The Facial Fractures That Require Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is not always about dental implants, tooth extractions, and dealing with impacted teeth; it can involve facial fractures too. Surgery can help deal with facial trauma affecting the patient’s ability to eat, breathe, speak, or see.

 

Facial injuries range in severity, with some requiring surgical treatment. Restoring the vital functions requires the skills of a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It is helpful to understand the facial fractures that require oral surgery. 

 

Cheekbone Fractures 

 

Cheekbone fractures are common and can happen to anyone regardless of age or profession. However, they are more common among people in the sporting field. They often occur after falls, vehicle accidents, or violence.

 

The fractures, also known as zygomatic bone injuries, can be easy to overlook as they do not always affect function. Over time, it can lead to functional and cosmetic issues. Oral surgery is vital to fix severe cheekbone injuries. 

 

Jaw Fractures 

 

Car accidents, sports injuries, falls, physical violence, and other events can lead to upper and lower jaw fractures. In many cases, jaw injuries can be severe and leave the patient with damaged, loose, or knocked-out teeth. Oral surgery helps stabilize the jaw, restoring correct alignment. Surgeons also replace the missing teeth and treat the injured site. They help address various jaw-related injuries. 

 

Eye Socket Fractures

 

Blows to the face often occasion eye socket or orbital fractures. Sports activities and car accidents can also cause them. Orbital fractures usually occur on the lower part of the eye socket. The bone in this area is much thinner than the bones in other parts of the face. Oral surgery is not always necessary for eye injuries. However, the patient will require surgical intervention if the eyeball has been displaced from its position.

 

Nasal Fractures 

 

As one of the most prominent facial features, the nose is highly prone to injury. A blow to the face will often leave an individual with a broken or fractured nose. Whether from a fall, car accident, violence, or sporting activity, a broken nose can cause functional problems. The individual can find it difficult to breathe. A crooked nose will affect an individual’s appearance, but oral surgery can help fix the issue. 

 

Treating Soft Tissue Injuries

 

In most cases, facial injuries affect the soft tissue. The injuries include cuts, lacerations, and damage to the mouth. Soft tissue injuries can be fixed by stitching and suturing. An oral surgeon can help correct issues with the salivary glands, facial nerves, and salivary ducts.

 

Treatment helps ensure that the underlying structures are healthy, preventing further complications. Facial trauma can cause injuries to the teeth. Dentists recommend surgery when other treatment options are unsuccessful or cannot be used.

 

Maxillofacial bone damage affects facial bones such as the cheek, jaw, nose, and eye socket. Oral surgeons usually stabilize facial fractures using screws and small plates, allowing the injured bones to heal. It helps prevent the limitations associated with wiring. Contact an oral surgeon if you experience jaw joint pain, facial swelling, bleeding gums, growths, and other issues. 

 

For more on facial fractures that require oral surgery, call Oral Surgical Associates at (406) 282-8768 for our Missoula or Hamilton, Montana, office.

admin none 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Closed Closed Oral Surgeon https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk02CCOBbTmOq5awIzLlKg1PVTRAmUA%3A1601392810580&ei=qlBzX4j1IpH-tAWBjZCQBg&q=oral+surgical+associates%2C+MT&oq=oral+surgical+associates%2C+MT&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIGCAAQFhAeMgYIABAWEB4yBggAEBYQHjoECAAQRzoLCC4QxwEQrwEQkwI6AggAUI8hWMFVYOxcaAFwAXgAgAHAAogBxQaSAQcxLjIuMS4xmAEAoAEBqgEHZ3dzLXdpesgBCMABAQ&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwiI8vqM1Y7sAhURP60KHYEGBGIQ4dUDCA0&uact=5#lrd=0x535dcdc8ef0ae879:0x106b4e9457adaff6,3,,, https://www.yelp.com/writeareview/biz/jRHoIYGLZN-yE_6vvuusRg?return_url=%2Fbiz%2FjRHoIYGLZN-yE_6vvuusRg&source=biz_details_war_button https://www.facebook.com/pg/Oral-Surgical-Associates-193401914005904/reviews/?ref=page_internal