When people get facial injuries, they often assume they must be treated by a plastic surgeon. But oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained and highly skilled in repairing injuries to the mouth, face, jaws and teeth with the goal of restoring functionality and your appearance.
The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma
Facial trauma can be caused by sports injuries, accidents, or physical assault. They can range from minor injuries to the teeth to severe injuries to skin and facial bones.
It’s important to have any type of facial injury assessed immediately because it can affect your ability to breathe, eat, speak, or see properly.
Dr. Green understands these types of injuries are mentally as well as physically traumatic. Be assured we will treat you with compassion and care with a plan for the best possible outcome, no matter what type of injury you have.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are usually lacerations of the face, lips, or in the mouth. Deep lacerations can sometimes cause damage to the underlying tissues such as nerves or saliva glands.
Even if your injury is non-life-threatening, we understand it can by emotionally devastating. We take the best possible care to restore your appearance.
Bone Injuries
Dr. Green has extensive experience in treating all types of facial trauma, everything from a busted tooth to full facial reconstruction after a car accident. Not all fractures of the bones of the face require surgery; however, those situations that do need surgery must be treated by a surgeon with the proper experience for an excellent functional and esthetic outcome.
Dr. Green has experience in treating fractures of the:
- Frontal bone (forehead)
- Orbital bones (eye socket)
- Nasal bones
- Zygomaticomaxillary complex (cheek bones)
- Maxilla (upper jaw)
- Mandible (lower jaw)
Depending on the extent of the injuries, surgery to treat these injuries can be done as an outpatient.
If you have previously experienced any injury of the face that was not repaired and you feel that you look different, or something is not functioning correctly, please make an appointment with Dr. Green for a thorough evaluation.
Procedures
Soft tissue injuries are repaired using sutures. These procedures are usually completed in our office.
Unless the injury is severe and requires repair to the underlying tissues, you can expect to feel discomfort for several days. Dr. Green may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the wound from getting infected.
If you have broken bones, depending on the location and severity of the injury, your facial reconstructive surgery may need to be done in the hospital. Bone and tissue grafts may also be required.
Facial fractures and surgery can be quite painful. Dr. Green will do all he can to make you as comfortable as possible, before, during, and after your surgery.
Depending on the type of surgery required and the extent of your injuries, recovery times can range from a few days to weeks.
Dr. Green will discuss treatment options and recovery times with you during your surgical consultation.
Hospital Affiliations
If your surgery needs to be done at the hospital, Dr. Green is credentialed at Medical City Alliance and Texas Health Harris Methodist hospitals in Fort Worth, Texas. If you have a preference, please let him know during your consultation.
Contact Us
We offer compassionate, expert care for facial trauma injuries and reconstructive surgery. Please contact us for a consultation at (817) 237-7557. Second opinion appointments welcome.