Dental & Facial Trauma Care
Surgical evaluation and treatment for injuries involving the teeth, supporting bone, mouth, and surrounding facial tissues, with follow-up care after more significant facial injuries.
When might an oral surgeon help after an injury?
Injuries to the teeth and mouth can also involve the bone and soft tissues that support them. An oral surgeon can evaluate these structures together, provide treatment when appropriate, and coordinate additional care when a more significant injury is present.
Teeth that have been loosened, moved from their normal position, or completely knocked out require prompt evaluation.
An injury may fracture the bone supporting one or more teeth, sometimes causing several teeth to move together or changing the bite.
Cuts or other injuries involving the gums, lips, or tissues around the teeth may occur together with dental injuries. Trauma can also affect the jaw joint (TMJ), causing pain or difficulty with jaw movement.
Persistent pain, swelling, numbness, difficulty opening the mouth, or a change in the bite may need further evaluation after an injury.
Time matters.
A completely knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. Immediate replantation gives the tooth the best chance of a favorable outcome when it can be done safely.
Pick up the tooth by the white crown. Avoid touching or handling the root.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk, saline, or saliva. Do not scrub the root.
If possible, place the permanent tooth back into its socket. If you cannot, keep it in milk or another appropriate storage medium and bring it with you.
Seek immediate dental treatment. Do not attempt to replant a baby tooth.
Major injury? Seek emergency medical care for loss of consciousness, neurological symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, or other serious injuries.
View AAPD/IADT guidance for a knocked-out permanent tooth →Evaluating an injury and planning the next step.
Treatment depends on what was injured, when the injury occurred, your symptoms, and how the teeth, supporting bone, bite, and surrounding tissues have been affected.
Understand the injury
We review how and when the injury occurred, your symptoms, medical history, medications, and any treatment you have already received.
Examine the injured area
Dr. Siew evaluates the teeth, supporting bone, bite, soft tissues, and jaw movement to understand the extent of the injury.
Review the anatomy
X-rays or three-dimensional imaging may be used when needed to evaluate the teeth, jaws, or other structures affected by the injury.
Determine the next step
We discuss whether treatment, observation, follow-up, or coordination with your dentist or another specialist is appropriate.
Anesthesia options for your comfort and safety.
The appropriate option depends on your procedure, health history, preferences, and other clinical considerations.
Local anesthesia
Local anesthetic numbs the surgical area while you remain awake during the procedure.
IV sedation
IV sedation can help reduce anxiety and awareness and improve comfort during your procedure. The appropriate level of sedation is individualized for each patient.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia may be considered for selected patients and procedures when clinically appropriate.
Treatment depends on the type of injury.
Dental and facial injuries can affect the teeth, supporting bone, soft tissues, and bite in different ways. Treatment is individualized based on the injury and may involve coordination with your dentist or another specialist.
Restore the position
Displaced teeth or segments of supporting bone may need to be carefully repositioned when appropriate.
Stabilize the injured area
Injured teeth or supporting bone may be stabilized with a temporary splint while the surrounding tissues heal.
Treat associated injuries
Cuts or other injuries to the gums, lips, or tissues around the teeth may also need cleaning, repair, or other treatment.
Coordinate ongoing care
Follow-up may include monitoring healing and coordinating additional dental, endodontic, restorative, or specialist care when needed.
What to expect after treatment for a dental injury.
Recovery depends on the type and extent of the injury and the treatment performed. Protecting the injured area and attending follow-up visits are important parts of healing.
Swelling & soreness
Some swelling, soreness, and bruising may occur after an injury or treatment and generally improve as healing progresses.
Diet & activity
A soft diet may be recommended to reduce pressure on injured teeth and supporting bone. Follow the activity restrictions provided for your specific injury.
Protecting injured teeth
If a dental splint is placed, keep the area clean and avoid biting directly on the injured teeth. Follow the instructions provided for brushing and caring for the splint.
Follow-up care
Follow-up allows us to monitor healing, remove stitches when needed, and determine when a splint can be removed. Injured teeth may also need continued monitoring or additional care from your dentist or another specialist.
Common questions about dental and facial trauma.
What should I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention. Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root. If it is dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing. When possible, the tooth may be placed back into its socket. If that cannot be done, keep it moist, such as in milk, and seek urgent dental care. Do not replant a baby tooth.
How long will a dental splint stay in place?
The amount of time a splint is needed depends on the type of injury and the supporting bone involved. We will monitor healing and let you know when the splint can be safely removed.
Will an injured tooth need a root canal?
Sometimes. Trauma can damage the tissue and blood supply inside a tooth even when the tooth remains in place. Your dentist or an endodontist may monitor the tooth over time and recommend root canal treatment if it becomes necessary.
Why does my bite feel different after an injury?
A change in the way your teeth fit together can occur when teeth or the bone supporting them have moved, or when an injury involves the jaw. A new or persistent change in your bite should be evaluated.
Can a facial injury affect my jaw joint (TMJ)?
Yes. Trauma can affect the jaw joint and surrounding tissues, sometimes causing pain, stiffness, limited mouth opening, or changes in jaw movement. Persistent symptoms may benefit from further evaluation.
Will I need my stitches removed?
It depends on the type of stitches used and the injury being treated. Some stitches dissolve on their own, while others need to be removed at a follow-up visit. We will let you know what to expect after treatment.
When should I go to an emergency department instead of the office?
Major facial injuries or injuries accompanied by loss of consciousness, neurological symptoms, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, severe swelling, or other serious symptoms should be evaluated in an emergency department. Our office is best suited for appropriate dental and minor oral injuries, as well as follow-up evaluation after facial trauma.
Can you see me for follow-up after a facial injury?
Yes. Follow-up evaluation may be appropriate for persistent pain, swelling, numbness, difficulty opening the mouth, changes in your bite, dental injuries, or other concerns after facial trauma. More complex injuries may require coordination with hospital-based or other specialists.
Understanding dental and facial injuries.
The effects of an injury depend on which teeth, bone, soft tissues, or surrounding structures are involved. Some injuries that initially appear minor may require continued evaluation as healing progresses.
Potential concerns can include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, changes in the bite, tooth loss, changes in tooth vitality, altered sensation, or problems with healing. Injured teeth may require additional dental or endodontic treatment even after the initial injury has been treated.
We will review the extent of your injury, treatment options, expected follow-up, and whether care from your dentist or another specialist is recommended.
Need evaluation after a dental or facial injury?
Contact our team for evaluation of appropriate dental and minor oral injuries, or for follow-up after facial trauma.
For major injuries, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled bleeding, or other serious symptoms, seek emergency medical care.