How will a facial fracture affect my teeth

Your face is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body. It’s made up of fragile bones that we tend to protect almost automatically with the threat of injury.  Broken bones can easily occur in the eye socket, lower jaw, or frontal bone.

These types of facial injuries often result in complications because of the interconnectivity of the bones, nerves, and soft tissue. Trauma to the face thus can result in multiple facial fractures as well as soft tissue injuries.

WHEN DO FRACTURES OCCUR?

The usual cause of injuries to the face is sporting accidents or automobile collisions. It’s common to find fractures to the bones in the nose and/or the lower jawbone, known as the mandibular, as a result of facial trauma. Jaw fractures are also referred to as mandibular fractures. The mandibular is a common bone to fracture because of its position on the face. Fractures in the upper jaw can also occur but are not as common.

‍HOW CAN I KNOW IF MY JAWBONE IS FRACTURED?

A jaw fracture is identified by its appearance in two places: At the location of the impact and more or less in the same location on the opposite side. There may also be mild or severe symptoms including pain, swelling, or perhaps difficulties with breathing or chewing. Any trauma to the jaw should be checked over by a medical professional as soon as possible. The potential risk for increased difficulties in breathing is very serious.

WHAT EFFECT WILL FACIAL TRAUMA HAVE ON MY TEETH

It’s very likely that the positioning of your teeth will be affected by a facial fracture. After all, the jaw is the foundation on which they sit. One common complaint is bite misalignment or malocclusion. Your upper set of teeth should close slightly in front of the bottom set. Even with small fractures, your teeth could close in a different position. You may even bite your cheeks while chewing. Apart from malocclusion your teeth may get cracked and/or fall out as a result of trauma to the face.

HOW CAN AN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON HELP?

Many complications can occur because of facial fractures such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The Oral surgeons at Bay Area OSM are expertly trained to handle any complications arising from facial fractures. Sometimes it’s necessary that they perform maxillofacial surgery to help heal bones in their proper place.

Medical items such as screws, wires, metal plates, and rubber bands may be used to support the bones while you heal. Oral surgeons can also fit their patients with dental prosthetics such as dental implants.

If you have experienced a facial injury and need the help of a maxillofacial surgeon then you contact us at Bay Area OSM. Their surgeons are expertly trained to fit dental implants.