Facial Trauma

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts at managing and treating facial trauma injuries. Whether you experience a minor injury that we can treat at our office or a more serious injury that requires hospital care, Dr. Robert B. Ioppolo at Hill & Ioppolo Oral & Dental Implant Surgery of Lubbock is an expert at repairing facial injuries of all kinds. In fact, Dr. Ioppolo is on staff at local hospitals to help with facial trauma injuries and reconstructive surgery.

Our staff understands that facial injuries can be very physically and emotionally taxing, and we can provide the treatment and support necessary throughout the entire treatment process, from the initial evaluation through long-term rehabilitation and recovery. If you or a loved one experience a facial injury, contact our office right away, and we will make room in our schedule to see you as soon as possible.

Types of Facial Injury Treatment

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo years of hospital-based training to treat facial injuries. Below are a few of the most common injuries an oral surgeon might treat:

• Facial cuts and intraoral lacerations. When cuts occur inside the mouth or on the face, oral surgeons usually use sutures to repair the injury. Oral surgeons are always careful to produce the best cosmetic results, minimizing scarring. Your oral surgeon will also be able to evaluate other nearby facial structures, such as important nerves or salivary glands, to ensure no further injuries have taken place.
• Bone injuries of the face and jaw. When a bone is broken, it must be stabilized in the proper position so that it can heal properly. Most bone injuries are stabilized using a cast or sling, but facial injuries must be treated a little differently. Through surgery, your doctor can stabilize a facial bone using tiny wires, screws, or plates over the bone. These fixtures are not visible after your surgery, and usually, they will not have to be removed at a later date. Your exact treatment will largely depend on the severity and location of your injury. Some of the most common bone injuries oral surgeons treat include fractured jaws, cheekbones, and eye sockets.
• Dental injuries. Sometimes dentists can repair minor cracks and chips to a tooth, but when a dental injury extends down to the tooth socket, you will likely need to see an oral surgeon for treatment, especially if the tooth is knocked out completely. If your tooth is knocked out, bring it in as soon as possible, and be careful not to wipe off any connective tissue attached to the tooth. Oral surgeons will do everything possible to save your injured tooth; usually, if the patient comes in within 30 minutes of the injury, the tooth can be saved. If your tooth is damaged beyond repair, we also offer dental implants to restore missing teeth permanently.

Facial Trauma Management

At Hill & Ioppolo Oral & Dental Implant Surgery of Lubbock, our specialist is experienced and trained in all aspects of facial injury management, including emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation for patients of all ages. To learn more about the procedure, feel free to give our office in Lubbock, TX, a call. And remember, if you experience a serious injury, seek emergency care immediately.