When a facial injury happens — a fractured jaw, knocked-out teeth, broken facial bones, or deep lacerations — the quality of care in the first hours matters for both function and appearance long-term. Emergency rooms handle the immediate threat. But surgical repair of facial structures requires a specialist.
Dr. Grant McGann is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in San Diego trained specifically in the evaluation, treatment, and reconstruction of facial injuries.
If you or someone you know has sustained a facial injury, contact us immediately or call (858) 874-8181.
Facial Injuries Dr. McGann Treats
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists most trained to handle injuries to the face, jaw, and mouth — both the surgical repair and the long-term functional and aesthetic outcome. Dr. McGann treats:
Facial lacerations — Deep cuts to the face that require precise closure to minimize scarring and restore normal tissue appearance
Intraoral lacerations — Cuts inside the mouth to the gums, tongue, cheeks, or palate
Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth — Teeth that have been completely displaced from the socket; time is critical for reimplantation
Fractured facial bones — Fractures to the cheekbone (zygoma), nose, or eye socket (orbital floor)
Fractured jaws — Upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) fractures, which affect bite, chewing, and facial structure
Time matters with knocked-out teeth. A tooth that has been knocked out has the best chance of being saved if reimplanted within 30–60 minutes. Keep the tooth moist — in milk, saline, or between the cheek and gum — and call the office immediately.
Why an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Not every provider who treats facial injuries has the same training. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete four or more years of hospital-based surgical residency after dental school — specifically focused on the bones, soft tissue, and structures of the face, jaw, and mouth. That training covers both the surgical repair and the long-term functional and aesthetic outcome of treatment.
Dr. McGann completed his OMS residency at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. — a high-volume trauma center — and has been treating patients in San Diego since 2008. Facial trauma care requires not just surgical skill but an understanding of how today’s repair decisions affect long-term appearance and function.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists uniquely trained to manage facial trauma. Their training covers emergency care, acute surgical treatment, and long-term reconstruction — addressing both the physical and functional consequences of facial injury. Dr. McGann is trained, skilled, and equipped to manage the full spectrum of facial trauma cases.
What to Do Immediately After a Facial Injury
For knocked-out teeth:
- Handle the tooth by the crown — not the root
- Rinse gently with water if dirty — do not scrub
- Place it back in the socket if possible, or keep it in milk, saline, or saliva
- Call the office immediately — every minute matters
For facial lacerations:
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding
- Do not remove embedded objects
- Seek evaluation as soon as possible — even cuts that seem minor may need specialist closure to heal correctly
For suspected jaw or facial bone fractures:
- Avoid eating or applying pressure to the area
- Support the jaw gently if needed for comfort
- Go to the nearest emergency room if there is significant swelling, inability to open the mouth, or breathing difficulty — then follow up with Dr. McGann for surgical evaluation
The artwork in the office was created by Dr McGann’s family including grandmother Nancy McGann.
About Dr. Grant McGann
Dr. McGann is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a member of AAOMS, CALAOMS, and the California Dental Association. He completed his surgical residency at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. and has been practicing in San Diego since 2008.
Does Insurance Cover Facial Trauma Treatment?
Facial trauma treatment is typically covered under medical insurance when it results from an accident or injury. Dental insurance may also apply depending on which structures are affected. McGann Oral Surgery accepts Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of CA, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, United Healthcare, and other major PPO plans. See the full list of insurance plans we accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the ER or come to McGann Oral Surgery first?
If there is significant bleeding, breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness, go to the nearest emergency room first. For injuries that are serious but stable — a fractured jaw, knocked-out teeth, or facial lacerations — contact our office directly.
Can a knocked-out tooth actually be saved?
Often yes, if treated quickly. The window for successful reimplantation is roughly 30–60 minutes from the time of injury. Keep the tooth moist and call immediately — don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own.
What happens if a fractured jaw isn't treated properly?
An untreated or improperly treated jaw fracture can result in a permanent bite misalignment, chronic pain, difficulty chewing, and facial asymmetry. Proper surgical management by an OMS is important for both function and long-term appearance.
Will facial trauma treatment leave visible scars?
Scarring depends on the nature and location of the injury. Dr. McGann’s approach to laceration closure and soft tissue repair is focused on minimizing visible scarring — but outcomes also depend on the severity of the initial injury. He’ll be upfront about realistic expectations at your evaluation.
Is facial trauma treatment covered by medical insurance?
In most cases, yes — injuries resulting from accidents are typically covered under medical insurance. The specifics depend on your plan. Enrique, our financial services coordinator, can help you navigate coverage before your procedure.
Facing a Facial Injury? Get the Right Specialist Involved Early.
The decisions made in the first hours after a facial injury shape the long-term outcome. Dr. McGann has the surgical training to handle everything from a knocked-out tooth to a fractured jaw — and to do it in a way that protects both function and appearance.
McGann Oral Surgery is located at 3861 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92103 — get directions.