Facial trauma can affect much more than the area where the initial injury occurs. A fracture or impact involving your teeth or facial bones may change how your bite fits together, damage teeth, or interfere with comfortable jaw movement. Prompt evaluation helps identify these problems and determine whether treatment is needed to protect long-term function.
At the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Joel Berger, D.D.S., M.D., treats facial injuries with careful attention to both immediate repair and lasting function. As a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with extensive medical, dental, and surgical training, Dr. Berger has the expertise to evaluate complex injuries involving the teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures.
How Facial Trauma Can Damage Your Teeth
A direct impact to the face can loosen, fracture, displace, or completely knock out a tooth. Even when a tooth looks intact, trauma can sometimes damage its supporting structures.
Early evaluation is particularly important after dental trauma. Depending on the injury, treatment may focus on preserving the natural tooth or planning an appropriate replacement if it cannot be saved.
Can a Facial Injury Change Your Bite?
Yes. Your upper and lower teeth depend on precise jaw alignment to come together properly. A fracture that changes the position of the upper or lower jaw can therefore alter your bite.
You might notice that your teeth suddenly meet differently or that chewing feels uncomfortable. Restoring proper alignment is an important goal of facial trauma surgery because an uneven bite can affect everyday oral function.
What About Long-Term Jaw Function?
Facial injuries can also affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and surrounding structures responsible for jaw movement. Depending on the location and severity of your injury, you could experience stiffness, limited movement, or discomfort.
More complex trauma may involve multiple structures at once, making a comprehensive assessment especially important.
Protect Your Long-Term Facial and Jaw Function
The effects of facial trauma aren’t always limited to the initial injury. Careful diagnosis and treatment can help restore your bite, protect oral function, and support proper healing. Dr. Berger’s board certification and extensive oral and maxillofacial surgical training provide the expertise needed to evaluate complex facial trauma and develop care focused on long-term function.
If you’ve experienced a facial injury, contact the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in San Diego at (858) 292-5175.
