Comprehensive Facial Trauma Care at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

What Is Facial Trauma?

Facial trauma, also called maxillofacial trauma, refers to injuries involving the bones, soft tissues, and structures of the face and jaw. These injuries can result from accidents, sports injuries, falls, or other sudden impacts — and often require specialized surgical care to restore function, symmetry, and appearance.

Facial trauma may include:

• Broken or displaced facial bones (cheek, nose, eye socket, jaw)
• Tooth fractures or dental avulsions (knocked-out teeth, sometimes treated with dental implants)
• Lacerations of the lips, cheeks, or gums
• Fractured jaw (mandible or maxilla)
• Soft tissue trauma with or without bone involvement

Treatment is often urgent, and proper evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is essential for both immediate recovery and long-term function.

Why See an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Facial trauma lies at the intersection of dentistry, surgery, and medical emergency care. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Anna Lu, DMD and Jimmy Tung Nguyen, DDS, MD are uniquely trained to:

• Diagnose and treat fractures of the jaw, cheekbone, and eye socket
• Repair soft tissue lacerations affecting nerves and salivary glands
• Manage dental trauma, including implant placement for lost teeth
• Coordinate care with emergency rooms and referring providers
• Restore facial symmetry and preserve airway or bite function

With additional medical training and board certification in oral surgery, our surgeons provide both acute trauma care and long-term reconstructive planning.

Common Types of Facial Injuries We Treat

Valley Oral Surgery regularly manages:

• Mandibular fractures: Lower jaw fractures that may affect eating, speaking, and airway alignment
• Maxillary or zygomatic fractures: Injuries to the upper jaw or cheekbone that may involve sinus or orbital structures
• Orbital floor fractures: Affecting the bones around the eye, which may result in vision or movement issues
• Dental trauma: Such as avulsed (knocked out), fractured, or displaced teeth requiring stabilization or dental implants
• Soft tissue lacerations: Including the tongue, lips, and face
• Nasal bone fractures: Managed in coordination with ENT or plastic surgery when necessary

In some cases, treatment includes nerve repositioning or bone grafting for reconstruction.

How Facial Trauma Is Diagnosed and Treated

• Emergency Assessment: We begin with a thorough evaluation, including a visual exam and 3D imaging using our in-office CS 9300 system.
• Treatment Planning: Depending on the injury, treatment may include fracture stabilization, soft tissue repair, dental restoration, or a combination of approaches.
• Surgical Repair: Minor injuries may be treated under local anesthesia, while more complex repairs may require general anesthesia or IV sedation. Our surgeons offer a full range of sedation options for patient comfort.
• Follow-Up and Monitoring: Post-surgical visits are essential to ensure proper healing, function, and cosmetic outcome.

For patients needing replacement of lost teeth, we may recommend delayed implant placement or implant-supported overdentures depending on the healing progress.

When to Seek Care for Facial Trauma

Prompt treatment of facial injuries is critical. You should contact a surgeon or emergency care provider if you experience:

• Visible facial swelling or deformity
• Trouble opening or closing your jaw
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Missing or displaced teeth
• Double vision or facial numbness
• Deep lacerations to the mouth or face

We coordinate with local emergency departments and dental providers for timely evaluation and follow-up.

Recovery and Post-Trauma Care

Recovery varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. General recovery timelines include:

• Minor soft tissue injuries: Healing in 7 to 14 days
• Jaw or bone fractures: Initial stabilization for 2–6 weeks, with full healing over several months
• Tooth loss or damage: Temporary stabilization followed by future restoration, such as dental implants

We will provide clear post-surgical instructions and work with you to restore full function and aesthetics as healing progresses.