While some people may think that facial trauma situations are rare, there are more than 3 million cases of facial trauma admitted each year to hospitals in the United States. Just like a neurosurgeon is called upon to treat trauma to the brain, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is called upon to manage and treat facial trauma cases. It is not uncommon for oral and maxillofacial surgeons to serve as active members of an emergency room trauma team.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo intensive and unique training during their schooling to enable them to address a range of dental and surgical problems. They are required to complete four or more years of comprehensive surgical training and medical education in addition to their dental school training, and are experts in correcting the functionality of the jaw, restoring the aesthetics of facial proportions, and replacing damaged or missing teeth.

Many facial trauma cases are unique, because there are several different ways that the face and mouth can be affected by trauma situations. Some of the more commonly seen facial trauma injuries include:

• Avulsed (knocked out) teeth

• Facial lacerations

• Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

• Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)

• Intra-oral lacerations

A number of events can contribute to facial trauma injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, work-related injuries, falls, sports injuries, physical assaults, and accidents in the home. The type of injury endured will determine the treatment that is necessary to correct the problem. Minor injuries, such as knocked out teeth or facial lacerations, may only require the placement of dental implants or sutures. Serious incidents may involve a more complex approach and might require the use of more than one treatment.

It is important to treat cases of facial trauma in a timely manner to avoid the long-term problems that may arise if left untreated. Failure to treat facial trauma can result in impacted teeth, misalignment of the jaw and bite, resorption of the jaw bone, the development of disorders in the temporomandibular joint of the jaw, and even facial discomfort and disfigurement. If you have suffered a facial injury of any sort, we encourage you to contact our office immediately.

Dr. Condry and Dr. Kelling are on staff at Saratoga Hospital and are on call to deliver emergency room coverage for any facial injuries that may occur. At Northeast Surgical Specialists, we are compassionate about helping to restore oral and maxillofacial function and aesthetics to every patient who has been in a trauma situation.

Northeast Surgical Specialists maintains two office locations in Saratoga Springs & Queensbury, NY, and offers various oral surgical procedures and treatments, including the treatment of facial trauma. Drs. Kelling and Condry, service all of Saratoga and Warren Counties including Hoosick Falls, Clifton Park, Greenfield Center, Wilton, Queensbury, Fort Ann, Saranac Lake, Mechanicville, Saratoga, Glens Falls, Ballston Spa, Malta, South Glens Falls, Greenwich, Hudson Falls, Granville,Warrensbury, Burnt Hills, Gansevoort, Ticonderoga, Cambridge, Milton, Lake Placid, Corinth, Gloversville, Ballston Lake, Schroon Lake, Lake George, and Galway.

More Information about Facial Trauma Surgery:

• AAOMS​​​​​​​

• YouTube

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