Dugan & Sweeney Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
412-366-2090
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Facial Trauma

The dental specialist performs the proper treatment of facial injuries. These professionals must be well versed in emergency care, acute treatment and long term reconstruction and rehabilitation – not just for physical reasons but emotional as well. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat Facial Trauma. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving a “hands on” experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long term function and appearance.

Healing Facial Injuries

Dr. Dugan and Dr. Sweeney meet and exceed these modern standards. They are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. They are on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions.

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

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The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma

There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma. Motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence and work related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries of teeth to extremely severe injuries of the skin and bones of the face. Typically, facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).

Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar to the fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form of treatment is determined by various factors, which include the location of the fracture, the severity of the fracture, the age and general health of the patient. When an arm or a leg is fractured, a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.

One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. Certain other types of fractures of the jaw are best treated and stabilized by the surgical placement of small plates and screws at the involved site. This technique of treatment can often allow for healing and obviates the necessity of having the jaws wired together. This technique is called “rigid fixation” of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of rigid fixation has profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.

Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

When soft tissue injuries such as lacerations occur on the face, they are repaired by suturing. In addition to the obvious concern of providing a repair that yields the best cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands and salivary ducts (or outflow channels).

Drs. Dugan and Sweeney are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Pittsburgh, PA and are proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.


The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. More importantly, the patient’s facial appearance should be minimally affected. An attempt at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary is always made. At the same time, the incisions that become necessary are designed to be small and, whenever possible, are placed so that the resultant scar is hidden.


Injuries to the Teeth and Surrounding Dental Structures

Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral surgeons usually are involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of splinting (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together). If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe the tooth off, since remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of replanting the tooth. Other dental specialists may be called upon such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.

>> Read about Dental Implants placement by Dr. Dugan and Dr. Sweeney in Pittsburgh, PA

The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of specialists who are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long term reconstruction and rehabilitation of the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does facial trauma take to heal?
What happens if you leave a broken jaw untreated?
What should I do if I lose a tooth?
How can I tell if my injury needs to be evaluated by an oral surgeon?
How long does facial trauma take to heal?
The time it takes for facial trauma to heal depends on the extent of the injury. If you’ve received treatment for the trauma, you’ll also experience a recovery period. Bruising and swelling typically take 2 to 3 weeks to go away. If you fractured a bone or damaged a nerve, it can take 6 weeks or longer to completely heal. 
What happens if you leave a broken jaw untreated?
If a fractured jaw is left untreated, it can make it more difficult to open and close your mouth, altering the way you eat and drink. Untreated jaw fractures also increase your risk of infections, dental decay, and arthritis. If you’ve suffered a facial trauma, it’s vital that you seek help immediately to prevent long term damage. 
What should I do if I lose a tooth?
If one or more of your teeth get knocked out due to an accident or injury, contact us immediately at (412) 366-2090. In the meantime, here are a few simple instructions to care for your tooth and help manage your pain:

  • Handle the tooth by the crown, not the roots
  • Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty
  • Place the tooth in a safe container with milk or water 
  • Apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling 
  • Take an over-the-counter medication to help eliminate pain or discomfort 
  • Bite down on gauze to stop the bleeding
How can I tell if my injury needs to be evaluated by an oral surgeon?
If you’ve suffered a facial injury, there are a few signs that indicate you should be evaluated by an oral surgeon, including:

  • Change in appearance, vision, or breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Loose or knocked out tooth
  • Numbness or tingling in the face
  • Pain behind the eye or cheekbone

In any of these cases, you’ll want to schedule an appointment by calling our office at (412) 366-2090 so we can see you at your earliest convenience. Responding promptly will help prevent long term damage and start you on your road to recovery. If you’ve lost consciousness, you should go to an emergency room right away so they can evaluate you for a concussion.

Pittsburgh Office
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Pittsburgh Location Dugan and Sweeney
9401 McKnight Rd Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone: (412) 366- 2090
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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Butler Office
Butler Office
373 Evans City Road
Butler, PA 16001
Phone: (724) 282-6312
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Friday: 8am - 4pm
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Zelienople Office
Zelienople Office Dugan and Sweeney
506 South Main Street Suite 2101
Zelienople, PA 16063
Phone: (724) 452-9153
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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Greenville Office
Greenville Office Dugan and Sweeney
2 Greenville Orthopedic Center
Greenville, PA 16125
Phone: (724) 588-7260
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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