Understanding Facial Trauma: Causes, Treatments, and the Role of Dental Care

Facial trauma can be a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Whether caused by an accident, sports injury, or act of violence, injuries to the face require prompt attention and expert care. At Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery Center in Fairbanks, Dr. Clay Van Leeuwen specializes in diagnosing and treating facial trauma with precision, compassion, and skill.
In this article, we’ll break down the causes of facial trauma, explore common treatment options, and explain how oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Van Leeuwen play a critical role in your recovery.

What Is Facial Trauma?

Facial trauma refers to any injury to the face and jaw, including the soft tissues (like skin and muscles), bones (such as the cheekbones, jaw, and nose), and dental structures (like the teeth and surrounding tissues). These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to complex fractures that require surgical reconstruction.

Common Causes of Facial Injuries

Facial trauma can result from a wide variety of incidents. The most common causes include:
1. Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, motorcycle, and ATV crashes are among the leading causes of facial injuries. High-speed collisions often result in severe trauma due to direct impact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbags.
2. Sports Injuries
Contact sports such as football, hockey, boxing, and even recreational activities like snowboarding can put athletes at risk for facial injuries—especially if protective gear is not worn.
3. Falls
Falls at home, on ice, or in the workplace are another frequent cause. This is especially common among children and older adults.
4. Physical Altercations
Blunt force trauma from fights or assaults often results in fractures, lacerations, and dental damage.
5. Work-Related Accidents
Construction workers, mechanics, and others in physically demanding professions are at increased risk for facial injuries due to falls or equipment malfunctions.

Types of Facial Trauma

Different types of injuries require different levels of care. Some of the most common facial trauma cases treated at Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery Center include:

Soft Tissue Injuries

These include lacerations, abrasions, and puncture wounds to the skin and underlying tissues. Even minor injuries may require sutures or surgical cleaning to prevent infection or scarring.

Bone Fractures

Facial bones can fracture in many ways:
  • Nasal fractures: Often result from blunt trauma to the face.
  • Orbital fractures: Damage to the bones around the eyes.
  • Zygomatic fractures: Involving the cheekbone.
  • Mandibular fractures: Breaks in the lower jaw, which may impact eating and speaking.
  • Maxillary fractures: Affect the upper jaw and mid-face.

Dental Trauma

Tooth fractures, avulsions (knocked-out teeth), and damage to the supporting bone are common during facial trauma. These injuries often require collaboration between oral surgeons and restorative dentists.

How Facial Trauma Is Treated

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury, but often includes a combination of surgical and nonsurgical approaches. At Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery Center, Dr. Van Leeuwen utilizes the latest techniques and technology to restore function and appearance.

Initial Evaluation and Imaging

Accurate diagnosis is the first step. Dr. Van Leeuwen uses advanced imaging like 3D cone beam CT scans to assess the extent of the trauma and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Surgical Intervention

Surgery may be required to reposition fractured bones, secure them with titanium plates or screws, and repair soft tissue damage. Whenever possible, incisions are placed in discreet locations to minimize visible scarring.

Dental Reconstruction

In cases where teeth are damaged or lost, dental implants, bone grafts, or other restorative treatments may be needed. Dr. Van Leeuwen works closely with restorative dentists to ensure optimal outcomes.

Rehabilitation and Follow-Up

Recovery from facial trauma doesn’t end in the operating room. Ongoing care may include physical therapy, bite adjustment, scar treatment, and follow-up imaging to monitor healing.

The Role of an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Not all facial injuries require emergency room care—but many do require the expertise of a specialist trained in both medicine and dentistry. That’s where an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) like Dr. Van Leeuwen comes in.

Why Choose an OMS?

Oral surgeons are uniquely qualified to handle facial trauma because of their dual training in dental and surgical disciplines. This makes them especially skilled in procedures involving:
  • Jaw alignment and stabilization
  • Fracture fixation
  • Dental reconstruction
  • Minimizing scarring and preserving facial aesthetics

Hospital and Office-Based Care

Dr. Van Leeuwen is on staff at local hospitals in Fairbanks, Alaska, and also offers outpatient treatment at Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery Center. This flexibility ensures patients receive timely, appropriate care whether in an emergency or through a planned consultation.

Preventing Facial Injuries

While not all accidents can be avoided, many facial injuries are preventable. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and your family:
  • Wear seatbelts and ensure airbags are functioning properly
  • Use helmets and facial protection during sports and outdoor activities
  • Install grab bars and nonslip mats to prevent falls at home
  • Use mouthguards during contact sports
  • Follow proper safety protocols in the workplace

Experience Healing with Compassion and Expertise

At Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery Center, we understand that facial trauma can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. That’s why Dr. Clay Van Leeuwen and our dedicated team are here to guide you through every step of the recovery process. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll receive the highest standard of care—delivered with skill, empathy, and respect.

Ready to Restore Your Confidence and Comfort?

If you or a loved one has experienced facial trauma, don’t wait to seek care. Prompt treatment is essential for proper healing and long-term health. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Clay Van Leeuwen at Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery Center in Fairbanks, Alaska today. Call us at (907-802-4098) to request an appointment and learn more about how we can help you heal—safely and confidently.