Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)  | Rapid City SD

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with jaws. 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 can affect chewing function, speech, 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 in 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

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.

Click to start the Orthodontic Presentation

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. Crossland, Dr. Van Dam, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Richman use modern computer 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 treatment prescribed. Our goal is to help you understand the benefits of orthognathic surgery.

If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, our doctors 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.

Don’t Live With Jaw Issues Any Longer

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Black Hills Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 39 Jaw Surgery reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Sam B

Scott Vandam is an awesome guy, he and his staff were so helpfully thru my 3 extractions. Very professional, we are so fortunate to have this in the Rapid City surrounding area.

- Sam B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Don C

This is the place to go in Rapid City when you need oral surgery, implants, etc. Dr. Van Dam and his staff are outstanding and took excellent care of me from start to finish.

- Don C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Chala R

Dr. Morgan and his assistant were thoughtful and extremely caring.

- Chala R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Paula M

I feel the overall staff is great, the nurses were awesome and so was Dr Crossland! However, they have one bad apple dealing with the public Gloria! She is the sole reason this business would not get 5 stars! Recommend but beware of the one, maybe bring her flowers…make her day somehow! I sure wish I would have, she made me feel like the bad kid in kindergarten that gets sent to the corner with the dunce hat! Lol! I really hope my case is an isolated incident for everyone.

- Paula M

3 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Jeff B

Super nice people and they all make sure you understand what they will be doing and afterwards what you need to do for a good recovery

- Jeff B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Mimi L

After 3 other dentists in RC and hundreds of dollars spent with negative results I was finally referred to BH Oral Surgery. Best place in Rapid City. All the staff were awesome. They work like a well oiled wheel. In and out quickly. Had a post op question and Dr Morgan got on the phone and reassured me by explaining what was happening and it was normal.

- Mimi L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Margie A

Friendly & helpful staff - very courteous. Dr. was kind, courteous & very helpful. Post-procedure instructions were concise & easy to follow. Would recommend this facility to anyone experiencing tooth issues!

- Margie A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Marilyn K

After a rocky start with my dental implant being less than satisfactory, the problem was amended and a very successful outcome has given me a smile of which I am proud. Thanks to the astute and timely intervention of Dr. Van Dam, I would recommend this implant center to other patients looking for care.

- Marilyn K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Justin T

Dr. Richman did an excellent job with my tooth extraction and the implant of my abutment. I had little to no pain with both procedures. Dr. Richman took the time to personally call and see how things were going after the abutment implant. I see that as a sign of a good doctor that cares about his patients. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone looking into oral surgery.

- Justin T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Marilyn K

I am disappointed in the way my smile looks. The implant tooth, though I checked the color match before the tooth was made, was good but the implant is not a good match. The one the aide and I picked out matched very well but this one is almost gray. The implant tooth itself is clearly shorter than the surrounding teeth and I am disappointed in the way it looks when I smile.

- Marilyn K

2 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Clair S

I had two extractions in one visit and did not feel any pain Dr. Van Dam did an excellent job. Doctor called me the evening after surgery to check pain level, I had no pain that night or in the days following. It was much better than i expected. I am recommending Doctor VanDam to a friend.

- Clair S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Gail D

I called on a Thursday morning with a concern Dr Van Dam got me in for a check that afternoon and went over and above helping with my issue! He even called the next day to check on me. I highly recommend using Dr Van Dam for any of your dental issues!

- Gail D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Edward H

I would recommend Dr. Van Dam and his entire staff for any needs that you may need. They were professional, patient, kind, caring, and compassionate. Any future needs I may have will definitely be done with Dr. Van Dam and his staff.

- Edward H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Pamela C

My doctor was very kind, reassuring, and he thoroughly explained the procedure and my options. Going in for a tooth retraction, and being very nervous, my doctor and the staff made my experience very comfortable.

- Pamela C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Carolyn B

I had three extractions in June of 2022 at the Spearfish office; two of those teeth had to be replaced with implants which was done in January 2023 at the Rapid City office. Both procedures went surprisingly well. I get extremely nervous about dental surgery and opted for sedation both times. The entire staff was very understanding and did everything possible to put me at ease. Dr. Van Dam was excellent and was very patient in answering all of my questions. I received several phone calls checking up on me after the procedures. My only complaint is that they didn't automatically call me to schedule the appointment for the implants or for my post-op visit as they said they would and I had to call to make the appointments but that's minor. I was very pleased with the procedures and the care that I received for both of them.

- Carolyn B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By David H

First experience with BH Oral Surgery and it was first rate, without exception. First time ever that a Medical Doctor (Dr. Van Dam) called me early evening after the procedure to make sure I was doing ok. In addition, had a phone call the next day to make sure everything was good. Most strongly recommend Black Hills Oral Surgery!

- David H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Hazel S

I was very satisfied with the care I received!

- Hazel S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Helen S

I was not looking forward to having a molar tooth in the back of my mouth pulled so I requested anesthesia for the procedure. It went very well and was soon over with. Someone called from the office to check on me at home for two days! I am doing well!

- Helen S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Michael M

The experience I had at Black Hills Oral Surgery was excellent. My appointment was on time and the extraction procedure was accomplished as fast as was possible. I had little pain and the healing was rapid. I would highly recommend B.H. Oral Surgery!

- Michael M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Robin w

everyone was so pleasant! Dr Morgan was very good with information and made me feel very comfortable in what was happening. The surgical tech girls were also so caring and friendly. Everyone from the front desk to the girl wheeling me out to the car were top notch! Thank you all so much

- Robin w

5 out of 5 stars on