What should I do immediately after a facial injury?

Call 911 or go to the ER for bad facial injuries. For less severe injuries, call us right away at (317) 876-1095. That includes a knocked-out tooth, cuts, or a possible jaw break with normal breathing. Oral surgeons are trained to treat facial injuries. We can often handle care faster than a general ER.

Do you treat knocked-out teeth?

Yes. If an adult tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently. Do not scrub it. Try to put it back in the socket. If you cannot, store it in milk. You can also hold it between your cheek and gum. Call us right away. The best chance to save it is within 30 to 60 minutes.

How are jaw fractures treated?

It depends on the type and severity. Small breaks can be treated with a soft diet and wires. Larger breaks need surgery. We fix those with small titanium plates and screws through small cuts. Our surgeons use both methods. We use 3D CT scans to plan the surgery.

How long does recovery from facial trauma surgery take?

Recovery time depends on the injury and the surgery. Cuts and soft tissue heal in 1 to 2 weeks. Bone breaks need 6 to 8 weeks for the first round of healing. Full bone healing takes a few months.

Do you have hospital privileges for complex cases?

Yes. Our surgeons have rights to operate at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital. That lets us treat hard cases in a full hospital. We can also bring in other specialists when needed.

Will my insurance cover facial trauma surgery?

Most facial trauma is covered by medical plans, not dental. That is because the care is medically needed. We bill medical insurance for you. We also send the paperwork you need for car accident or work claims. Your share of the cost depends on your plan.

Will I have a visible scar from facial trauma surgery?

When we can, we make cuts inside the mouth. We can also hide them in natural facial creases. That keeps scars out of view. When an outside cut is needed, we use careful technique. The scars then fade a lot over 6 to 12 months.

How quickly can I see an oral surgeon for a dental injury?

We offer same-day visits for facial and dental injuries. We are on call after hours too. For a knocked-out adult tooth, call right away. The best chance to save it is in the first 30 to 60 minutes.

Emergency & Reconstructive Care · Facial Trauma Surgery Indianapolis

Who Do I Call for a Broken Jaw or Knocked-Out Tooth?

Name: Oral Surgeons of Indiana
Address: 8240 Naab Road, Suite 355, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, US
Telephone: (317) 876-1095
Price range: $$$

Immediate and reconstructive facial trauma treatment in Indianapolis — jaw fractures, dental injuries, lacerations. Board-certified surgeons at Oral Surgeons of Indiana.

Call (317) 876-1095 Schedule Consultation

Key Facts

30–60 min
ideal window for replanting a knocked-out permanent tooth.
— AAOMS, 2023
Same day
consultation typically available for facial and dental trauma during business hours.
— OSOI internal data, 2025
6–8 weeks
typical initial healing time for jaw fracture repair.
— JOMS, 2022
Hospital privileges
OSOI surgeons hold privileges at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital for complex cases.
— OSOI internal data, 2025
Medical insurance
facial trauma is typically billed to medical (not dental) insurance.
— OSOI internal data, 2025

Who Needs This Procedure

Anyone who has sustained an injury to the face, jaw, or teeth from a fall, motor-vehicle accident, sports impact, assault, or workplace incident — including knocked-out teeth, suspected jaw fractures, deep facial lacerations, and facial bone pain after blunt trauma.

What Happens During the Procedure

Emergency assessment
Varies
Airway, breathing, and bleeding are stabilized. Imaging (panoramic X-ray or CT) is obtained to map injuries.
Anesthesia
5–30 min
Local anesthesia, IV sedation, or hospital general anesthesia is selected based on injury severity.
Reduction and fixation
1–4 hours
Fractured bones are realigned and stabilized with titanium plates and screws or with arch bars and wiring.
Soft tissue repair
Varies
Lacerations are closed in layers with techniques that minimize visible scarring.
Reconstruction and follow-up
Weeks to months
Additional reconstructive procedures and rehabilitation are scheduled as healing progresses.

Recovery Timeline

First 24 hours

Pain controlled with prescribed medication. Liquid or very soft diet. Ice packs to reduce swelling.

Watch for: Difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or sudden vision changes.

Week 1

Swelling and bruising peak then begin to resolve. Return-to-work timing depends on injury severity.

Weeks 2–6

Soft tissue heals. Soft diet usually continues for jaw fractures. Imaging confirms bone healing.

Months 2–6

Hardware (if used) is monitored. Most fractures fully heal. Cosmetic refinement of scars continues.

Risks and Complications

Reported risks of facial trauma surgery include infection, hardware failure, malocclusion (bite changes), nerve injury (temporary in most cases), and visible scarring. The exact risk profile depends on injury severity and is reviewed in detail before consent. — JOMS, 2022.

How OSOI Does This Differently

OSOI surgeons are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with hospital privileges at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital and same-day office availability for moderate trauma. We coordinate directly with emergency departments, orthodontists, and restorative dentists to deliver one-team care from the injury through final reconstruction.

Where to go for a facial injury
	Severe (airway, severe bleeding, head injury)	Moderate (jaw fracture, deep laceration)	Mild (knocked-out tooth, minor cut)
Where to go first	Call 911 / nearest ER	ER or OSOI same day	OSOI immediately
Why	Life-threatening	Imaging and surgical planning needed	Time-sensitive but not life-threatening
OSOI involvement	Consult in ER / OR	Direct surgical care	Direct office care

Cost and Insurance

Facial trauma is typically billed to medical insurance because injuries are considered medically necessary. We bill primary medical and any auto, workers' compensation, or third-party liability coverage and provide cost estimates for elective reconstructive phases.

Procedure Overview

An overview of facial trauma treatment — how oral and maxillofacial surgeons repair jaw fractures, facial lacerations, and other injuries to restore both function and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Procedures

See also our cost and financing guide and IV sedation options.