Fixing Broken Bones in Your Face: Maxillofacial Fracture Surgery
Our faces are made of many bones that come together in a complex way. If you suffer a blow to the face, some of these bones can break. This is called a maxillofacial fracture.
When is surgery needed?
Doctors won’t always recommend surgery for a broken bone in your face. Sometimes, the bone can heal on its own with a little help, like wearing a splint or having your jaws wired shut for a short time.
However, surgery might be needed in a few cases:
- The bone is badly broken: If the pieces of the broken bone are very displaced (out of place) or shattered into many small pieces, surgery can help put everything back together and make sure it heals properly.
- Your bite is affected: If the broken bone involves your jaw and it’s making it hard to bite or chew, surgery can realign the bone so your jaw works normally again.
- Your face looks different: In some cases, a broken bone can cause facial features to look uneven. Surgery can help restore your face to its normal shape.
What to expect during surgery
Maxillofacial fracture surgery is usually performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a dentist with special training in surgery of the face and jaws. The type of anesthesia you receive will depend on the severity of the fracture. It could be local anesthesia (numbing the area), sedation (you’re relaxed but still awake), or general anesthesia (you’re completely asleep).
The surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in your skin or inside your mouth to access the broken bone. They will then carefully reposition the bone fragments and use plates and screws or wires to hold them in place while they heal. In some cases, bone grafts might be needed if there’s a large amount of bone missing. Once everything is fixed, the surgeon will close the incision with stitches.
Recovery after surgery
After surgery, your face might be swollen and bruised for a while. You’ll likely be given pain medication to manage discomfort. Depending on the type of surgery, you might need to wear a splint or have your jaws wired shut for some time to allow the bone to heal properly. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for your face and mouth during recovery. This might include a soft diet and gentle cleaning of the surgical site.
Healing from maxillofacial fracture surgery can take several weeks or even months. Be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.