Why Oral and Maxillofacial Evaluation Matters
Facial fractures can change the way the teeth meet and affect jaw movement, facial width, or symmetry. Dental injuries may involve a displaced tooth, fractured supporting bone, or damage that requires coordination with a restorative dentist or endodontist.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons evaluate both facial structure and dental occlusion. Imaging, examination, and the history of the injury help determine what treatment or referral is needed.
What to Bring to a Referred Trauma Visit
Bring emergency-department records, imaging, medication lists, discharge instructions, and the contact information for clinicians already involved. Tell us when and how the injury occurred, whether the bite has changed, and whether numbness, double vision, restricted opening, drainage, or worsening swelling has developed.
Do not eat or drink before the visit if another clinician has told you that surgery or anesthesia may be needed. Follow the instructions from the emergency team unless our office gives you updated guidance.
Facial Trauma Treatment and Follow-Up
Treatment can involve observation, stabilization, repair of a fracture, dental coordination, or referral to another specialist. The timing depends on the injury, swelling, medical stability, and findings on imaging.
Keep follow-up appointments and report worsening pain, fever, drainage, new vision changes, increased numbness, changes in the bite, or difficulty opening the mouth. Return to emergency care immediately if breathing, bleeding, consciousness, or another urgent medical concern changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Trauma
Need Follow-Up for a Referred Facial Injury?
Call Northwest Oral Surgeons at 636-978-6967 for follow-up on a non-life-threatening referred facial injury. Our team will review the available records and explain the next step.
