Facial injuries can happen quickly — during sports, falls, workplace accidents, or everyday activities.
Even when the injury seems minor, it’s important to know what steps to take and when to seek specialized care.
At Calgary Oral Surgery Group, our surgeons treat facial trauma across SE Calgary, SW Calgary, NE Calgary, and Airdrie, including fractures of the jaw, cheekbone, and eye socket.
This guide explains exactly what to do after a facial injury and how to tell when it’s time to see an oral surgeon.
Step 1: Assess the Injury Safely
Before anything else, make sure the situation is safe and check for:
- Bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe swelling
- Vision changes
- Obvious deformity
If any life-threatening symptoms are present, call 911 immediately.
For non-emergency injuries, move to a calm, clean environment and look for:
- Cuts or lacerations
- Swelling or bruising
- Loose or broken teeth
- Jaw pain or difficulty opening your mouth
- Changes in bite alignment
- Numbness in the lips, cheeks, or chin
Even small signs can indicate a deeper issue.
Step 2: Apply Initial First Aid
Use the following steps to stabilize the area until you can see a medical or dental professional.
✔️ Control bleeding
Use clean gauze or a cloth and apply firm, gentle pressure for 10–15 minutes.
✔️ Reduce swelling
Apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin cloth for 15 minutes at a time.
✔️ Clean visible wounds
If there is dirt or debris, gently rinse with clean water. Do not scrub.
✔️ Protect the jaw
Avoid talking, chewing, or opening wide until you receive an evaluation.
✔️ Save broken teeth or pieces
Place them in milk or saline if available.
These simple steps can minimize complications and support better healing.
Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes
After a facial injury, people often unintentionally make the situation worse. Avoid:
- Applying heat
- Pushing or testing loose teeth
- Ignoring numbness
- Eating solid foods
- “Checking” how far the jaw can open
- Continuing sports or physical activity
If the jaw, cheekbone, or mouth is injured, it’s best to rest until evaluated.
When Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists trained to diagnose and treat injuries involving the:
- Jaw
- Teeth
- Facial bones
- Lips and cheeks
- Eye socket
- TMJ (jaw joint)
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to contact an oral surgeon in Calgary or Airdrie.
1. Difficulty Opening or Closing Your Mouth
If opening your mouth feels painful or restricted, it may indicate:
- A jaw fracture
- TMJ injury
- Muscle strain
- Dislocation
Early treatment helps prevent long-term complications.
2. Changes in Bite Alignment
If your teeth suddenly “don’t fit together,” this is a red flag for:
- A fractured jaw
- Dislocation
- Damage to the TMJ
- Shifting or loosened teeth
Bite changes almost always warrant an evaluation.
3. Numbness in the Face, Lips, or Chin
Numbness can signal injury to the nerves in the jaw or face.
Even mild numbness should be assessed promptly to improve the chances of full recovery.
4. Loose or Broken Teeth
Trauma can damage tooth roots or surrounding bone.
An oral surgeon can determine whether a tooth can be saved or needs treatment such as:
- Splinting
- Extraction
- Bone grafting
- Replacement options (implant or bridge)
5. Suspected Facial Bone Fracture
Symptoms include:
- Visible swelling or deformity
- Pain when touching the cheek or jaw
- Clicking or shifting sensations
- Vision changes
- Bleeding in the whites of the eye
Oral surgeons treat fractures of the:
- Upper and lower jaw
- Cheekbone (zygomatic arch)
- Eye socket (orbit)
Prompt treatment ensures proper healing and facial symmetry.
6. A Cut That May Need Stitches
Deep or gaping cuts — especially around the mouth — often heal better with expert suturing.
Oral surgeons specialize in aesthetic and functional soft-tissue repair.
7. Persistent Swelling or Pain After 48 Hours
If swelling continues to worsen after the first two days, it may indicate:
- Infection
- Undiagnosed fracture
- Tissue damage
An oral surgeon can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Why Oral Surgeons Are the Right Choice for Facial Injuries
✔️ Experts in Facial Anatomy
They are specifically trained in the bones, muscles, nerves, and structures of the face.
✔️ Advanced Diagnostics
They use dental and medical imaging to detect fractures or hidden damage.
✔️ Comprehensive Treatment
They can treat:
- Jaw fractures
- Cheekbone fractures
- Eye socket injuries
- Dental trauma
- Soft tissue injuries
- Tooth fractures or avulsions
✔️ Treatment Under Local or General Anesthetic
Calgary Oral Surgery Group provides both options depending on complexity.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During your visit, your oral surgeon will:
- Review the cause of injury
- Examine the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues
- Take diagnostic images
- Determine the extent of injury
- Create a personalized treatment plan
Care may include:
- Stabilizing fractured teeth
- Repairing soft tissue
- Treating jaw or facial fractures
- Removing non-restorable teeth
- Managing pain and swelling
- Coordinating follow-up care
Our goal is to restore both function and appearance.
Facial Trauma Care in Calgary and Airdrie
Calgary Oral Surgery Group provides trauma care at all four locations:
- SE Calgary – Mahogany Oral Surgery
- SW Calgary – South Calgary Oral Surgery
- NE Calgary – Sunridge Oral Surgery
- Airdrie – Airdrie Oral Surgery
Whether your injury is minor or complex, our surgeons provide timely, expert care to help you heal safely and fully.
Book a Consultation
If you’ve experienced a facial injury or are unsure whether you need an evaluation, our team is here to help.
Contact Calgary Oral Surgery Group to schedule an assessment at the location closest to you.
