With the increased use of seatbelts and airbags, the incidence of severe facial trauma has declined. However, we still see a moderate number of facial trauma patients annually. Motor vehicle accidents and personal assault account for the most serious injuries, followed by athletic accidents and encounters with gravity.
Typical traumatic injuries treated by our office include midface, cheekbone and mandible (lower jaw) fractures, facial and oral lacerations, loosened and displaced teeth, and jaw joint (TMJ) injuries. Mild or limited injuries can often be treated in the office under IV sedation and local anesthetic. More extensive injuries are usually treated in a hospital setting. If you have an acute injury, you may call our office directly or go to the nearest emergency room and be treated by the surgeon on call.