Facial Trauma
Care and Reconstruction Following an Injury
An injury to the head, neck, face, or mouth requires immediate attention. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Nestor Karas and Dr. Williams specialize 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, Dr. Williams, and their 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' and Dr. Williams' expertise and skill, they and their 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 or Dr. Williams 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 oral surgery experts, Dr. Karas and Dr. Williams proudly offer 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.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Facial Trauma and other procedures.
" When I first walked into this practice, I felt that I was the most important person in that moment, and that was important to me. Dr. Karas has a way of relating to his patients. I felt comfortable with him in terms of his professionalism and care. The staff explained everything to me and made me feel at ease."
"Dr. Karas did an amazing job, and I was very happy with the work he did. I could tell that I was working with a professional and it really showed. The staff are very friendly and caring, and they make you feel very special."
"The staff here are very personable, outgoing, and friendly, and very accommodating. Having this dental implant has given me a really new outlook on life and I'm so happy I did it. I have a beautiful, healthy smile now, and it’s all thanks to Dr. Karas and his team."
"Dr. Karas is a very warm and professional person. He makes me feel secure. I feel that he knows what he’s doing, and I felt like I was in the best hands possible. My overall experience has been absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend Dr. Karas and his team."
"Everyone here was just kind, friendly, and caring. Dr. Karas made me feel like he really cared about my needs and concerns. He talked to me in a way about my procedure that I could really understand, and I felt comfortable after my first consultation with him. I’m very happy that I chose this practice to have my procedure done."
" Everybody here really made me feel at home and at ease. Dr. Karas is a very friendly and professional person. I really knew I was in good hands with him. I had complete confidence that he would do an amazing job, and he did. I had an amazing experience here."
" Everyone here was just so welcoming and understanding about this whole process. Dr. Karas is very composed and [is] such a professional. Dr. Karas makes me feel so comfortable every time I see him. This surgery has been life-changing. I eat and chew so much better now. My confidence has skyrocketed, and I just feel more free to be myself."
"The staff here are fun. They are extremely kind and extremely caring, and you can tell that they care for every patient that comes through the door. My experience here was absolutely amazing. I have a healthy smile now and it’s all thanks to Dr. Karas and his team. "
"When I came in here—meeting with the staff and everybody in the office, I knew I had made the right choice. Dr. Karas always gives the explanation that gives confidence to me in what the result will be."
How Can We Help You?
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