Oral Surgeon Brunswick, GA | Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Dexter Mattox, DMD, MD is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon serving Brunswick, GA and the Golden Isles. Expert surgical care for dental implants, wisdom teeth, jaw surgery, and more, right here in Southeast Georgia.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist
Most dental procedures stop at the tooth. Oral and maxillofacial surgery addresses what lies beneath it, the bone, the jaw, the joint, the airway, and the surrounding facial structures. It is a surgical specialty that requires four to six years of hospital-based residency after dental school, covering everything from complex extractions and implant surgery to facial trauma reconstruction and full anesthesia management.
The surgeon Dr. Dexter Mattox at Innova Dental Implant Institute carries credentials that go a step further. He completed a dual DMD and MD program at Case Western Reserve University, training alongside medical residents at Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Holding both degrees means his surgical decisions are informed by a depth of medical training that most oral surgery practices in the region simply do not have.
Oral Surgery Procedures in Brunswick, GA
Innova Dental Implant Institute provides a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures in Brunswick, GA. Everything from routine extractions to full-arch implant reconstruction and jaw surgery is available here, no need to travel to Jacksonville or Savannah.
Dental Implants and Full-Arch Restoration
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth cause crowding, pain, and infection when left untreated. CBCT imaging is used before every wisdom tooth procedure to map nerve positions and root anatomy. Most patients manage recovery comfortably within three to five days with IV sedation keeping the procedure itself pain-free.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth cannot be saved through restorative care, surgical extraction removes it cleanly while protecting surrounding structures. Socket preservation is routinely performed at the time of extraction to maintain bone volume for future implant placement.
TMJ Disorder Management
TMJ disorders cause jaw pain, clicking, limited opening, and chronic headaches. Dr. Mattox evaluates each case with clinical examination and 3D imaging before recommending treatment. Conservative approaches are always explored first, with minimally invasive surgical options available when needed.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management
When CPAP is not effective or tolerated, surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea can produce lasting improvements in breathing and sleep quality. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely trained to address the structural causes of airway obstruction through jaw advancement and airway modification procedures.
Oral Pathology and Biopsies
Persistent sores, red or white patches, or unusual lumps in the mouth should not be ignored. Dr. Mattox performs biopsies on suspicious tissue and provides diagnosis informed by both dental and full medical training, supporting earlier, more accurate detection.
Facial Trauma Surgery
Facial fractures, broken jaw injuries, and dental trauma from accidents require a surgeon with dedicated trauma training. Dr. Mattox treats facial bone fractures, jaw injuries, and displaced teeth, with emergency care available for established patients with urgent surgical needs
Bone Grafting Procedures
Successful implants need adequate bone. When bone has been lost through extraction, gum disease, or tooth absence, grafting rebuilds the foundation. Sinus lifts address the upper back jaw where sinus anatomy limits bone height. PRF technology, prepared from the patient’s own blood, is used in all grafting procedures to accelerate healing.
Expose and Bond for Impacted Teeth
When canines or other teeth fail to erupt naturally, oral surgery exposes the tooth and attaches an orthodontic bracket so it can be guided into position over time. This preserves the natural tooth and supports correct bite alignment without extraction.
Why Trust Dr. Dexter Mattox for Your Oral Surgery
Not every oral surgeon brings the same depth of training, technology, or surgical scope to their practice. Here is what patients across Brunswick and the Golden Isles consistently point to when they choose Dr. Mattox at Innova Dental Implant Institute.
- Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with dual DMD and MD degrees
- Residency training at Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University
- In-house CBCT 3D imaging for detailed pre-surgical planning on every case
- Dynamic navigation surgery for real-time guided implant placement
- In-house 3D printing and CAD for same-day surgical guides
- PRF technology derived from the patient's own blood to support faster healing
- IV sedation and general anesthesia administered by the oral surgeon directly
- Full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery in one Brunswick location
- No referral required to schedule a consultation
- Over 200 five-star patient reviews and a 98% implant success rate
About Dr Dexter Mattox DMD, MD
About Dr Dexter Mattox DMD, MD
Dr. Dexter Mattox is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon holding both a DMD and MD, earned through a dual-degree residency at Case Western Reserve University with rotations at Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. His combined medical and surgical training is what sets the level of care at Innova apart from a standard oral surgery practice.
Before founding Innova Dental Implant Institute in Brunswick, Dr. Mattox gained surgical experience at Coastal Oral Surgery, Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Nuvia Implant Centers. That background, paired with in-house technology most practices do not have, means patients across the Golden Isles get specialist-level surgical outcomes close to home.
