Specialized Care for Facial Trauma in Boulder, Brighton, and Denver, CO
Facial Trauma Reconstruction in Colorado
Here at Denver Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Matthew Schacht understands how traumatic a facial injury can be, both physically and emotionally, and is committed to treating his patients with the utmost compassion and understanding. Through expert facial surgery in Denver, Boulder, and Brighton, he focuses on restoring function, appearance, and confidence while supporting each patient throughout their recovery.
Doctor Schacht’s experience in facial trauma reconstruction includes:
- Fractured jaws- both upper and lower
- Fractured facial bones- eye socket, nose or cheek
- Knocked out teeth
- Facial lacerations
We are able to treat both soft tissue and bony injuries with the minimum amount of incisions possible, to minimize scarring and ensure that your appearance will not be negatively affected.
What Does Correcting Facial Trauma Involve?
If bones of the face or jaw have been broken or fractured, they can be held together by wiring or by inserting small screws or plates. Any cuts or lacerations can be treated quickly and easily by way of stitches. Dr. Schacht is careful to ensure minimal scarring.
If a tooth has been knocked out, there are a few possibilities for repairing the damage. If the tooth remains intact and is brought in as soon as possible, there may be an opportunity to reinsert it successfully. Placing the tooth in a glass of milk until it can be brought in and examined can sometimes help preserve the root. However, if the tooth does not qualify for reinsertion, a prosthetic tooth can be placed to restore its aesthetic appearance and function.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries to the face are typically repaired with stitches. Great care is taken to ensure the best cosmetic result, as well as to examine and treat any possible injuries to the nerves, ducts, or glands that may be affected. Dr. Schacht has treated a wide range of facial lacerations and is well-trained and proficient in this area.
Bone Injuries
Bones fractures or breaks in the face are treated similarly to fractures that occur in other bones of the body. The exact form of treatment will depend on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the health and age of the patient. For fractures of the jaw, we may need to wire the jaw shut or use plates and screws to secure the jaw in the proper place for healing. Dr. Schacht will be sure to make as few incisions as possible in an attempt to ensure the best cosmetic result. Incisions are often strategically placed so that the scar is hidden by the patient’s ears or hair.
Dr. Matthew Schacht will perform a thorough exam and take X-rays to create the best treatment plan for your specific injuries.
Don’t Take Facial Injury Lightly!
No facial injury should be taken lightly. Several serious health and dental concerns arise from facial trauma, such as respiratory or breathing issues, speech, and swallowing. Typically, extensive maxillofacial fractures are accompanied by other serious medical problems. Dr. Schacht, one of Denver’s finest oral and maxillofacial surgeons, will work with his medical specialists to ensure you receive the best overall care and results for facial trauma at one of our offices in Denver, Boulder, or Brighton.
FAQs About Facial Trauma Reconstruction in Colorado
What should I do after a facial injury in Colorado?
Seek evaluation as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 to 48 hours, since facial fractures and soft tissue injuries are not always obvious right away, and early treatment generally leads to better outcomes. If the injury involves heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, vision changes, or a visibly displaced jaw or facial bone, go to the nearest emergency room first. For less severe trauma, you can call an oral and maxillofacial surgery office directly. Dr. Matthew Schacht, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with hospital privileges at Rose Medical Center, Presbyterian St. Luke’s, Swedish Medical Center, St. Anthony Hospital, and the University of Colorado Hospital, sees trauma patients at Denver OMS locations in Denver, Boulder, and Brighton and can quickly evaluate injuries.
How soon after trauma should facial reconstruction be done?
When to have surgery depends on the kind and seriousness of the injury, but acting quickly is usually best. Many facial fractures should be treated within one to two weeks before the bone starts healing in the wrong position, which can make fixing it harder later. Cuts near the mouth, nose, or eyes often need care within hours to avoid infection and help proper healing. A certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon can review scans and decide whether surgery is needed right away or can wait a short time.
Can facial fractures heal on their own?
Some small fractures that have not moved out of place can heal without surgery by resting, eating soft foods, and monitoring to ensure the bone stays in the right position. But many facial fractures, especially those in the jaw, cheekbone, or eye socket, will not heal properly without treatment. If left untreated, they can cause long-term issues such as an uneven bite, ongoing pain, or visible unevenness. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can use scans to determine whether a fracture will heal on its own or requires surgery to restore normal function and appearance.
Will facial reconstruction restore normal appearance?
In most cases, yes. Modern facial reconstruction techniques are designed to restore both function and appearance as closely as possible to how the patient looked and functioned before the injury. Results depend on the severity of the trauma, the speed of treatment, and the surgeon’s skill, which is why working with an experienced, board-certified specialist matters. Dr. Schacht’s training includes a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery under Dr. Robert Marx at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital, along with a fellowship focused on jaw reconstruction and TMJ surgery, giving him the surgical background needed to manage complex trauma cases and work toward the best achievable outcome for each patient.
How much does facial reconstruction surgery cost in Colorado?
Cost varies widely depending on the extent of the injury, whether the fracture involves bone, soft tissue, or both, and whether hospitalization is required. Facial trauma cases are often at least partially covered by medical insurance, particularly when the injury resulted from an accident, since this differs from elective procedures like cosmetic surgery. Because every case is different, most oral and maxillofacial surgery offices, including Denver OMS, will review the injury and insurance coverage during a consultation rather than quoting a price upfront, so getting evaluated is the best first step toward understanding the actual cost.
Where can I find an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Colorado for facial trauma?
Denver Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, led by Dr. Matthew Schacht, treats facial trauma at locations in Denver, Boulder, and Brighton. Dr. Schacht is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, completed his residency at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital, and finished a fellowship in Dallas focused on TMJ and orthognathic surgery. He holds surgical privileges at several major Denver-area hospitals, including Rose Medical Center and the University of Colorado Hospital, and no referral is required to schedule a consultation. You can reach the office directly at (303) 341-7151.
