Facial trauma involves more than just physical injuries. Emotional effects can be as damaging as the trauma itself. Effective treatment is needed to heal all areas of a patient’s well-being. The WisdomToothDoc offers precise treatments for all levels of facial trauma.

Facial trauma can happen anywhere between getting hit in the face with a ball to being involved in a car accident. As with a broken leg or internal injuries, dental trauma requires specialized attention to return a patient to full function and to avoid permanent disfigurement. Dr. Babiuk is the expert when it comes to treating facial trauma.

Facial injuries should be treated as soon as possible. Call 815-254-1560 to make an emergency appointment even if is not during business hours. If the injury is at night or on a weekend, the office number will have instructions for emergency visits.

Facial injuries include any broken bones in the face, jaw, or nose. Lacerations and burns should also be seen as quickly as the doctor can manage. These can be deep enough to affect nerves or salivary glands.

Bone fractures anywhere on the face may require immediate surgery with metal plates to restore the bones and keep any asymmetry of the face from developing.

Prevention is the best way to avoid facial trauma. Helmets, mouthguards, protective eyewear, and face shields cannot be stressed strongly enough. Each sport has a specific set of safety suggestions to follow. Wearing seatbelts anytime in a moving vehicle is also advised. Not only can it help avoid facial trauma, but it’s also the law.

Facial trauma encompasses any injury to the mouth, face, or jaw. Injuries can range from minor abrasions to broken bones, but it is always a good policy to seek professional care in the case of facial trauma. If fractures or complications are left untreated, they may affect a patient’s ability to breathe, speak, and swallow in the future.

Why do I need to see an oral surgeon in addition to my regular doctor?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in the treatment of the teeth, mouth, jaw and surrounding facial structures. Oral surgeons complete four or more years of hospital-based surgical residency training in addition to their doctorate of dental surgery. This training prepares your oral surgeon to recognize and treat facial injuries. Dr. Babiuk will assess the facial trauma and work with the patient and their doctor during the recovery process.

What type of treatment can my oral surgeon prescribe?

Primary treatment for facial injuries often requires hospitalization. In the case of bone fractures, wiring and plating can be used to reposition the upper and lower jaw, and rubber bands and wires can be used to hold the jaw together. Dr. Babiuk can also replant teeth that have been displaced or knocked out by the trauma. Facial injuries can be minor, but treatment is always complicated due to the importance of facial structures and cosmetic concerns. The best type of care will involve the input of multiple specialists to make sure that no component of treatment is overlooked.

How do I prevent facial trauma?

Athletes who participate in contact sports, bikers, and people with hazardous professions are at increased risk for maxillofacial injuries. If you are at increased risk for a facial injury, make sure to always wear proper gear, such as a helmet and/or mouthguard. The best means of ensuring that all features of your face remain healthy and functional, preventing facial trauma in the first place, is always the best policy.