Facial Trauma Treatment in Princeton and Flemington, NJ

Expert Care for Complex Facial Injuries

Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional as well as physical trauma. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training, a deep understanding of how the treatment will influence long-term function and appearance, and a compassionate approach. The board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at West Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial, & Dental Implant Surgery are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat all aspects of facial trauma, from initial emergency care to long-term reconstruction.

Common Causes and Types of Facial Injuries

Our surgeons provide emergency room coverage at local hospitals for a wide range of facial injuries. These can result from motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, or work-related incidents. Facial injuries are typically classified as either soft tissue injuries, bone injuries, or injuries to special regions like the eyes or nerves. Our expertise covers:

• Facial lacerations (cuts to the skin)
• Intraoral lacerations (cuts inside the mouth)
• Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
• Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
• Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

Treatment of Soft Tissue Injuries

When lacerations occur on the face, they are carefully repaired by suturing. In addition to providing a repair that yields the best possible cosmetic result, our surgeons take great care to inspect for and treat any injuries to deeper structures, such as facial nerves and salivary glands, ensuring a comprehensive and meticulous treatment.

Treatment of Bone Injuries (Facial Fractures)

Fractures of the facial bones are treated in a manner similar to fractures in other parts of the body: the bones must be stabilized to allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, our surgeons use other methods. In some cases, this may involve wiring the jaws together. 

However, a more common technique called “rigid fixation” involves the surgical placement of small titanium plates and screws to hold the bones in place. This modern approach often allows for a much faster return to normal function. In every case, an attempt is made to access the bones through the fewest incisions necessary, placing them in inconspicuous locations whenever possible to minimize visible scarring.

Treatment of Dental Injuries

Isolated injuries to the teeth and their supporting structures are very common. Our oral surgeons are primarily involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been knocked out or displaced. These injuries are often stabilized by splinting (wiring or bonding teeth together). In cases where injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are an excellent option for replacement.

What to Do If a Tooth is Knocked Out

If a tooth is knocked out, you should pick it up without touching the root, gently rinse it with salt water or milk, and place it back into the socket if possible. If you cannot re-insert it, place it in a container of milk. Time is the most critical factor, so you should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe the tooth off, as remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw are vital to the success of replanting the tooth.