Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options (surgical and non-surgical), common related issues, and preventive care for facial trauma.
"Facial Trauma"
Dr. Dimple Sethia, the dentist and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practising in Girinagar, Bangalore, specialises in treating facial trauma, Which needs Immediate Emergency Care
Facial trauma refers to any injury or physical damage to the face, including the bones, soft tissues (like skin, muscles, and mucous membranes), eyes, or related structures. It can result from various causes such as falls, motor vehicle collisions, assaults, sports injuries, or industrial accidents.
• Abrasions – Superficial scrapes; usually heal quickly but can be painful.
• Avulsed Teeth – Teeth completely knocked out; urgent reimplantation may be possible.
• Contusions – Bruising due to blunt force; may cause swelling and discolouration.
• Dental Lacerations – Cuts to gums, lips, or oral mucosa; often accompany other facial trauma.
• Fractured Teeth – Cracks or breaks in the tooth structure; may expose nerves.
• Globe Trauma – Direct injury to the eyeball; may threaten vision and require emergency care.
• Lacerations – Deep cuts that may require sutures; risk of infection if untreated.
• Mandibular Fractures – Involve the lower jaw; may cause difficulty in chewing or speaking.
• Maxillary Fractures – Involve the upper jaw; may affect sinus cavities and dental alignment.
• Nasal Bone Fractures – Common in blunt trauma; can lead to breathing issues or cosmetic changes.
• Orbital Fractures – Can affect eye movement, vision, and surrounding structures.
• Zygomatic Fractures – Affect the cheekbone; can impact facial symmetry and eye movement.
Causes of Facial Trauma:
- Falls: The most common cause, especially in children and elderly.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: high-impact injuries often causing complex fractures.
- Assaults & Violence: Face is a common target in fights.
- Sports Injuries: contact sports like boxing, football, or hockey.
- Industrial or Work-Related Accidents: machinery, falling objects.
- Crushing Injuries: e.g., animal attacks, heavy objects.
Symptoms of Facial Trauma:
- Pain and tenderness in affected area
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity or asymmetry
- Bleeding from mouth, nose, or facial cuts
- Nasal congestion or bleeding
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Numbness or tingling due to nerve injury
- Visual disturbances (double vision, blurred vision)
- Malocclusion (misaligned teeth)
- Intermittent or continuous bleeding
Preventive Care:
- Wear protective gear: helmets, face shields, mouthguards during sports
- Use seat belts and child restraints in vehicles
- Ensure safe environment: remove tripping hazards, improve lighting at home/work
- Education: about accident risks and safety practices
- Promote safe sports practices: proper technique, supervised play
- Workplace safety: adherence to safety protocols and proper training
Diagnosis:
- History and Physical Exam:
- Mechanism of injury
- Inspection for deformity, lacerations, asymmetry
- Palpation for tenderness, crepitus (crackling sound from bone fragments)
- Neurological assessment (sensory/motor function)
- Ophthalmological exam if the eye is involved
- Imaging Studies:
- X-rays: for basic fracture assessment
- CT scan: gold standard for detailed visualisation of complex fractures
- MRI: in cases involving soft tissue or brain injury
Treatment Options:
General Principles:
- Maintain airway patency
- Control bleeding
- Reduce swelling and pain
- Address functional and cosmetic issues
Specific Treatments:
- Emergency care:
- Airway management
- Hemorrhage control (pressure, packing)
- Immobilization
- Soft tissue injuries:
- Suturing lacerations
- Antibiotics to prevent infection
- Fracture management:
- Closed reduction: non-surgical realignment, used for simple fractures
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): surgical stabilization with plates, screws, wiring
- Bone grafting or reconstruction: for complex reconstructions
- Dental injuries:
- Reimplantation of avulsed teeth (preferably within 30 minutes)
- Root canal or restoration for fractured teeth
- Eye injuries:
- Ophthalmology consultation
- Protecting globe, managing orbital fractures, possible surgery
- Follow-up care:
- Physical therapy
- Scar management
- Dental or orthodontic correction if needed
Facial trauma often requires emergency care, so it’s crucial to seek prompt treatment from a qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon rather than just a general dentist. Dr. Dimple Sethia offers both online and in-person consultations, available at Girinagar, Bangalore. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via WhatsApp or call at 733-805-8850.
