Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgeons, PLC. 
Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
Orthognathic surgery is needed when the top and bottom jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t adequately fit within the jaw. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.
Orthognathic Surgery Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of orthognathic surgery, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to orthognathic surgery are discussed.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite, or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that may affect chewing function, speech, or long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.
Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:
- Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Speech problems
- Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
- Open bite
- Protruding jaw
- Breathing problems
Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired after birth as a result of hereditary or environmental influences, or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
Technology & Orthognathic Surgery
Dr. Gemmill, Dr. Jackson, Dr. Solomon, Dr. Summers and Dr. Tricker uses modern computer-aided techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the proposed treatment.
If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Gemmill, Dr. Jackson, Dr. Solomon, Dr. Summers and Dr. Tricker will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.
What to Expect
- Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months of preparation.
- The surgery is performed in the hospital and can last between one to four hours.
- Hospital stays of one to three days are normal.
- Braces are maintained during surgery and may need to be removed six to twelve months after surgery.
- The greatest impact of orthognathic surgery is the recovery phase.
- Patients typically may be off work/school from two weeks to one month after surgery.
- Return to normal chewing function may take 2 months and full
function may take one year.- Our goal is to ensure you are well taken care of during and after surgery.
- Weekly appointments are required for up to two months after surgery.
Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgeons, PLC.
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Outstanding service from welcoming staff, technicians and physicians!
- Carmon H
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Very satisfied with all aspects of visit, office staff, dentist, tooth extraction
- James W
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Everyone was very helpful and answered all my questions. Dr. Conner did a great job extracting my tooth. No pain or bleeding after. Only took Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen the fist day.
- Sue H
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Everyone was very professional and thorough.
- Crystal N
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Very professional, great work, and pain free procedure.
- Frank L
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We could not be more grateful for all of the team at cvofs. Dr. Tricker and his team have now taken care of both of our children and wisdom teeth removal and he and his team are amazing, professional, extremely kind and caring. I would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could. Simply exceptional care. Cannot recommend them highly enough. So grateful.
- Gina D
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Dr. Connor and his staff in the Culpeper office was very prompt to my needs and I am truly grateful they were able to help me in my situation. Would recommend others to consider Dr. Connor and his staff for oral surgery needs.
- Brent L
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Very professional staff- all of them - and they pulled 2 teeth with little discomfort and quicker than I thought possible- without having to be knocked out- very happy
- Chris C
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friendly, fast, and efficient. As good as it gets for having two extractions and getting and implant.
- Judith S
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great doc and staff and girls who worked with him loved him ill be back anytim e needed irls were great and so was doc conners.
- amelia h
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Dr. Tricker, his cohorts and support staff provide exceptional care, service, skills, and a professional demeanor at every level! At retirement age with generally good health, I'm still finding visits to doctors' offices on the rise. This office and this group of professional health providers stand head and shoulders above most of the offices I visit. My wife and I have become ardent fans of this group and offer the highest recomendation should you need their services. Well Done Indeed!!
- Stephen Y
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I was very anxious about having a molar extracted, but the doctor and staff were very kind and thorough in explaining everything. The procedure went smoothly and I was pleasantly surprised at how little time it took. The doctor even called me that night to check on me. I had no complications and will be returning for work on another tooth in the fall, with much less anxiety.
- Kathleen E
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Excellent. Made the procedure very comfortable. Dr Tricker and his staff were not only efficient and explained everything but were friendly and made my visits very comfortable. Each visit was handled in an efficient manner and explained in an easy to understand manner. AgIn excellent workmanship from everyone.
- Betty S
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As, one who is not one who can not handle extreme pain, my first visit to this office put any fears aside because of the friendly contacts from the front office to the rest of the staff. Dr. Keith Jackson was very kind and friendly. He explained what needed to be done and how it would be done. My niece was able to be by my side during the consultation and listened to all information as well. The surgery to remove the 7 teeth went well on the appointed day. A packet of information was given to me at the time of departure and a follow up call was made that evening by Dr. Jackson to check on my progress. Now a follow up visit will be done and plans for replacement of the missing teeth will be discussed and finalized. Many thanks to this kind and compassionate group of professionals. Prayers, blessings and love for your continued contributions to this community.
- M. Waltine E
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Did a great job on my extraction. No issues and was no pain before or after. Very comfortable environment. Staff was friendly and made you feel at ease. Would recommend and will go back if needed.
- Douglas J
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I would def. refer others to come here. I just hope Phase II for the Implants is affordable for me. This is what took me so long to get the extraction, due to the lack of teeth on the right side and the one spot on left. This has me quite depressed...and hope that the implants is an affordable option.
- Faustina L
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My daughter had anxiety about getting her 4 wisdom teeth out. Dr. Solomon took time to talk to her prior to the procedure. He made her feel comfortable and she is healing well. The staff are caring and helpful. We are grateful to them and would not hesitate going back if needed.
- James W
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Dr. Conner was very nice and answered all my questions, and was able to put me to ease as much as my anxiety would allow! I would go back to him if needed further dental work.
- Dawn R
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Nice and considerate.
- Stanley S
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Very professional. Very thorough. Very thoughtful. All while easy going, making everything less stressful.
- K.V. B