Advanced Surgical Technology
The technology available in an oral surgery practice directly affects surgical accuracy, patient safety, and recovery outcomes. Innova Dental Implant Institute is equipped with the kind of imaging and planning tools more commonly found in hospital-based surgical centers.
Recovery and Aftercare After Oral Surgery
Recovery looks different depending on the procedure, but every patient at Innova leaves with written post-operative instructions and a follow-up appointment already scheduled. Most patients recover more smoothly than they expect when instructions are followed closely.
First 48 Hours
Swelling and soreness peak early and improve steadily. Keep your head elevated, use ice packs, and rest properly during recovery.
Diet & Nutrition
Eat soft foods like yogurt, eggs, smoothies, and soup. Avoid straws to prevent dry socket and protect healing tissue.
Oral Hygiene
Begin gentle salt-water rinses after 24 hours. Brush carefully and avoid alcohol-based mouthwash near the surgery area.
Physical Activity
Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for at least 72 hours. Light walking is usually safe after the first day.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Contact Innova immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Pain worsening after the third day instead of improving normally.
Deep aching pain in the extraction area that may indicate dry socket.
Fever above 101°F or unusual swelling after 48 hours.
Pus, discharge, breathing difficulty, or trouble swallowing.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up care is a standard part of treatment at Innova, not an afterthought. Depending on the procedure, check-in appointments are scheduled to assess healing, remove sutures if placed, and confirm the site is progressing as expected. Implant patients have a structured follow-up schedule throughout the osseointegration period before the final restoration is delivered. Detailed written recovery instructions are also available on the Surgical Instructions page of this website.
Serving Brunswick, GA and the Surrounding Region
Innova Dental Implant Institute is located at 149 Scranton Connector in Brunswick, GA, with easy access from I-95 and US-17 and on-site parking. For patients in the Golden Isles, getting to a board-certified oral surgeon no longer means driving to Jacksonville or Savannah.
Dr. Mattox regularly sees patients from St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Kingsland, St. Marys, Waycross, Jesup, Hinesville, Darien, and other communities across Southeast Georgia. Many travel specifically because the combination of dual-degree surgical credentials and in-house technology is not available at smaller practices nearby.
Your Oral Surgery Consultation
The consultation at Innova is a focused appointment where Dr. Mattox reviews your situation, explains treatment options, and gives you a clear picture of what to expect. No referral required to schedule.
Innova offers a Virtual Care Coordination Session, a 30-minute video or phone appointment to discuss your needs, costs, and financing before you make the trip to Brunswick. Insurance coverage is reviewed before treatment begins. Financing is available for procedures not fully covered.
FAQs About Oral Surgery
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon in Brunswick, GA?
No referral is required. You can call Innova directly at 912-266-8100 or schedule online. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, and the practice coordinates closely with referring providers, but a referral is not required to be seen.
What is the difference between an oral surgeon and a general dentist?
A general dentist completes four years of dental school and provides routine dental care. An oral surgeon completes an additional four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency training in complex extractions, implant surgery, jaw reconstruction, facial trauma, and surgical anesthesia.
What anesthesia options are available for oral surgery?
Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia are all available. For most surgical procedures, IV conscious sedation is the most common option. All anesthesia is administered and monitored directly by Dr. Mattox.
How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal in Brunswick?
Most patients return to light activity within two to three days. Swelling and soreness peak around 48 hours and improve steadily. Full soft tissue healing generally takes about two weeks.
What should I expect after dental implant surgery?
Implant placement is typically a straightforward outpatient procedure. Most patients return to normal activity the following day with mild soreness, while the implant integrates with the jawbone over three to six months.
Does insurance cover oral surgery procedures?
Coverage depends on the procedure and your insurance plan. Many oral surgery procedures qualify for both dental and medical insurance benefits. Innova reviews coverage before treatment begins and offers financing options.
Can an oral surgeon treat TMJ disorders?
Yes. TMJ disorders are within the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Treatment begins with conservative approaches, with surgical options considered only when needed.
What is a sinus lift and when is it necessary before dental implants?
A sinus lift is a bone grafting procedure that increases bone height in the upper back jaw when there is insufficient bone for implant placement.
How do I know if I need an oral surgeon rather than a general dentist?
You may need an oral surgeon for impacted teeth, complex extractions, implants, bone grafting, jaw surgery, facial trauma, or procedures requiring IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Does Innova see patients from outside Brunswick, GA?
Yes. Patients travel to Innova from St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Waycross, Jesup, Hinesville, Kingsland, Darien, and other Southeast Georgia communities.