Maxillofacial Trauma: Zygomatic Fractures
After a blow to the face, a fall, or a car accident, you may have a tough time determining the extent of your injuries. You may have severe pain, swelling, and bruising, but how can you be sure about the true depth of your injuries? How can you know whether your injury will require jaw surgery or a simple ice pack?
The truth is that the face, jaw, and mouth are comprised of several delicate bones that can be fractured or broken as the result of a traumatic incident. Even if the skin has not been broken, these types of injuries can lead to long- term damage unless they are properly diagnosed and treated. Of all specialists in the medical and dental fields, your oral surgeon will serve as your best resource in the evaluation and treatment of your facial injury.
An oral surgeon can offer a unique range of expertise regarding pain management, nerve and bone anatomy both inside and outside of the face or mouth, and cosmetic surgery experience. Under the care of such a specialist, you can feel confident that each aspect of your injury will be properly addressed.
Perhaps your injury occurred near the nose, cheek, or center of your face. The cheekbone, or zygoma, can be fractured or completely broken, and the appropriate treatment can vary widely. For example, a hairline fracture in the cheekbone may simply require time to heal. An ice pack and pain relievers may be recommended to manage pain and swelling as the fracture heals. However, your oral surgeon will need to perform a clinical exam with CT scan in order to confirm the depth and extent of the fracture.
A more complex fracture can cause the bone to separate into two or more pieces, and the damage can inch dangerously close to the orbit of the eye. A fracture will likely require that the bones be surgically repositioned and stabilized, and may also include cosmetic surgery.
After an injury, contact our skilled dual degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Steven Koos DDS, MD, as soon as possible for a professional evaluation.