Accidents, whether they are in sports, on the road, or in other circumstances, sometimes result in severe harm to the face. If you have recently sustained facial injuries, it is important that you have a qualified medical team who can help you to minimize the long-term impact of your injuries. Very often, that team should include an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. What are some examples of injuries that an oral surgeon can help to correct? This blog post explains.
Jaw Fractures
Oral surgeons are experts on how both the upper and lower jaws work. They can repair fractures in a way that optimizes your bite and will have the best possible outcome for how your teeth function. If your jaw fracture was accompanied by tooth loss or harm to your teeth, oral surgeons can create a comprehensive treatment plan to address all related injuries as efficiently as possible.
Cheekbone Fractures
Oral surgeons are also properly referred to as “maxillofacial surgeons.” The word “maxillofacial” refers to both the upper jaw and the surrounding structures, including the cheekbones.
Sadly, cheekbone fractures are sometimes dismissed because they do not initially cause functional problems. However, if left untreated, they can lead to issues down the road. That is why a consultation with an oral surgeon is important for these types of injuries.
Orbital Fractures
Your orbital bone surrounds your eye. If it becomes fractured, the injury will usually be to the lower portion of the bone, where it is thinner. Orbital fractures do not always require the attention of an oral surgeon, but if the eye is displaced or there are other complications, surgical intervention is likely to be necessary.
Nasal Fractures
In some cases, a broken nose can heal on its own. In other instances, though, a consultation with an oral surgeon can help to address breathing and aesthetic problems that result from nasal fractures.
Oral surgeons can do more than care for your smile! They may also play a large role in helping you to recover from serious facial injuries.
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is proud to be home to two board-certified surgeons: Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard. If you are in the process of recovering from facial injuries, they are ready to examine you and recommend your next steps. They handle each case with compassion and great attention to detail. To learn more about how they may be able to serve you, contact our Katy, TX, office at 832-353-1100.