Facial Trauma

Facial Trauma Surgery in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Specialized Care for Life-Changing Injuries

Facial trauma can happen suddenly — from car accidents and falls to sports injuries and unexpected emergencies. These events often bring not only physical pain but emotional stress and uncertainty. At Waccamaw Oral Surgery, we specialize in treating facial injuries with expert surgical care and compassionate support.

Led by Dr. Lucia Covington, DMD, OMFS, our team provides comprehensive treatment for fractures, soft tissue injuries, dental trauma, and jaw reconstruction. Whether you’ve experienced minor facial trauma or a more complex injury involving bones and nerves, our goal is to restore function, appearance, and peace of mind.

What Is Facial Trauma?

Facial trauma refers to any injury involving the bones, muscles, soft tissues, or structures of the face, particularly the:

Jawbone (mandible and maxilla)
Cheeks and orbital bones
Nose and sinuses
Teeth and surrounding structures
Lips, gums, and soft tissue
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

These injuries can occur from:

Motor vehicle accidents
Sports-related injuries
Physical assaults or falls
Worksite or recreational accidents
Dog bites or other lacerations

Prompt evaluation and treatment by a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon can make the difference between long-term complications and a full recovery.

Types of Facial Trauma We Treat

Dr. Covington has extensive experience in trauma-related oral surgery and collaborates with emergency departments, ENT specialists, and plastic surgeons when needed.

Common trauma cases we manage include

Facial Bone Fractures
We treat fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, eye socket, and nasal bones using advanced imaging, surgical stabilization, and bone repositioning techniques.
Dental Trauma
Broken, displaced, or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth are managed immediately, often with splinting, socket preservation, or replacement planning using implants.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Lacerations, punctures, and tissue loss involving the lips, gums, and inside of the mouth are repaired with sterile techniques to minimize scarring and preserve function.
Jaw Dislocation
Dislocated or misaligned jaw joints may require reduction and stabilization, with follow-up TMJ therapy when needed.
Reconstructive Surgery
For more severe cases, we offer long-term reconstruction, bone grafting, and implant placement to restore both functionality and aesthetics.

Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Facial Trauma?

As a dual-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Covington is uniquely qualified to manage both the skeletal and soft tissue components of facial trauma. Her background includes:

Surgical residency with training in trauma, anesthesia, and head and neck anatomy
Years of experience working alongside emergency departments and facial plastic surgeons
Advanced training in sterile reconstruction techniques that optimize both healing and cosmetic outcomes

At Waccamaw Oral Surgery, we combine technical expertise with true compassion because we know that trauma doesn’t just affect your face, it affects your confidence, your comfort, and your daily life.

What to Expect: Trauma Care Process

1. Urgent Evaluation

We prioritize emergency and acute trauma cases with same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible.

2. Comprehensive Diagnosis

Using digital X-rays, 3D scans, and clinical evaluation, we assess the extent of injury and develop a personalized surgical plan.

3. Surgical Treatment

Depending on the type and severity of the trauma, surgery may involve:

Bone realignment and stabilization
Tooth repositioning or removal
Tissue repair and suturing
Placement of temporary or long-term splints

4. Post-Op Recovery Support

We closely monitor healing and provide:

Pain management guidance
Diet modifications
Scar care protocols
Follow-up imaging or surgical revision when needed

Financing

Insurance & Emergency Coordination

Most facial trauma procedures are covered by medical insurance, especially when related to an accident. We’ll help with coordination, documentation, and communication with your provider.

For uninsured patients, CareCredit financing is available.

Timely, Coordinated Trauma Care

Timing is critical with facial trauma. Delayed treatment can result in:

Improper bone healing or deformity
Nerve damage or numbness
Chronic TMJ issues
Tooth loss or misalignment
Increased risk of infection or scarring

We coordinate with referring physicians, ER teams, and dental providers to ensure seamless, multidisciplinary care for every patient.

Compassionate Care That Goes Beyond the Surgery

What sets us apart is not just what we do, but how we do it.
We understand the emotional impact of trauma and are here to support you every step of the way. Whether your injury was recent or you’re seeking second opinions for an untreated issue, you’ll find a team that listens, explains, and cares.

Have a perfect smile!

Don't Wait —Get Expert Trauma Care Today

If you or a loved one has suffered facial trauma, time matters. Contact Waccamaw Oral Surgery in Murrells Inlet, SC to get expert care that combines technical excellence with real compassion.