Facial Fracture Treatment in the Bay Area

Fractures in the face and jaw area leave you in pain and full of concern. Will my face look the same after it heals? When will the pain go away? At Bay Area Oral Surgery & Implantology (Bay Area OSM), we understand how serious and stressful facial trauma can be. Our highly skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment using state-of-the-art surgical techniques.

We treat facial fractures at multiple locations across the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. If you suspect a fracture, don’t wait — book an appointment today.

What Are Common Causes of Facial Fractures?

Facial fractures usually result from a sudden impact to the face. The bones of the face — including the frontal bone (forehead), zygomas (cheekbones), orbital bones (eye sockets), nasal bones, and jawbones (mandible and maxilla) — are among the most commonly fractured in the human body.

Your jaw is particularly vulnerable because of its prominent structure. Some of the most common causes of facial fractures include:

• Sports injuries (especially contact sports like football, boxing, or basketball)
• Car and motorcycle accidents
• Workplace trauma (e.g., construction or industrial accidents)
• Underlying bone loss
• Certain oral pathologies, including cancer and periodontal disease
• Physical assault or blunt trauma

At Bay Area OSM, we treat fractures in the jaw, cheek, and orbital bone regions with precision and care.

Yes — in most cases, if treated promptly. It’s critical to seek evaluation right away after facial trauma. Using advanced 3D imaging technology and surgical planning tools, our team can detect even hairline fractures and ensure proper alignment for healing. Time is essential to make sure your bones repair correctly and your facial structure remains intact.

It is very dangerous to leave a facial injury to heal on its own, even if there is little pain. Without the attention of a professional, a facial injury could lead to irreversible damage or can even be life-threatening. Many nerves responsible for senses such as sight and smell pass through facial bones and if the bones are allowed to heal on their own they could damage the nerves and the senses could be lost. Breathing difficulties could develop if you were to leave a broken jaw unattended. It could also cause problems with chewing and swallowing. Injuries that cause facial fractures may also affect the central nervous system or brain so it could be vitally important to get medical attention.

HOW DO YOU REPAIR FACIAL FRACTURES?

Treatment is designed to match the location and severity of your fracture. If it’s a small fracture in your jaw, it might be wired shut to keep the bones immobile while you heal. Larger fractures to your jaw, cheek, or eye area might need plates installed with small surgical screws to strengthen and support your bone regrowth.

You should start feeling better within a few weeks, but it’s best to avoid any activity where you risk a blow to your face like sports for at least six to eight weeks so your bone can fully heal.

Took a blow to your facial area and need to see if you have a fracture? Call the Bay Area OSM office today to set up your diagnostic appointment or book online.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR SENSATION TO RETURN AFTER A FACIAL INJURY?

It may take many weeks or even months for the full sensation to return to your face. In a few cases, the sensation may only partially return or it may not return at all. Facial bones have small channels that allow nerves to pass through. These nerves are responsible for the senses of touch, heat, and pain. Swelling in the bone can apply pressure on the nerves reducing the sensation in the face. Only when swelling in the bone has fully subsided will the sensation return.