Facial Trauma Treatment in Vero Beach, FL
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists trained to repair injuries to the face, jaws, and teeth. Whether from a fall, a motor vehicle accident, a sports injury, or another cause, facial trauma demands prompt expert care to restore function, preserve teeth, and minimize lasting cosmetic effects.
Dr. J. Andrew Colgan is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating facial injuries. He treats both isolated injuries and complex cases that require coordination with other specialists.
For non-urgent follow-up after an ER visit, call (772) 770-9191. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Injuries We Treat
Common facial trauma cases we manage include:
- Jaw fractures (mandible and maxilla)
- Dental avulsions (teeth knocked out)
- Tooth fractures including root fractures
- Alveolar fractures of the tooth-bearing bone
- Facial lacerations and soft tissue injuries
When to Seek Immediate Care
Some facial injuries should be treated in an emergency room first, including injuries with significant bleeding, loss of consciousness, suspected airway compromise, or visible deformity with severe pain. Many ER patients are subsequently referred to our office for definitive surgical treatment, follow-up, and reconstruction.
If you have a knocked-out tooth and you are still in the early window after injury, place the tooth in milk or a tooth-preservation solution and call us immediately. Time matters.
Treatment Approaches
The right treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury.
Jaw fractures. Most are treated by precisely realigning the bone and stabilizing it with small titanium plates and screws. In simple cases, brief intermaxillary fixation (wiring the jaws together) may be used. Dr. Colgan uses 3D imaging to plan and confirm the reduction.
Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth. A permanent tooth that has been knocked out can sometimes be replanted successfully if treated promptly. The longer it is out of the socket, the lower the chance of long-term survival, but early intervention gives the best chance.
Fractured teeth. Depending on whether the fracture extends to the root, treatment ranges from restoration or root canal therapy through your general dentist to extraction and replacement with an implant.
Soft tissue injuries. Lacerations are cleaned, debrided, and repaired in layers to preserve function and minimize scarring.
What to Expect
Your initial appointment with Dr. Colgan includes a thorough clinical examination, imaging (X-rays, panoramic, or 3D CT as appropriate), and a clear treatment plan. Some injuries can be treated in the office; others require a hospital operating room and general anesthesia.
We coordinate with your medical insurance, your dentist, and (when applicable) other specialists involved in your care. Our team handles documentation for auto and other liability cases when relevant.
Recovery
Recovery varies widely based on the injury. Patients with jaw fractures typically follow:
- A soft or liquid diet for several weeks
- Restricted activity (no contact sports) for six to eight weeks
- Frequent follow-up visits to monitor healing
- A return to work or school within one to three weeks for most injuries
- Final stability of the repair within three to six months
Dr. Colgan provides personalized instructions and follow-up care throughout recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the ER or call your office?
For severe injuries, profuse bleeding, possible loss of consciousness, or any airway concern, go to the ER first. For less severe injuries (a fractured tooth, a small laceration, suspected but not displaced fracture), call our office and we will determine the best path forward.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Sometimes, yes. The window is narrow, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes. Place the tooth in milk or a tooth-preservation solution (not water) and call us immediately. Do not scrub the root surface.
Will I have visible scars?
Whenever possible, incisions are placed inside the mouth or in natural skin lines to minimize visible scarring. Pre-existing lacerations are repaired in layers using techniques designed to optimize the cosmetic result.
How are jaw fractures repaired?
Most jaw fractures are repaired using small titanium plates and screws that hold the bone in proper alignment during healing. The hardware is generally left in place permanently and does not interfere with normal function.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
Facial trauma treatment is typically covered by medical insurance, auto insurance (in motor vehicle cases), or liability insurance. Our team verifies coverage and assists with documentation.
What if a tooth was loose but not knocked out?
A tooth that was displaced or loosened by trauma can often be repositioned and stabilized with a splint. Long-term monitoring is important, as some traumatized teeth eventually need root canal treatment or replacement.
Will I need a hospital stay?
Most facial trauma cases are treated in our office or as outpatient surgery. Complex cases involving multiple fractures or other injuries may require a brief hospital stay.
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Start Your Journey
Whether you were referred by your dentist or are seeking a second opinion, your first step is a personal consultation with Dr. Colgan.
