Facial Trauma

An injury to the head, neck, face, or mouth requires immediate attention. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Nestor Karas specializes in managing facial trauma cases. The goal of treatment is to ensure the oral and maxillofacial regions heal, regain proper function, and achieve pleasing aesthetics. Dr. Karas and his team treat facial trauma in Walnut Creek, CA. If you or your child require treatment for a traumatic facial injury, please contact our office for an appointment.

We understand the unique and delicate nature of facial injuries. With Dr. Karas’ expertise and skill, he and his team will ensure you have a comfortable road to a remarkable recovery. Dr. Karas also works at John Muir Medical Center where he provides care for facial trauma cases and complex surgeries for patients with severe medical conditions.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room and receive treatment from the oral surgeon on call.

Types of Facial Trauma

Facial trauma can be the result of a vehicle wreck, an accident in the workplace, a sports injury, or a result of domestic violence. In any situation where impact to the face is possible, trauma can occur. Some of these injuries can be life-threatening; while others may be non-life threatening, they can still cause a great deal of discomfort. The different types of facial trauma include:

• Soft Tissue Injuries. Lacerations (cuts) to soft tissues can occur inside or outside of the mouth, and anywhere on the head or face. Soft tissue injuries also include damage to facial nerves, salivary glands, or salivary ducts.
• Fractured or Broken Facial Bones. Just like other bones in the body, bones in the cheek, upper and lower jaw, the nose, and the eye socket can become fractured or broken.
• Tooth Injuries. A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth may be saved if you go to a dental professional immediately. It’s possible for multiple teeth to be knocked out at the same time

Treatment for Facial Trauma

Treatment for the injury will depend on its location and severity, which Dr. Karas will assess. At our office, we use advanced 3D imaging technology to evaluate the bone and soft tissue structures of the oral and maxillofacial regions. This allows us to monitor progress throughout recovery and ensure the facial structures maintain full functionality. As an oral surgery expert, Dr. Karas proudly offers a variety of anesthesia and sedation options for your comfort throughout treatment.

For cuts or lacerations, we will clean the area and use dissolvable sutures or stitches to close the wound. Sometimes, only general anesthesia is needed when treating these wounds, which numbs only the affected area.

Unlike legs or arms, we cannot place a cast on the face in the event of a broken bone. Plates, screws, or wires are used to stabilize the facial bones, allowing them to heal. This technique is known as rigid fixation and is less restrictive than having the jaws wired shut.

In the event of a knocked-out tooth, we will try to save the tooth by any means possible. If a tooth gets knocked out of your mouth, handle it only by the crown, not the roots or tissues. Put it in a container of saliva or whole milk and see an oral surgeon within 30 minutes for the highest chances of reattachment. If the tooth is unable to be reattached, we are happy to discuss your options for replacing the tooth, such as dental implants, so that you do not have to go without a tooth.