Facial Trauma Oral Surgery in Madison, MS

Facial trauma refers to any injury that affects the bones, teeth, or soft tissues of the face. These injuries can result from accidents, sports, falls, or workplace incidents. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely trained to diagnose and treat these conditions because they have deep expertise in the structures that support breathing, chewing, speaking, and facial expression.

Common forms of facial trauma include broken jaws, cheekbone fractures, lacerations, and dental trauma such as fractured or displaced teeth. Even injuries that appear minor on the surface may involve underlying bone or nerve damage, which is why early evaluation is essential. Prompt diagnosis helps prevent long-term issues including misalignment, chronic pain, or problems with your bite. At Southern OMS, we use advanced 3D imaging to assess injuries accurately so you receive the most appropriate treatment from the start.

We treat a wide range of injuries involving the facial bones, teeth, and surrounding soft tissues. These include:

• Jaw fractures involving the upper or lower jaw
• Cheekbone fractures
• Nasal fractures that fall within the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Facial lacerations that require careful suturing for proper healing
• Dental trauma and dentoalveolar injuries involving broken or displaced teeth
• Soft tissue injuries to the lips, gums, or chin

Our goal is to treat injuries in a way that restores comfort, protects long-term function, and maintains a natural appearance whenever possible.  If the treatment needed is beyond our scope of care, we will provide a referral to the most experienced provider.  

In many cases, signs of facial injury may be subtle at first. You should seek evaluation from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if you experience swelling that does not improve, difficulty chewing, limited jaw movement, visible deformity, tooth displacement, or numbness in the lips or face. These symptoms can indicate bone injury or nerve involvement that requires specialist care. 

Soft tissue injuries often require meticulous repair to restore function and minimize scarring. At Southern OMS, we treat lip lacerations, intraoral cuts, gum trauma, and injuries involving the cheeks, chin, or eyebrows. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to align soft tissues carefully, protect nerves and salivary ducts, and promote healing that preserves both form and comfort.

Proper diagnosis begins with detailed imaging. We use 3D dental imaging, panoramic X-rays, and CT scans to evaluate fractures, displaced teeth, and soft tissue injuries. These tools help us identify hidden problems that might not be visible through a basic examination alone. Precise imaging allows us to plan treatment with confidence and ensures that you receive care that supports long-term stability and function.

Postponing treatment can lead to several long-term complications. Untreated fractures may heal improperly, causing chronic discomfort, bite issues, limited jaw movement, or noticeable asymmetry. Delayed treatment can also increase the chance of nerve damage or infection. Early evaluation is essential to prevent these complications and to ensure that your face heals correctly and comfortably.

Yes. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons routinely treat avulsed teeth and injuries affecting the bone that supports the teeth. These conditions require timely care, especially when a tooth is displaced or knocked out completely. We work closely with your general dentist to stabilize injured teeth and plan for long-term restoration when needed.

After-care is a vital part of recovery. We provide detailed instructions that may include:

• Managing swelling with cold compresses
• Modifying your diet to soft foods
• Using prescribed medications for comfort
• Keeping the area clean
• Attending follow-up appointments

Our goal is to help you recover fully and comfortably with clear guidance at every step.

Recovery time depends on the type of fracture and the treatment required. Many patients begin to feel improvement within a few weeks, although full healing may take six to eight weeks. During this time, it is important to follow dietary recommendations and avoid activities that place stress on the jaw. Dr. Keen will monitor your healing to ensure your bite, function, and comfort remain on track.

Follow-up visits help us ensure that your bones, soft tissues, and teeth are healing correctly. We may take additional imaging to confirm stability and alignment. Long-term care may include monitoring your bite, evaluating nerve recovery, and planning any needed restorative treatments with your general dentist.

Costs vary based on the severity of the injury, the imaging required, and the type of treatment provided. Many facial trauma procedures are covered by medical insurance rather than dental insurance. During your visit, we will review your coverage, help you understand potential fees, and answer any questions so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Southern OMS provides specialized care rooted in advanced training, modern technology, and genuine compassion. Our practice uses 3D imaging to enhance accuracy and support better outcomes. We collaborate with general dentists to ensure comprehensive care and offer treatment that goes beyond what is available at general dental practices. With a convenient location in Madison, MS, we are committed to restoring comfort, function, and confidence after facial injury.