A fall, car accident, or unexpected blow to the face can leave you unsure how serious the injury is or what to do next. If you’ve injured your teeth or jaw, controlling any bleeding and getting prompt medical or dental attention can make a difference in your recovery. Some injuries need immediate emergency care, especially if there’s heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or a loss of consciousness. In those situations, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center in West Los Angeles, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide treatment for facial trauma and fractures involving the teeth, jaws, and surrounding tissues. We can assess the damage, discuss treatment options, and help you understand what recovery may involve. Below, we’ll explain how to respond to common facial and dental injuries and when to seek professional care.
What to Do Immediately After a Facial or Dental Injury
If you’ve injured your mouth or face, gently rinse your mouth with water and apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a cloth to control bleeding. A cold compress against your cheek can help reduce swelling. Avoid chewing or forcing your jaw into position if your bite feels different. Pay attention to symptoms such as numbness, worsening swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, as these may indicate a more serious injury that requires prompt evaluation.
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention, and acting quickly gives it the best chance of being saved. The International Association of Dental Traumatology recommends placing the tooth back in its socket as soon as possible when it’s safe to do so. Pick it up by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse it with milk or saline if it’s dirty. If you can, carefully reinsert the tooth and bite gently on gauze to hold it in place. Otherwise, keep it in milk and seek emergency dental care immediately. Never reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth, as this could damage the permanent tooth developing underneath.
How We Evaluate and Treat Facial Injuries
When you come to our office after a facial injury, our first priority is understanding what happened and how much damage there may be. Depending on your symptoms, we may use cone-beam 3D imaging to get a closer look at your teeth, jaw, and surrounding bones. From there, our surgeons can explain what they find and recommend the next steps. A few things you can expect from our practice include:
- Careful planning: We use digital imaging and planning tools, when appropriate, to guide treatment.
- Treatment based on your injury: Our surgeons consider the extent of the damage and your individual needs before recommending a procedure.
- Prompt appointments: Same-day surgery may be available for injuries requiring timely treatment.
- Clear communication: Our office has Spanish-speaking staff, and both surgeons speak Persian (Farsi).
Not every facial injury requires surgery, and we’ll explain what your evaluation reveals before discussing treatment. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and understand what recovery may look like, including any follow-up care you might need.
How We Treat Facial and Dental Injuries
The right treatment depends on the type of injury and the extent of the damage. Some patients need loose teeth stabilized, while others may require surgery to repair a fractured jaw or damaged facial bones. If surgery is necessary, our team will explain the procedure and what recovery may involve. Depending on your treatment and medical history, IV sedation or general anesthesia may be available to help keep you comfortable.
When an injury involves bone loss, bone grafting may help rebuild the affected area. If a tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant may eventually be an option for replacing it. Our surgeons use 3D imaging and planning tools when appropriate to guide these procedures. We’ll also provide instructions for caring for the treated area at home and schedule follow-up visits as needed to check your healing.
Get Facial Trauma Care At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center
Facial injuries can involve several areas at once, which is why a thorough evaluation matters. At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat injuries affecting the teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures. Dr. Saman Vahedi has extensive experience treating facial trauma, and our team can help you understand your options based on the extent of your injury.
Our West Los Angeles office accepts major PPO insurance plans, and we’re available to answer questions about scheduling and treatment. If you’ve experienced a facial or dental injury, contact our office to discuss your symptoms and arrange an evaluation. For severe injuries, including uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately.