Facial Trauma
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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.
Dr. Cynthia Stephenson
Walnut Creek
"I really respect and appreciate the fact that Dr. Karas is an MD. He's up-to-date with all the latest techniques, and he's really committed to what he does, and he really is committed to being the best he can be, and it shows in his care. I will continue to refer my patients to Dr. Karas."
"When I first walked into the practice, I felt refreshed. It's a very new and modern environment and everybody was really welcoming at the front desk. Dr. Karas for me from the moment I met him just made me feel like family. Very warm, very professional."
"When I first met Dr. Karas, I was impressed by his knowledge and the fact that he had seen every scenario when it had came to wisdom teeth. I felt very welcomed and like I was in good hands, that he knew he was doing, and he clearly answered all my questions. "
"When I first met Dr. Karas, I was very impressed. He was friendly. He was direct, explained everything that he was going to do before he did it."
"Dr. Karas' staff has always been very professional, very helpful, very welcoming. Dr. Karas is a very open and very friendly doctor. He has been very thorough in his explanations of what he's doing."
"When I first walked into the practice, it was check you in, sit down, and in a few minutes, you're seeing the doctor. Dr. Karas exudes confidence and makes you feel comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Recovery was quick. I, at this point, couldn't even tell you which teeth are implants and which ones aren't implants."
"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."
"Dr. Karas, he's an amazing individual, professional, but most of all, a caring person. My procedure, it went well."
" 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."
How Can We Help You?
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