Treatment of craniofacial injuries
Facial trauma can be sudden, overwhelming, and deeply personal.
We treat a wide range of craniofacial injuries, with particular emphasis on:
- The teeth
- The jaw bones
Injuries may result from:
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Assault
- Work-related incidents
These events are often physically painful and emotionally taxing. They deserve careful attention, thoughtful planning, and strong support.
Treatment options
Closed treatment
In certain fractures, the bones can heal without open surgery.
This may involve:
- Temporary elastic bands
- Wiring the jaws in proper alignment
- Splinting teeth
- Soft or no-chew diet
Closed treatment allows the bones to heal in the proper position without surgical exposure.
Open treatment (open reduction and internal fixation)
More complex or displaced fractures often require surgical repair. This involves:
- Repositioning the fractured bones
- Securing them with small titanium plates and screws
Titanium is biocompatible and typically remains in place permanently unless removal is necessary. The goal is to:
- Restore normal alignment
- Reestablish bite function
- Maintain facial symmetry
- Allow predictable healing
Dental injuries
Facial trauma frequently involves the teeth.
We manage:
- Tooth fractures
- Tooth displacement
- Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
- Alveolar bone fractures
Treatment may include:
- Repositioning teeth
- Splinting teeth to adjacent stable teeth
- Coordinating care with your general dentist or endodontist
Preserving natural teeth whenever possible is always our priority.
Hospital-based care
Facial trauma surgery is typically performed at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.
Depending on the injury, treatment may occur:
- In the emergency setting
- Urgently
- Or in a planned surgical setting
Hospital care allows access to advanced imaging, anesthesia, and multidisciplinary collaboration when needed.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the type and severity of the injury.
Common expectations include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary numbness
- Dietary restrictions
- Activity limitations
Healing time varies, but most fractures take 6–8 weeks to fully heal.
Follow-up care is essential to ensure proper bone healing and bite alignment.
- A personal perspective
Dr. Brian Bhaskar has personally experienced multiple facial fractures and undergone reconstructive surgery. He understands — not just clinically, but personally — how disruptive and stressful these injuries can be. These events deserve not only technical expertise, but compassion, empathy, and support.
