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.
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
I got Dr. Jackson and he was absolutely wonderful. Him and his team did so well on my wisdom teeth that they didn't even hurt the next day. I recommend Dr. Jackson if you are ever looking for someone.
- Amillia B
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
By far the best experience I’ve had, They worked with me professionally on my anxiety issues. Dr Jackson and his associates are outstanding in their work. Would highly recommend to anyone. Thanks to all the staff
- David H
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Everyone from Dr. Solomon to every staff member was Outstanding. They all were considerate, friendly, compassion to my feelings, I was a little uneasy about where the tooth had to be pulled, I had a broken root, and it was close to my sinus. Dr. Solomon answered all my questions and put me at ease. Thanks to All and God Bless.
- JoAnn T
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
First, I want to explain that I have a tremendous fear of dentists. Not just anxiety, but the type of fear that leaves you ignoring your dental health for years and only when I have no other choice do I give in and seek treatment. However, after meeting with and being treated by Dr. Summers, I can honestly say that she and her team are the absolute best! They didn't mind my tears and helped me by being both compassionate and understanding of what I was experiencing. It was a blessing to meet the wonderful people at CVOFS, from the front staff to the surgical team, I could not have asked for a more kind and supportive group of professionals. I would highly recommend Dr. Summers and her team to anyone seeking the best in oral surgery care!
- Elizabeth W
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Everyone was helpful friendly and knowledgeable! I felt very comfortable!
- Susan D
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Great service and wonderful staff all around.
- LYNN S
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
I have significant anxiety, and the days leading up to my procedure (tooth + wisdom tooth extraction) saw a definite increase in instances. I say this so you will understand how incredibly good Dr. Summers and the entire staff at CVOFS are. They were so caring! All of my questions were answered and concerns met with kindness and understanding. The day of the procedure came and it went so quickly and smoothly! Do I ever want to have to have teeth extracted again? No. If the day ever comes when it is necessary though, I can only hope that Dr. Summers is available.
- Carrie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
I very much appreciated the individual care I was given and the nice conversation with the surgery technicians prior to starting the procedure. I also appreciated your team submitting a pre-approval to Delta Dental. it was helpful to know prior to the procedure that dental insurance approved most of the costs.
- Lynda S
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Excellent experience.
- Richard R
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
I had Dr.Solomon for my dentist, when i walked into the office is because i have neglect my teeth for many many years, and it showed, Dr.Solomon did not make me feel bad at all for the neglect.. I explained to him that i was terrified of the dentist. This man is so compassionate in the way that he takes care of his patients, Dr. Solomon and his staff is one in a million.
- linda h
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
The entire process went smoother than I expected. Dr. Summers and her entire staff have been great during our adventure together.
- James M
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Outstanding service from welcoming staff, technicians and physicians!
- Carmon H
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Very satisfied with all aspects of visit, office staff, dentist, tooth extraction
- James W
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Everyone was very professional and thorough.
- Crystal N
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Very professional, great work, and pain free procedure.
- Frank L
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
friendly, fast, and efficient. As good as it gets for having two extractions and getting and implant.
- Judith S