Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts at managing and treating facial injuries. They are often busy members of hospital teams, providing emergency care to patients who have experienced auto accidents, falls, sports injuries, and much more. At Rio Grande Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, we treat a wide variety of facial injuries, from minor cuts in the mouth to advanced facial trauma. In fact, Dr. Gregory McGee is on staff at local hospitals to help with facial trauma injuries and reconstructive surgery.
Our team understands that facial injuries can be very physically and emotionally taxing, and we can provide the care and support necessary throughout the entire treatment process, from the initial evaluation through long-term rehabilitation and recovery. If you or a loved one experiences a facial injury, contact our office right away. We will make every effort to see you as soon as possible.
Common Facial Traumas
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Gregory McGee has undergone years of hospital-based training to treat facial injuries. Below are a few of the most common injuries an oral surgeon might treat:
- 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. A tooth that has been knocked out completely requires immediate treatment. 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. In many cases, if the patient comes in within 30 minutes of the injury, the tooth can be saved. If the damage is beyond repair, dental implants are a fantastic restorative option to replace missing teeth.
- 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 there is no further injury.
- Bone fractures of the face and jaw. A broken bone must be stabilized in the proper position so that it can heal properly. Most bone injuries are reset and secured for healing 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. The specific treatment provided 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.
Facial Trauma Management
At Rio Grande Oral Surgery, Dr. Gregory McGee 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, feel free to give our office in Albuquerque, NM, a call. And remember, if you experience a serious injury, seek emergency care immediately.