Facial Trauma

Drs. Grim, Popowich, Cernansky & Laski are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. They are on staff at the multiple campuses of Lehigh Valley Hospital and deliver emergency room coverage for a variety of facial injuries, which include:

• FACIAL LACERATIONS
• INTRA ORAL LACERATIONS
• AVULSED ( KNOCKED OUT ) TEETH
• FRACTURED JAWS ( UPPER AND LOWER JAW )

Treating these injuries is designed to optimized the patient's long-term function and appearance.

The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma

Facial trauma can be caused by a variety of factors including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sporting injures, work related injuries and interpersonal violence. Types of facial injuires can range from injuries to the teeth to extremely severe injuries of the skin and multiple bones of the face. Classification of facial injuries can be broken down into the following categories:

• SOFT TISSUE INJURIES ( SKIN AND GUMS ).
• BONE INJURIES ( FRACTURES ).
• INJURIES TO SPECIFIC REGIONS OF THE FACE, SUCH AS THE EYES, VARIOUS NERVES, AND SALIVARY GLANDS OF THE FACE.

Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

Soft tissue injuries of the face are usually repaired by sturing (stitches). During the repair, special care is taken to achieve the best cosmetic result possible. In addition, the injuries are closely examined to treat various injuries that may occur to underlying structures, such as nerves and salivary glands.

Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar to the fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form of treatment is determined by various factors. Drs. Grim, Popowich, Cernansky and Laski will determine the best treatment course for any fractures of the face. The specifics of facial bone fracture treatment is discussed with every patient and their family prior to instituting treatment.

Treatment of facial fractures is accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. The goal is to achieve the best facial appearance and occlusion (bite) as possible in light of the patient's injuries.

Injuries to the Teeth and Surrounding Dental Structures

Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral surgeons usually are involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out, and in replacement of teeth that are unable to be saved. The nature of the injury determines which treatment Drs. Grim, Popowich, Cernansky and Laski provide.

If a tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in milk. The patient should then seek immediate care by a dentist or oral surgeon. The sooner the tooth is reinserted into the dental socket, the better the chance it will survive. Drs. Grim, Popowich, Cernansky and Laski would then determine the prognosis of the tooth, and discuss various treatment options. In the event that the injured tooth cannot be saved, various treatment options would be discussed, including dental implants. For information regarding dental implants, please click here.