Maxillofacial Trauma
Maxillofacial trauma surgery can restore symmetry & function to your face and jaw after facial trauma.
Schedule with UsWhat is Maxillofacial Trauma?
Maxillofacial trauma refers to any injury that affects the facial area, including the jaw, cheekbones, eye sockets, nasal area, teeth, and soft tissues. These injuries can occur accidentally or suddenly and may range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious fractures that require specialized treatment.
Providers trained in managing these injuries focus on restoring comfort, symmetry, and proper function. Whether the goal is supporting breathing, chewing, speaking, or healing soft tissue, treatment is guided by a balance of medical precision and compassionate care.
Common Causes of Facial Trauma
Facial injuries can happen in an instant and often catch you off guard. They can occur during everyday activities, recreational moments, or situations involving sudden force. Here are some of the most common causes of facial injuries:
- Car Accidents: Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles can significantly impact the face, often affecting the jaw or cheekbones.
- Sports and Athletic Activities: Contact sports, falls during training, or accidental equipment contact may lead to fractures, cuts, or dental injuries.
- Slip and Falls: Falls at home, work, or outdoors remain one of the most frequent causes of facial trauma, especially when the chin or nose absorbs the impact.
- Physical Altercations: Punches or blunt force during an altercation commonly result in injuries to the nose, jaw, or orbital bones.
- Workplace Accidents: Jobs involving machinery, tools, or heavy equipment carry an increased risk of sudden facial impact.
- Recreational Activities: Activities such as skating, skiing, horseback riding, and cycling can introduce situations where falls or collisions may occur.
What are Maxillofacial Soft Tissue Injuries?
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the skin, muscles, nerves, or blood vessels of the face. These injuries can appear as cuts, abrasions, deep lacerations, puncture wounds, or pronounced bruising. Even injuries that seem mild on the surface often require professional evaluation to ensure that deeper structures are not affected.
Treatment usually involves thorough cleaning, suturing when needed, and careful examination of nerves, ducts, and muscle tissue. Specialists perform soft tissue repairs precisely to encourage healing, prevent infection, and minimize long-term scarring. Since the face is a highly visible and expressive part of the body, the primary aim is to support both function and appearance during recovery.
What are Maxillofacial Bone Injuries?
Bone injuries involve fractures or displacements of the facial skeleton, including the jaw (mandible), upper jaw (maxilla), nasal bones, cheekbones (zygoma), and orbital bones. These injuries may cause swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty chewing, changes in bite alignment, facial asymmetry, or limited jaw movement.
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Some fractures are stabilized with small plates or screws, while others may heal with supportive care and guidance on protecting the area. Restoring balance, alignment, and strength is essential, as is making sure that the jaw and surrounding structures function comfortably.
What to Expect: Facial Trauma Surgery at Central Illinois Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
We understand it is natural to have questions when you are dealing with a facial injury. Here is what to expect when you visit Central Illinois Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery:
Evaluation and Imaging: Your appointment begins with a focused exam to help your provider understand the details of your injury. Digital X-rays or CT scans may be taken to get a complete view of the affected areas.
Treatment Planning: Once the evaluation is complete, your provider reviews the results with you. Together, you discuss the recommended approach based on your specific injuries. It may include soft-tissue care, fracture support, or treatment for damaged teeth.
Repair and Care: Treatment focuses on restoring comfort, function, and appearance. Depending on your needs, this may involve repairing soft tissue, realigning bones, or supporting the jaw.
Recovery and Follow-Up: After your initial treatment, your team provides instructions for home care, including how to manage swelling and protect the treated area. Follow-up visits help your provider monitor your progress and adjust your care if needed.
If you or a loved one has suffered a facial injury and needs maxillofacial trauma surgery in Effingham, Illinois, reaching out sooner rather than later can make a meaningful difference in your healing. Call Central Illinois Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at (217) 540-5348 today to schedule an evaluation and get the support you need, every step of the way.
Maxillofacial Trauma FAQs
How is maxillofacial trauma treated?
First, we'll take X-rays to get a complete picture of your injuries. Then, we'll create a personalized treatment plan that, depending on your injuries, could include repairing damaged teeth, realigning bones, repairing soft tissues, and other treatment options.
How long does facial trauma surgery take?
If you require surgery to treat your facial injuries, the duration can vary depending on the complexity of your injuries. On average, surgery can take 2-4 hours.
Is maxillofacial trauma surgery painful?
Maxillofacial trauma surgery isn't painful, as you'll be under sedation, which will keep you relaxed and comfortable during your procedure.
How do I know if I need facial trauma treatment?
If you have sustained severe facial injuries or are experiencing facial or oral bleeding, swelling, or severe pain, you may need maxillofacial treatment.
How to best recover after maxillofacial trauma surgery?
Your provider will give you specific post-op instructions to ensure you heal properly. While mild swelling and slight discomfort are normal, you can manage them with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication and by applying ice packs to your face. For the best recovery results, it's essential to follow all post-op instructions from your doctor exactly.