What is Facial Fractures & Maxillofacial Trauma?
Maxillofacial trauma includes fractures of the lower jaw (mandible), upper jaw (maxilla), cheekbone (zygoma), nose and eye socket, as well as cuts to the face and injuries to the teeth. Road traffic accidents, falls, sports and assaults are common causes in Sukkur and across Sindh.
Common symptoms
- Pain, swelling or bruising of the face after an injury
- Teeth that no longer meet properly, or difficulty opening the mouth
- Numbness of the cheek, lip or chin
- Flattening of the cheek, double vision or eye problems
- Loose, broken or knocked-out teeth, or deep facial cuts
When to seek an assessment
Facial injuries should be assessed urgently. Go to the nearest emergency department first if there is loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, or a suspected head or neck injury.
The role of an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons specialise in restoring the structure and function of the facial skeleton, including the bite, jaw movement and facial contour, while repairing soft tissues with attention to appearance.
Diagnosis and assessment
Treatment follows a clinical examination and imaging, commonly an OPG X-ray and CT scan. Patients with multiple injuries are first stabilised according to emergency trauma principles.
Treatment options
The options below are a general overview. The right approach for you depends on your examination, imaging and any biopsy or pathology findings.
Conservative management
Some undisplaced fractures heal with a soft diet, pain relief and close monitoring.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
Surgical realignment of broken bones held with small titanium plates and screws, usually under general anaesthesia.
Intermaxillary fixation
Temporarily holding the teeth together to restore the correct bite while bones heal, in selected cases.
Soft-tissue and dental repair
Layered repair of facial lacerations and management of injured teeth.
Recovery and aftercare
- A soft or liquid diet for several weeks after jaw fractures
- Careful oral hygiene and prescribed medicines
- Avoiding contact sports until cleared
- Regular follow-up to check bite, healing and nerve recovery
You will receive specific aftercare instructions for your procedure.
Referral and multidisciplinary care
Facial injuries often occur alongside head, eye, spinal or other injuries. Care may involve emergency medicine, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, ENT or general surgery, and complex cases may be managed in a hospital or tertiary trauma centre.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for a personal consultation. Outcomes vary between individuals.