Facial Trauma | Upper Midtown NYC

An oral and maxillofacial specialist is thoroughly qualified to repair facial injuries. These professionals are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation — not just for physical reasons, but for emotional ones as well. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries require special training involving a “hands on” experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long-term function and appearance.

Dr. Cho meets and exceeds these modern standards. He is trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma, as well as on staff at local hospitals. Dr. Cho delivers emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:

  • Facial lacerations
  • Intraoral lacerations
  • Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
  • Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose, or eye socket)
  • Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
For more information about Facial Trauma or to schedule a consult with Dr. Cho, please use our Appointment form or call our Upper East Side NYC office at 121 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 212-838-5895.

The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma

There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries to teeth to extremely severe injuries to the skin and bones of the face. Typically, facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves, or the salivary glands).

Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

When soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations, occur on the face they are repaired by suturing. In addition to the obvious concern of providing a repair that yields the best cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). Dr. Cho is a well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon and is proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.

Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region

Fractures to the bones in the face are treated in a similar manner to fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form of treatment is determined by various factors, which include the location of the fracture, the severity of the fracture, and the age and general health of the patient. When an arm or leg is fractured a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to allow for proper healing. Because a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.

One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. Certain other types of fractures of the jaw are best treated and stabilized by the surgical placement of small plates and screws at the involved site. This technique of treatment can often allow for healing and eliminates the necessity of having the jaws wired together. This technique is called “rigid fixation” of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of rigid fixation has profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.

The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. More importantly, the patient’s facial appearance should be minimally affected. An attempt at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary is always made. At the same time, the incisions that become necessary are designed to be small and, whenever possible, are placed so that the resultant scar is hidden.

Injuries to the Teeth & 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. These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of splinting (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together).

If a tooth is knocked out it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket the better chance it will survive. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to wipe the tooth off, because remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of replanting the tooth. Other dental specialists may be called upon, such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists, who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.

The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of specialists who are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the patient.



Call our Upper Midtown NYC office if you would like more information about our services for facial trauma: 121 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 212-838-5895.

Steven H. Cho, DDS, PLLC

5 out of 5 stars based on 11 Facial Trauma reviews

Patient Review by Robert L.

This is my third experience with Dr Cho. I have had 5 extractions and 5 implants. The first one was done after two previous attempts by another doctor had failed. Dr Cho was confident that he could get the job done. And you know what”HE DID”. Since then I have had four more done,all successful. The last two were extracted just yesterday. Both roots were cracked and came out in pieces. The entire proceedure took less than one hour with a minimal amount of pain. AMAZING. Dr Cho was professional in every respect. As was his entire staff. Dr Cho is a gem and I would certainly recommend to one and all. BOB L

- Robert L.

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Audrey P

Dr. Cho and his team are amazing! I had to have 2 wisdom teeth extracted and the procedure went smoothly. Dr. Cho is both gentle and professional; I knew I was in good hands. I have full confidence in him for any future work to be done.

- Audrey P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Arrived earlier than needed and was taken care of promptly. Staff professional and courteous. Dr Cho was gentle despite the cracked tooth. Returning for implant in 2 months

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ann K

One of the best experiences with a doctor ever. And I live in NYC, where there are a lot of great doctors.

- Ann K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by K C

Best dental experience ever

- K C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Gertrude S

Have never been in any doctor or dental office where I have been treated as efficiently as kindly as professionally as in Dr. Cho's office. The entire staff is caring, attentive and knowledgeable. Dr. Cho is a miracle - he is a brilliant surgeon whose disposition is so humble and kind that I am amazed that such a person exists in the medical profession. If you want to feel that you are being attended to, heard and feel safe in the hands of these professionals, Dr. Cho is the one.

- Gertrude S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Patricia H

I came from Long Island and had the best oral surgeon with an excellent staff and I know they are the best.Thank You so much !!!

- Patricia H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by frans w

despite the size of the molar that was extracted, he made the proceedure as smooth as possible. D Cho's assistant was very helpful and calming.

- frans w

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by ann c

All in all the most pleasant experience possible for something I dread - Feel totally confident and surprisingly relaxed in Dr. Cho's hands. Have had a a few implants with Dr. Cho who instills confidence and calm

- ann c

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by DENENE F

SERVICE IS ALWAYS EXCELLENT !!!!!!

- DENENE F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Lenward E

My visit can best be described with TenderLovingCare !

- Lenward E

5 out of 5 stars on

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