Orthognathic Surgery
Corrective 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.
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. Vakkas 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. Vakkas 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.
Yorktown Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Amazing experience overall. Got all four impacted wisdom teeth out and was in feeling amazing the next day. Staff and doctor were very reassuring and answered any pre op questions i had, leaving me to feel more comfortable!
- Kayla R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I saw Dr. Vakkas for the first time for a tooth extraction. He was amazing. I did not have any pain the next day. The office staff was very kind. I was very impressed when the doctor called me at home after my surgery to see how I was doing. I have already recommended him to several co-workers.
- Patricia P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have been to doctor Vakkas several times for tooth implants. The doctor is extremely knowledgeable and explains everything carefully. The office is extremely professional and always follows up and has records ready when I need them. They are extremely friendly. I highly recommend this office.
- Robin F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The office got me in within a few hours for an extraction of an infected tooth. The office staff is very attentive and caring. Dr Vakkos did an amazing job of extracting the tooth pain free. I have never had a tooth pulled and not had pain the next day. Dr Vakkos called a few hours after extraction to make sure I was doing OK. I would recommend this practice to everyone.
- Barbara A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have used another area oral surgeon for years even recently I felt rushed there and had sloppy work done . This was a totally different experience the staff was warm and friendly and Dr Vakkas was an amazing Dr. He takes the time to speak to you and listens to all your concerns . I had major procedures done removal of bone on my gum line and removal of implants to help me to wear dentures with out all my issues . I will go to him always as will my family and anyone who asks for a referral . His work is neat his sutures are strong !!! I felt confident with him from consultation, assistance from staff, and to the surgury itself
- Kelly B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My daughter and son had their wisdom teeth removed by Dr Vakkas both with minimal post-op issues.Speedy recovery and healing time with minimal discomfort.- Amazingly my son had no pain following his surgery- Dr Vakkas is an exceptional oral surgeon with an outstanding professional mannerism- Any post op questions were answered right away and follow-up call to check on patient makes all the difference. I would highly recommend Dr Vakkas. His staff is great too- so helpful and pleasant 🙂
- Christina M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had several teeth extracted and implants placed. Dr Vakkas and his staff are amazing!!
- Tina V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Vakkas pulled my wisdom teeth out and called me after my procedure to see how I was feeling. Policy or not that was a great way of showing he cared. In general he is an incredibly nice person. I have recently gone back to him for another issue and will continue going to him and recommending him to family and friends !
- Brittney B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Got 2 wisdom teeth pulled today! Glad to know that amazing dental offices are nearby. Everyone was kind, professional and put me at ease right away. I highly recommend Dr. Vakkas and his team.
- Dina G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Vakkas and his staff made me feel comfortable and at ease. I had 2 teeth extracted 1 of them being a wisdom tooth.
- Nicole D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My older son needed a tooth extraction a few years ago and we were very pleased then with the staff and procedure. This time, my younger son needed two teeth extracted and he is an anxious child. So even though the doctor discussed the procedure with us ahead of time, the day of the extraction, my son was nervous, teary, asking a lot of questions and wanted me by his side (not normally done). Dr. Vakkas and his staff worked it out so that I could be right outside the room and talk to my son while he had the procedure to help calm him and get him through it. The procedure was quick and efficient, (the anticipation is what was stressful for my son) and the staff was patient, kind, understanding and accommodating. I would recommend this office to anyone who needs oral surgery; they go above and beyond to make it the best experience possible for the patient. Professional and excellent in every way!
- Christine A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Procedure was quick and staff was friendly.
- Joseph K K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Easy and mostly painless. No swelling!
- Saskia L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
These professionals made me feel at ease and they explained everything about the necessary dental extractions. They were excellent from the moment I walked in right through when I left the office.
- Janet S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent doctor and staff. Calm and professional demeanor. I have been in very good hands.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Doctor and staff were quite amazing
- Joseph giordano
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Professional, clean, happy with service
- Maryann A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Highly recommend this practice
- John D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience
- Gerarda R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied starting with the front desk-very professional service. The assistant and doctor extremely attentive and made us feel relaxed and comfortable for our procedure. I would highly recommend this office. Excellent experience.
- Alison R