you have experienced a facial trauma injury, please contact our office for immediate treatment. We have two locations in Sonoma and Napa, CA, where we treat facial trauma injuries that do not require hospitalization.

If your injury is severe and you are experiencing a medical emergency go to the nearest emergency room for prompt treatment by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon on call.

Types of Facial Trauma

Facial trauma injuries can vary in severity and location. The most common types of facial trauma injuries include:

• Lacerations, or cuts to the face
• Soft tissue injuries
• Teeth that are broken or knocked out (avulsed)
• Broken nose
• Orbital (eye socket) fractures
• Jaw bone fractures
• Burns

 

Facial trauma can be the result of a vehicle accident, an injury at work or school, a sports-related injury, domestic violence, or caused by any situation in which damage to the face and mouth can occur. There are many nerves in the face, and damage to any nearby structures can be painful. Our oral surgeon can promptly treat these issues while alleviating discomfort and ensuring proper recovery of the oral and maxillofacial regions. 

The Expert in Treating Facial Trauma

Dr. Boynton is board-certified and maintains hospital privileges at Sonoma Valley Hospital, where he responds to urgent care facial trauma calls. He has hands-on experience treating facial trauma of various degrees while ensuring patient comfort and safety at every step.

Treatment for Facial Injuries

We will take 3D scans of the area to assess the bones and soft tissues. Using this advanced technology, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your exact situation. The goal of facial trauma treatment is to ensure the facial structures are able to function properly after healing while also achieving pleasing aesthetics. 

The type of treatment you will receive for your facial trauma injury will depend on the severity and location of the injury. As oral surgeons, we offer many types of anesthesia for your comfort. This includes local and general anesthesia, IV sedation, and laughing gas.

Facial Cuts

Stitches are a common treatment for cuts that occur inside or around the mouth. Your oral surgeon will use a precise technique for minimal scarring and optimal healing. If the lacerations are inside the mouth, dissolvable sutures will be used that will dissolve on their own once the wound has healed. 

Facial Fractures

Facial fractures are unique in treatment because they cannot be stabilized using traditional casts. Instead, wires, screws, and plates are used to hold the facial bones in place as they heal. If there are bone defects, bone grafting techniques may be used to regrow bone where it is needed. Some patients may be required to wear braces to maintain proper alignment of the teeth as the jaws heal.

Dental Injuries

Some general dentists are able to save a knocked-out tooth. However, severe injury to one or more teeth may require an oral surgeon to reattach them. A tooth that has been completely knocked out or broken at the socket is considered a severe dental injury. 

The first 30 minutes after a severe dental injury is the most critical for saving a natural tooth. If your tooth has been knocked out, please see us as soon as possible. If you are able to locate the tooth, do not try to wipe it off or disinfect it. Simply place it in a container of saliva or whole milk and bring it with you to our practice.

We will do everything that we can to save a natural tooth. If we are unable to reattach the tooth, we can discuss your options to restore it, such as a dental implant. This way, you will not have to go on without a tooth and can regain the ability to eat, smile, and speak with all of your teeth again.