Facial Trauma Treatment in St. Augustine, FL

Specialized care for facial injuries with advanced reconstructive techniques and compassionate attention

If you've experienced facial trauma, don't delay seeking specialized care. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Johnson.

What Is Facial Trauma Treatment?

Facial trauma treatment encompasses a range of specialized surgical and non-surgical approaches designed to repair injuries to the face, jaw, mouth, and associated structures. These injuries may include fractures of facial bones, damage to soft tissues like cuts or lacerations, injuries to teeth and supporting structures, or complex wounds involving multiple facial regions.

The goals of facial trauma treatment extend beyond simple repair to include restoration of normal function (breathing, speaking, eating), preservation or reconstruction of natural facial appearance, prevention of long-term complications, and minimization of visible scarring. This comprehensive approach requires specialized training in both the surgical techniques and aesthetic principles needed to restore the intricate anatomy of the face.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Johnson has extensive training specifically focused on treating facial trauma. His hospital-based surgical residencies at Shands Hospital in both Gainesville and Jacksonville provided substantial experience in emergency trauma care, while his ongoing hospital affiliations with Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center South ensure he maintains the highest standards in trauma management.

Our Facial Trauma Services

Dr. Johnson meets and exceeds these modern standards. He is trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. He is on staff at local hospitals and delivers emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:

Facial Lacerations

Dr. Johnson provides expert treatment for cuts and tears to the facial skin and tissues, using specialized techniques to minimize scarring while ensuring proper healing. His approach to facial laceration repair emphasizes both functional wound closure and aesthetic considerations, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas.

Intraoral Lacerations

Injuries to the soft tissues inside the mouth require specialized care to ensure proper healing without complications. Dr. Johnson’s expertise in oral surgery allows for precise repair of lacerations to the tongue, cheeks, gums, and other intraoral structures, restoring comfort and function while preventing infection.

Avulsed (Knocked Out) Teeth

When teeth are completely knocked out from their sockets, immediate specialized care is crucial for successful reimplantation. Dr. Johnson provides emergency treatment for avulsed teeth, including proper handling techniques, socket preparation, and specialized splinting to maximize the chances of saving the natural tooth.

Fractured Facial Bones (Cheek, Nose, or Eye Socket)

Fractures of the facial skeleton—including the cheekbones (zygoma), nose, and eye sockets (orbits)—require precise realignment and stabilization. Dr. Johnson uses advanced fixation techniques to restore proper facial structure and symmetry while preserving natural appearance and function.

Fractured Jaws (Upper and Lower Jaw)

Jaw fractures can significantly impact essential functions like speaking, breathing, and eating. Dr. Johnson specializes in comprehensive treatment of both upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) fractures, using techniques ranging from specialized dental splints to open surgical repair with titanium plates and screws.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

Benefits of Specialized Facial Trauma Care

Specialized facial trauma care offers significant advantages for both immediate recovery and long-term outcomes. By seeking treatment from a facial trauma specialist like Dr. Johnson, patients benefit from treatment protocols specifically designed to preserve facial aesthetics while restoring function. This specialized approach minimizes visible scarring and structural changes that might otherwise permanently alter appearance.

For fractures involving the jaws and face, specialized care ensures precise anatomical realignment that maintains proper dental occlusion (bite) and facial symmetry. This precision significantly reduces the risk of long-term functional problems like difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing that can occur when facial fractures heal improperly. The specialized fixation techniques used by oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specifically designed for the unique needs of facial bones, balancing stability with minimal hardware visibility.

From a psychological perspective, expert facial trauma care helps minimize the emotional impact of facial injuries by optimizing aesthetic outcomes. The face plays a central role in identity and social interaction, making aesthetic rehabilitation particularly important for emotional recovery following trauma. Dr. Johnson’s approach considers these psychological aspects alongside physical reconstruction, creating treatment plans that address both functional and cosmetic concerns.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Seek Treatment for Facial Trauma?

Facial trauma should be evaluated as soon as possible after injury. Some injuries like knocked-out teeth have very time-sensitive treatment windows (ideally within 30-60 minutes), while others like facial fractures may become more difficult to treat if initial swelling resolves and bones begin healing in misaligned positions. Even seemingly minor injuries like small lacerations can benefit from prompt specialized care to minimize scarring. As a general rule, any injury to the face that causes pain, swelling, bleeding, changes in appearance, or difficulty with normal functions like eating or speaking warrants immediate evaluation.

Will I Have Visible Scars After Facial Trauma?

The potential for visible scarring depends on many factors including the nature and location of your injury, your individual healing characteristics, and the expertise of your treating surgeon. Dr. Johnson employs specialized techniques to minimize scarring, including precise laceration repair methods, careful incision placement for fracture treatment, and advanced wound care protocols. While some degree of scarring is inevitable with significant injuries, specialized care significantly reduces the visibility of these scars. Dr. Johnson can also discuss scar management strategies and, when necessary, secondary procedures to improve the appearance of healed scars.

How Long Is the Recovery From Facial Trauma?

Recovery timelines vary considerably based on the specific nature of your injuries. Soft tissue injuries like lacerations may heal within 1-2 weeks, though complete scar maturation takes months. Simple fractures typically require 4-6 weeks for initial bone healing, with complete remodeling continuing for several months. Complex injuries involving multiple structures may require staged reconstructive procedures over several months. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will provide a personalized recovery timeline based on your specific situation, with regular updates as your healing progresses.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.