Can a Broken Face Be Fixed?

The simple answer is, yes, it can! However, there are different steps before attempting to fix it. The face has various bones, and a broken one refers to the presence of injuries in the form of fractures. Fractures are breaks in your bones. They include hairline cracks and fractures that divide the bone into two. 

The most common break is that of the nasal bone. A reason for this could be the thinness of the bones in the nose. They are easier to break than others in the face. Other common fractures include those in the upper and lower jaw. Oral surgeons have the training and skill to handle these breaks.

Symptoms of a Broken Face

Some breaks are open, while others are beneath the surface. However, the patient will have signs and symptoms a doctor can check. Before establishing that you have a broken face, the doctor will look for:

• Difficulty moving your jaw

• Sunken eyes

• Swollen eyelids

• Pain and discomfort

• Problems swallowing

• Difficulty breathing

• Headache

• Tingling and numbness

• Excessive salivation

• Bruising and salivation

After establishing the signs and symptoms, they will confirm the diagnosis using their equipment. These include an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound machine. Once they confirm the diagnosis, they can recommend treatment.

Treatment for a Broken Face

The doctor needs to establish the severity of the break and where it occurs. Oral surgeons handle those that happen on the lower half of the face. If it is not too severe, the doctor will leave the fracture to heal without interruption. However, severe fractures require the doctor to apply one of the following treatments:

Closed Reduction

The procedure involves setting broken bones by moving them back to their normal position. The doctor does not cut the skin open; they use their hands to perform the procedure. It works best when the doctor does it as soon as possible after the bone breaks. It allows the bone to fuse and grow back together.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

The procedure involves surgery where the surgeon makes an incision to realign the bone. It uses screws, wires, or plates to keep the bones from moving during healing. ORIF is ideal for severe fractures where the bones are unstable or fractures involving joints. Immobilizing the bones helps them heal in the proper position. In the case of your jaw, the oral surgeon may use wires and plates to secure the bone in place.

Reconstructive Surgery

It involves the use of different techniques to reconstruct the patient’s face. The surgeon may need to remove pieces of broken facial bones. They may also need to reset bones by hand. Other ways may include using screws, wires, and plates. They may also use a graft from healthy bone to reconstruct your facial bones.

Whatever technique the surgeon uses to fix your broken face, you will need medicine to reduce pain and swelling. You will also need it to fight bacterial infection. Follow your doctor’s instructions for proper healing.

For more on fixing a broken face, visit Oral Surgical Associates at (406) 282-8768 today to reach our office in Missoula or Hamilton, Montana.