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Maxillofacial Trauma: Orbital Fracture

Maxillofacial Trauma: Orbital Fracture

Whether you have experienced a motor vehicle accident, domestic abuse, or a sports injury, a blow to the face can leave you with a wide combination of injuries. Just one blow can result in damaged teeth, a lacerated tongue or lips, a broken nose or worse. Sometimes, facial trauma is so widespread that it can even extend to the bones that form the eye sockets, resulting in an orbital fracture. Direct blunt trauma to the globe (eyeball) can also cause an orbital fracture.

When you are faced with complex or compounded facial injuries, you’ll be thankful for the talent and experience of an oral surgeon. An injury such as an orbital fracture can involve many of the same structures that affect your face, mouth, and jaw. An oral & maxillofacial surgeon is a dental expert with in-depth knowledge and education in facial anatomy, anesthesiology, and reconstructive surgery.

With these skills, the delicate bones of the face can be treated and special care will be taken to preserve your appearance while reducing the impact of scarring if possible.

The severity of an orbital fracture can range from minimal or mild to severe. A mild fracture typically indicates that the bones that form the eye socket are still intact, though there may be pain and swelling in the area. Minimal injuries will generally heal without surgical intervention as long as care is taken to manage the pain and inflammation during that time.

A more severe fracture will involve bones that are completely separated, displaced, or crushed. For these fractures, oral & maxillofacial surgery will be required in order to reposition the bones, address any damaged nerves or blood vessels, and stabilize the area during the healing process. Once the bone structure has been managed, the soft tissues of the face will also need to be addressed.

Of course, the outcome and prognosis following an orbital fracture can vary widely. The goal of surgery is to repair the damage and restore a full range of function for the patient. However, a traumatic injury can sometimes result in the loss of vision and even cataracts. Early treatment and a proper diagnosis can provide you with the best chance for a complete recovery.

To schedule an emergency examination, call our dual degree oral and maxillofacial surgeons at ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio for your appointment today.

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