Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston
Facial Trauma Evaluation in Houston
Dr. L.T. Johnson evaluates fractures of the orbit, nose, jaw, and cheekbone, as well as selected facial soft-tissue injuries. A recent traumatic event may need emergency assessment first to rule out hidden head, eye, or other serious injury.
For a serious injury: Call 911 or go to an emergency department for trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, vision changes, suspected neck injury, or major trauma. Do not wait for an office appointment.
Injuries we can evaluate
Orbit, nose, cheekbone, and jaw fractures
Dr. Johnson assesses function and facial appearance after injury. Vision or eye-movement changes, altered nasal breathing or smell, a changed bite, chewing pain, and changes in facial contour all help guide evaluation. New vision symptoms need emergency assessment.
Teeth and the surrounding bone
Trauma may loosen, displace, or damage a tooth and the supporting bone. The plan depends on the injury, timing, and whether other facial structures are affected.
Soft-tissue injuries
Cuts inside or around the mouth may need assessment and repair, particularly when the wound is deep or near important structures.
Follow-up and reconstruction
Some injuries require staged treatment or later restorative work. We coordinate with your dentist, physician, or hospital team as needed.
What happens at an evaluation
Dr. Johnson reviews the injury, symptoms, medical history, and any emergency department findings. For a stable patient with a jaw concern, a panoramic X-ray may be useful. Depending on the exam and injured area, CT or office cone-beam CT may be needed. Treatment may range from observation to repair, based on function, appearance, severity, and imaging.
Orbital, frontal-sinus, and cheekbone fracture repairs are generally hospital procedures. Selected upper- or lower-jaw and nasal fractures may be treated in the office when severity and the patient’s health allow. Call first so the team can direct you to the appropriate setting.
Before you call
If safe to do so, note when the injury happened and bring any images, discharge papers, and a medication list. If symptoms are worsening or you have any of the emergency signs above, seek emergency care immediately.
This page is general information. It cannot determine the severity of a facial injury online, and office availability varies.