Facial injuries can happen in an instant — a car accident, a sports collision, a fall, or an unexpected blow to the face. When they do, knowing where to turn and what to expect from treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term outcomes. At Summit Oral and Facial Surgery in Aurora, CO, our team is experienced in evaluating and treating a wide range of facial trauma injuries for patients throughout the Denver metro, Centennial, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree.

This guide covers the most common types of facial trauma, how an oral and maxillofacial surgeon approaches treatment, and what Aurora-area patients can expect before, during, and after care.

What Is Facial Trauma?

Facial trauma refers to any injury to the face, jaws, mouth, or surrounding structures. These injuries range in severity from soft tissue lacerations and knocked-out teeth to complex fractures of the facial bones. Because the face contains critical structures — the eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, and airway — prompt evaluation by a specialist is essential.

Common causes of facial trauma include:

• Motor vehicle accidents (the leading cause of serious facial fractures)
• Sports injuries and falls
• Workplace or construction accidents
• Physical altercations
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely trained to treat the full spectrum of facial trauma — from ER-level fracture repair to reconstructive care — because their training spans both dentistry and medicine. If you’ve experienced a facial injury and you’re searching for a facial trauma specialist near me in the Aurora or Denver area, Summit Oral and Facial Surgery is equipped to help.

Types of Facial Injuries We Treat in Aurora, CO

Jaw Fractures (Mandibular and Midface)

Fractures of the lower jaw (mandible) and midface (cheekbones, orbital bones, nasal bones) are among the most serious facial injuries. Symptoms often include pain and swelling, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, numbness, changes in bite, and visible facial asymmetry. Jaw fractures typically require surgical fixation using titanium plates and screws to realign the bone and restore proper function.

Dental Avulsions and Tooth Fractures

A knocked-out or severely fractured tooth is a dental emergency. When a permanent tooth is completely avulsed (knocked out), replantation is most successful within 30–60 minutes of the injury. If you or a family member loses a tooth due to trauma, keep the tooth moist (in milk, saline, or the patient’s own saliva), avoid touching the root, and call our Aurora office immediately. Our team also performs tooth extractions in Aurora, CO when a traumatized tooth cannot be saved.

Soft Tissue Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations to the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums require careful repair to minimize scarring and restore function. Because the face heals with high visibility, precise tissue management matters — an area where oral and maxillofacial surgeons have specialized expertise due to their training in both surgical anatomy and aesthetics.

Orbital and Zygomatic (Cheekbone) Fractures

The orbital bones surround and protect the eyes. Fractures in this region — often called “blowout fractures” — can cause double vision, sunken eye appearance, or restricted eye movement. Zygomatic fractures may result in a flattened cheekbone and pain with chewing. Evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, often in coordination with an ophthalmologist, is standard of care for these injuries.

Nasal Fractures

Broken noses are the most common facial bone fracture. While some nasal fractures can be managed conservatively, others require reduction (realignment) or — in cases of significant displacement — surgical correction.

Facial Trauma Treatment: What to Expect at Summit Oral and Facial Surgery

Step 1: Emergency Evaluation

For severe facial trauma, patients often first present to an emergency department where life-threatening injuries are stabilized and CT imaging is obtained. Once medically stable, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is consulted to evaluate facial bone fractures and develop a surgical plan. For less severe injuries — lacerations, dental trauma, isolated jaw pain — you may be able to come directly to our Aurora office.

Step 2: Imaging and Diagnosis

Our team uses advanced 3D imaging (cone beam CT) to precisely map fracture patterns, assess dental structures, and plan surgical access. This level of detail improves surgical accuracy and helps reduce operating time.

Step 3: Surgical Repair

Surgical treatment is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Most facial fractures are repaired using internal fixation — small titanium plates and screws placed through carefully planned incisions (often hidden inside the mouth to avoid external scarring). Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the fracture, but most patients are discharged the same day or after a brief hospital stay.

Step 4: Recovery and Follow-Up

Recovery from facial trauma surgery typically involves swelling, bruising, and some dietary restrictions (soft foods) for several weeks. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and schedules follow-up appointments to monitor healing, remove sutures, and assess bone consolidation. Patients in Aurora, Centennial, Parker, and Highlands Ranch appreciate our accessible location just off East Mississippi Avenue, which makes follow-up visits convenient throughout recovery.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Loss of consciousness or altered mental status
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the face or mouth
• Severe swelling that may compromise the airway
• Signs of a head injury (confusion, vomiting, unequal pupils)

For non-life-threatening facial trauma — including jaw pain, dental injuries, facial lacerations, and suspected fractures — contact Summit Oral and Facial Surgery in Aurora, CO as soon as possible. Early treatment leads to better outcomes and reduces the risk of complications such as malunion (improper bone healing) or infection.

Why Aurora Patients Choose Summit Oral and Facial Surgery for Facial Trauma

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons bring comprehensive hospital-based surgical training to every patient encounter. Dr. Meena Bhatti and our team are board-eligible/board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which means our training included medical school rotations, hospital residency, and extensive experience managing complex traumatic injuries — not just elective procedures.

We serve patients from throughout Aurora, Denver, Centennial, Parker, Lone Tree, and Highlands Ranch. Our office at 13701 E. Mississippi Ave., Aurora, CO is easily accessible from I-225 and E-470, making it a natural hub for the southeastern Denver metro. Learn more about Summit Oral Surgery in Aurora, CO and the full range of surgical services we provide.

If you’ve previously had dental implants or complex oral surgery, our team’s experience extends across the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery — from dental implants in Aurora, CO to reconstructive care after trauma. Patients who have experienced jaw injuries may also benefit from our expertise in full mouth reconstruction in Aurora, CO once acute injuries have healed.

Frequently Asked Questions: Facial Trauma Treatment in Aurora, CO

How do I know if my jaw is broken after an injury?

Common signs of a jaw fracture include pain with chewing or speaking, difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully, a change in how your upper and lower teeth fit together (bite), swelling or bruising along the jawline, and numbness in the lower lip or chin. If you suspect a jaw fracture, seek evaluation promptly — ideally within 24–48 hours of the injury.

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved after facial trauma?

Yes, in many cases. The key factor is time. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of successful replantation within 30–60 minutes of the injury. Keep the tooth moist (in milk or saline), avoid scrubbing the root, and call Summit Oral and Facial Surgery in Aurora immediately. Do not attempt to replant baby teeth.

Will facial trauma surgery leave visible scars?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to place incisions in locations that minimize visible scarring — most commonly inside the mouth, along natural skin creases, or in the hairline. Soft tissue lacerations on the face are repaired with fine suture techniques to optimize cosmetic outcomes. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how minimal their external scarring is after facial trauma surgery.

Is facial trauma surgery covered by insurance?

In most cases, yes. Because facial trauma surgery is medically necessary — not elective — it is typically covered under medical insurance (not dental insurance), including most PPO plans and Medicaid in Colorado. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and prior authorization requirements. Visit our insurance page for more details about coverage at Summit Oral and Facial Surgery.

What is recovery like after jaw fracture surgery?

Most patients experience significant swelling and bruising for the first 1–2 weeks. A soft or liquid diet is typically required for 4–6 weeks while bone heals. Numbness in the lip or chin may persist for several months as nerve function recovers. Most patients return to desk work within 1–2 weeks and resume full activity within 6–8 weeks. Your surgeon will give you a detailed timeline based on your specific injury and repair.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have experienced a facial injury, please seek evaluation from a qualified medical or surgical professional. Contact Summit Oral and Facial Surgery in Aurora, CO to schedule a consultation with our team.