If you hurt your face, it's not just a problem with how you look. It can be hard to talk, breathe, see, and chew when the bones and soft tissues in your face are hurt. A lot of people think that facial injuries only happen in violent or dramatic accidents, but they happen a lot more often than that. Sports, falling, and car accidents are some of the most common reasons.

If these injuries aren't treated very carefully, they can change the way the jaws line up, hurt nerves and muscles, and cause long-term problems. Getting care from a professional quickly not only improves appearance but also protects the complex structure and function of the face.

What Makes People Hurt Their Faces

The human face is made up of many different parts, including bones, muscles, and sensory structures. The mandible (lower jaw), maxilla (upper jaw), cheekbones, and the thin walls around the eyes are among the most likely areas to fracture during impact.

  • Car accidents
  • Work-related injuries
  • Physical assault
  • Sports injuries
  • Falls

Patients often experience swelling, bruising, misaligned bite, numbness, or difficulty opening their mouth. It is not always easy to judge the severity of an injury at first. Advanced imaging like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) helps create an accurate and personalized treatment plan.

Surgery and New Ways to Fix Things

Not all facial injuries require surgery. Stable fractures that do not affect function or appearance may be treated conservatively. However, many cases need surgical correction when bones are displaced or other structures are at risk.

The most common method is open reduction and internal fixation, using titanium plates and screws to stabilize the bones while they heal. These materials are strong, biocompatible, and preserve natural healing. The goal is to restore bone position, facial symmetry, nerve health, and proper bite alignment.

If trauma causes tooth or jawbone loss, additional treatments such as bone grafting or dental implants may be included to fully restore function and aesthetics.

Why You Should See a Doctor

Treating facial trauma requires far more than technical precision. The face plays a major role in appearance, communication, confidence, and daily life. Even small changes can have lasting emotional and social impact.

A skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon considers medical, functional, and cosmetic factors in every case. Modern 3D imaging, digital planning, and sedation options greatly improve treatment outcomes and patient comfort.

Things That Make It Harder to Get Better

Each person heals differently, and many factors affect the recovery process. The outcome depends on:

  • The severity of the injury
  • How quickly treatment begins
  • Existing medical conditions
  • Smoking or lifestyle factors

Regular follow-up visits help monitor healing and address concerns. Some patients may need orthodontics or physical therapy to achieve full recovery. Patience and proper care support both functional and cosmetic healing.

The Next Step

Understanding facial trauma and its treatment helps patients feel confident about their path to recovery. With the right surgical team, patients can expect both functional repair and long-term improvement in appearance and quality of life.

To learn more or set up a meeting, call 251-333-1700.