Advanced Maxillofacial Trauma Procedures at Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery

Maxillofacial trauma encompasses injuries to the face, jaw, and skull, often caused by accidents, falls, or violence. Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery focuses on gentle and precise treatment in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, and Wenatchee WA to help you heal and return to feeling like yourself. Our skilled team is ready to guide you through every recovery step.

What Is Maxillofacial Trauma

Maxillofacial trauma refers to injury to the face, mouth, or jaw, such as a busted lip, cracked cheekbone, or broken jaw. These injuries can affect speech, eating, or smiling. While some injuries are minor, like bruises or cuts, others may involve broken bones, torn muscles, or nerve damage, leading to numbness or pain.

Given the delicacy and complexity of the face, even minor injuries can become serious without prompt treatment. At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we specialize in facial injuries. We will assess the damage, devise a treatment plan, and support your recovery to restore your smile and function.

Common Causes of Maxillofacial Injuries

Face injuries can come out of nowhere. But the more you know what causes them, the better your chance of dodging them.

Here's where most facial injuries come from:

Car accidents – One of the top causes. Seatbelts help, but they can't stop everything
Slips and falls – Stairs, curbs, or even toys on the floor can trip you up
Sports injuries – Balls, elbows, bikes, or even your skateboard can do damage
Fights – Hopefully rare, but a punch to the face can cause real harm
Workplace mishaps – If you use tools or heavy equipment, accidents can happen fast

Here are a few easy tips:

Always wear a seatbelt
Use a helmet or faceguard when playing sports
Keep walkways clear at home
Be extra careful on ladders or slippery floors
Follow safety rules at work

Signs and Symptoms of Maxillofacial Trauma

Some facial injuries are obvious, while others might not be as apparent. You may feel fine at first, but something might feel off later. That's why it's important to know what to watch for.

Here are some common signs:

Swelling or bruises that get worse
Bleeding that doesn't stop or starts again later
Pain when you talk, chew, or yawn
Loose or broken teeth
Numb spots on your face
Changes in how your eyes move or see
A jaw that pops, clicks, or just won't open right

Sometimes, these signs appear gradually, particularly after a fall or a bump to the head. If anything feels unusual or simply doesn't go away, have it checked out. Waiting too long can worsen the situation or increase discomfort. At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we understand what's normal and what's not. If something's wrong, we'll identify it and address it before it escalates into a bigger issue.

Diagnosis of Maxillofacial Trauma Using Advanced Imaging and Assessment

We begin by checking your face for any swelling, bruising, cuts, or asymmetry. We gently examine the jaw, test how it moves, and look for signs of discomfort, stiffness, or popping. Then, we ask questions that help us understand what's happening. Next, we bring in modern imaging technology tools that give us a clearer view than the naked eye ever could.

Digital X-rays offer fast, sharp images of bones and tooth roots
CT scans go deeper, showing the whole structure of your facial bones and revealing fractures, dislocations, or sinus damage
3D imaging helps us create a precise map of your face, like a digital blueprint so that we can plan treatment with accuracy

These tools let us catch injuries that may not show symptoms right away. Sometimes, fractures are hidden, nerves are affected, or joints are misaligned without obvious signs. With the right imaging, we find what others might miss. Once we know what we're dealing with, we build a step-by-step plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment Options

Treating facial injuries isn't one-size-fits-all. Some people need stitches, others need surgery. Every injury is different, so we treat each one like it's the only one. Here's how we usually go about it:

For bone injuries:

We gently move bones back in place—yes, sometimes you do hear a little pop
We use tiny plates or screws to hold things steady while they heal
No big casts here, we keep things tight and tidy

For soft tissue injuries:

We clean and stitch wounds so they heal fast and smoothly
We treat swelling and bruises with care, not just bandages
We fix nerve injuries when needed to bring back feeling and function

The Role of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Trauma Care

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists trained to address trauma to the face. We understand how bones, muscles, nerves, and teeth work together, and we specialize in repairing what others cannot. When someone suffers a facial injury—whether from sports, work, or everyday activities—we are here to help. Our training allows us to manage a range of issues, including fractured jaws, deep cuts, and injuries to the eye socket.

At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, our goal is to help people regain confidence to talk, chew, and smile. We focus on restoring both function and appearance, as both are important. We collaborate with dentists, emergency room doctors, and plastic surgeons to ensure comprehensive care from your initial visit to the final follow-up.

