Facial Trauma

Facial trauma includes any injury to the bones or soft tissues of the face, head, neck, or mouth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained to handle emergency trauma cases as well as acute trauma needs. An oral surgeon makes sure that these areas heal properly to regain their intended function while restoring a normal appearance.

Dr. Christopher Galea holds both dental and medical degrees. Dr. Galea specializes in craniofacial and orofacial cases and will help you or your child regain proper oral function, improve health, and restore confidence. Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has two offices in Reno and Sparks, NV, where Dr. Galea and his team diagnose and treat a variety of facial trauma cases. He is also staffed at local hospitals where he provides urgent care to emergency trauma patients.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room to receive care from the oral surgeon on call.

Types of Facial Trauma

Facial trauma can range from a cut inside of the mouth, a tooth knocked out during a sporting event, or a severe deformity caused by an accident or act of violence. Regardless of the cause, Dr. Galea will design a custom treatment plan to produce an optimal and beneficial health outcome. Common types of facial trauma include:

• Facial lacerations
• Intraoral lacerations
• Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
• Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
• Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)

Treatment for Facial Trauma in Reno and Sparks, NV

Dr. Galea is an oral surgeon and physician and is qualified to administer all forms of anesthesia and sedation for any type of procedure. Our offices are equipped with state-of-the-art digital 3D scanning technology, allowing us to view your condition from all angles and track your development throughout recovery.

Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the face, can be repaired with sutures. During surgery, we will always try to produce minimal scarring and optimal cosmetic results. Treatment for facial bone fractures depends on the severity of the fracture. A cast cannot be placed in the mouth, so we use plates and screws to allow the bones to heal in their proper positions. Severe facial injuries may require the jaws to be wired together.

Treating facial and oral injuries is delicate and Dr. Galea accomplishes predictable, effective results through his expert level of care and use of advanced technology. When you come to Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for treatment, Dr. Galea will evaluate your condition, take 3D scans, and design a custom treatment plant that is unique to your case and recovery.

What To Do for a Knocked-Out Tooth

Oral surgeons are often needed to replant a tooth that has been knocked out. Depending on the severity of the tooth’s damage and its location, a splint or wire may be used to reconnect it. If your tooth is knocked out, you should place it in a cup of whole milk or saliva. Visit a dental professional as soon as possible. The faster the tooth is re-inserted, the higher the chance it will survive. Do not wipe the tooth off since the ligaments on the tooth are necessary for reconnection.

Treatment may require an endodontist to perform root canal therapy or a restorative dentist to fabricate a new tooth. If your tooth is unable to be saved, we will discuss your options for restoring the missing tooth. Dental implants are a popular solution for one or more missing teeth and offer long-term, natural-looking results.