Recovery Timeline and Post-Treatment Care

Healing from a facial injury involves more than just time; it requires proper care, and we are here to assist with both. The timeline for recovery varies depending on the nature of the injury:

Small cuts may heal in one to two weeks.
Broken bones typically require six to eight weeks.
Nerve repairs or jaw surgery might take longer.

During recovery, the following practices are usually beneficial:

Rest: Your body needs it to heal.
Ice: Helps reduce swelling.
Soft foods: Smoothies and soups are easier to consume.
Good hygiene: Keep wounds clean to prevent infection.
Check-ins: We will monitor your healing process to ensure it progresses as it should.

Some days will be easier than others, and that's perfectly normal; healing is rarely a straightforward journey. However, with the right care and patience, you'll gradually feel like yourself again.

Pediatric Maxillofacial Trauma Care and Considerations

Kids are active; they climb, run, and jump—sometimes face-first into trouble. So, when a child has a facial injury, it's essential to treat it quickly and carefully. Children's faces are still growing, so we use special methods to protect their future smiles. We avoid anything that could affect how bones or teeth develop. It's not just about healing today—it's about growing up strong.

Most common causes:

Bike crashes
Falls on the playground
Sports mishaps
Accidents at home

We make treatment as gentle as possible. We explain things in simple words, keep things calm, and involve parents every step of the way. At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we love working with kids. We've got the tools, the training, and the patience to help little faces heal right—and keep growing just as they should.

Long-Term Effects and Potential Complications of Untreated Facial Injuries

Letting a facial injury go untreated might initially seem okay—until it's not. What looks like a small problem today can grow into a big issue tomorrow.

Here's what can happen if you don't get help:

Your jaw might not work right. It might click, lock, or hurt when you chew
Bones can heal the wrong way, making your face look uneven
Nerves can stay damaged, leaving parts of your face numb
Infections can sneak in and spread fast
Talking, eating, and even breathing can get harder over time

Most of these problems are preventable, but getting care early can avoid most long-term issues. Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery has the tools and know-how to fix it before it gets worse.

Why Timely Intervention Matters in Maxillofacial Trauma Cases

When you hurt your face, timing is everything. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of healing fast and fully. Wait too long, and things can get tricky.

Here's why quick care makes a difference:

Swelling is easier to manage early on
Bones can be realigned before they heal wrong
Nerve damage can be treated before it becomes permanent
You'll likely have fewer scars and less pain

Even if the injury seems small, don't brush it off. A tiny crack today can become a full fracture tomorrow. And trust us, it's way easier to fix now than later. At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we act fast, treat with care, and help you get back on track—before things get complicated.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Johnson
Dr. Johnson grew up north of Seattle, Washington, where his father’s work as an ear, nose, and throat doctor sparked his interest in medicine. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Dental Association. Dr. Johnson attended Seattle Pacific University and earned his dental degree from the University of California, San Francisco. He completed a general practice residency at the University of Washington. Then, he went to medical school at Oregon Health Sciences University, specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He later completed a jaw and reconstructive surgery fellowship in Melbourne, Australia.

Dr. McDonald
Dr. McDonald is from the Tri-Cities area. On a church mission trip to Guatemala, he helped a visiting dentist and decided he wanted to become a dentist, too. He enjoys giving each patient personal care and is glad to bring his skills to Central Washington. He also helps lead the North Central Washington Dental Society. Dr. McDonald studied biology at Brigham Young University. He graduated from the University of Washington's dental school in 2012. His love of anatomy and surgery led him to train in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Washington, where he worked with children's and veterans' hospitals.

Dr. Olsen
Dr. Olsen wants to give every patient the best care in a calm and relaxed setting. He went to Brigham Young University, where he met his wife, Lindsey. Then, he attended dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. After dental school, he trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Boston University. There, he learned from some of the best surgeons and teachers in the country.

Financial Options

At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we aim to keep payment straightforward. Payment is usually due on the day of your appointment unless we make other arrangements ahead of time. Some treatments may require a deposit to hold your spot, which will be refunded if you cancel at least 48 hours before your visit.

We accept many insurance plans and will bill them directly for you. Still, please remember that insurance may not cover all costs. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. If you need help managing payments, we offer CareCredit to make financing easier. Have questions? Feel free to call us anytime!

Ellensburg WA

Moses Lake WA

Wenatchee WA