Get Precise Care with Board Certified Oral Surgeon in Brunswick, GA
Rooted in Tradition, Pioneering Modern Care: Dr. Dexter Mattox Bringing Innovative Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to the Golden Isles
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist
Oral surgeons complete 4-6 years of hospital-based surgical training beyond dental school, preparing them for complex procedures that extend beyond routine dental care. This specialized training includes anesthesiology, trauma surgery, and reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Mattox’s dual DMD/MD degrees and residency at Cleveland’s premier hospitals, including Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, provide him with comprehensive medical and surgical expertise. General dentists throughout Brunswick and the Golden Isles refer their most complex cases to our practice, knowing their patients will receive the highest level of surgical care.
Oral Surgery Services in Brunswick
Dental Implants and Full-Arch Restoration
Dental implants have transformed modern tooth replacement, offering permanent solutions that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dr. Mattox performs single implants, multiple implants, and full-arch (All-on-X) restorations using 3D imaging and dynamic navigation surgery for precise placement. This advanced technology ensures optimal positioning, long-term success, and natural aesthetics.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. Dr. Mattox specializes in removing impacted or partially erupted third molars with advanced 3D CBCT imaging, allowing him to visualize nerve positions and tooth anatomy for a safer procedure.
Removing wisdom teeth during the teenage years often results in easier surgery and quicker recovery. However, Dr. Mattox also successfully treats adult patients experiencing pain, infection, or crowding caused by late-emerging wisdom teeth.
Tooth Extractions
Some teeth cannot be saved despite restorative efforts. Dr. Mattox performs tooth extractions ranging from simple removals to complex surgical extractions requiring bone removal or sectioning. Following extraction, socket preservation techniques maintain bone volume for future implant placement if desired.
TMJ Disorder Management
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause jaw pain, clicking, limited mouth opening, and headaches. Dr. Mattox diagnoses and treats TMJ disorders through comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans. Treatment options may include conservative therapies, medications, orthotic appliances, and when necessary, surgical intervention to restore proper joint function and relieve chronic pain.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and affects overall health. Dr. Mattox’s dual medical and dental training uniquely qualifies him to evaluate and treat OSA. He offers surgical solutions including jaw advancement procedures and airway modification techniques that can significantly improve breathing, sleep quality, and reduce health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Oral Pathology and Biopsies
Early detection of oral abnormalities is critical. Dr. Mattox evaluates and performs biopsies on suspicious lesions, including non-healing sores, red or white patches, and tissue changes.
His medical training allows accurate diagnosis of both benign and potentially malignant conditions, ensuring timely treatment and peace of mind.
Facial Trauma Surgery
Facial injuries require immediate specialized attention. Dr. Mattox’s trauma training enables him to repair facial fractures, manage dental trauma, and reconstruct damaged tissues.
Emergency services are available for established patients experiencing severe infections or acute injuries requiring urgent surgical intervention.
Bone Grafting Procedures
Adequate bone support is vital for successful dental implants. Dr. Mattox performs a range of bone grafting procedures including socket preservation, ridge augmentation, and sinus lifts using advanced grafting materials and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) technology.
These treatments rebuild bone structure and create a solid, natural foundation for future implants, ensuring stability and strength for years to come.
Expose and Bond for Impacted Teeth
When teeth (especially canines) fail to erupt naturally, Dr. Mattox works with orthodontists to surgically expose the impacted tooth and bond an orthodontic bracket for guided eruption.
This collaborative approach helps preserve natural teeth that might otherwise require extraction, supporting proper alignment and function.
Dr. Dexter Mattox: Brunswick's Dual-Degree Oral Surgeon
Dr. Dexter Mattox: Brunswick's Dual-Degree Oral Surgeon
Dr. Mattox comes from a family tradition of medicine, with both grandfathers and his father serving as physicians. After earning his dental degree from the Dental College of Georgia (MCG Foundation Scholar, 2016), he completed a prestigious dual-degree program at Case Western Reserve University, earning his MD and completing oral surgery residency.
His diverse experience includes positions at Coastal Oral Surgery, Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Nuvia Implant Centers before establishing his practice at Innova. This background, combined with his commitment to advanced technology, ensures patients receive exceptional surgical care.
Advanced Surgical Technology
Innova Dental Implant Institute features technology typically found in major surgical centers. Our CBCT 3D imaging provides detailed anatomical visualization while dynamic navigation surgery enables real-time guided procedures. Intraoral scanning eliminates uncomfortable impressions, and in-house 3D printing creates custom surgical guides for precise, predictable outcomes.
This technological advantage means safer surgeries, reduced procedure time, and improved patient comfort throughout the surgical experience.
Brunswick, GA - Oral Surgery Location Near You
Our Brunswick oral surgery practice serves patients throughout the region including St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Kingsland, St. Marys, Waycross, Jesup, Darien, Hinesville, Alma, Blackshear, Douglas, and Midway. Located at 149 Scranton Connector with convenient access from I-95 and Highway 17, we make specialized oral surgery accessible to communities across Southeast Georgia.
Your Oral Surgery Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Mattox performs a thorough examination, reviews 3D imaging if needed, and discusses all treatment options. Our team explains insurance coverage and payment options to help you make informed decisions.
We provide comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing. For detailed information about preparing for surgery and recovery, visit our surgical instructions page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for oral surgery?
No referral is required. You can schedule directly with our office, though we coordinate closely with referring dentists when applicable.
Does insurance cover oral surgery?
Some procedures qualify for medical insurance coverage in addition to dental benefits. Our staff helps maximize your insurance benefits and offers financing options.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
The ideal time is age 16-17 before roots fully develop, though we successfully remove wisdom teeth at any age when problems arise.
What's the difference between an oral surgeon and dentist?
Oral surgeons complete 4-6 additional years of surgical training beyond dental school, qualifying them for complex procedures, jaw surgery, facial trauma, and advanced anesthesia administration. While general dentists provide essential dental care, you may need an oral surgeon if you require wisdom teeth extraction, have complex tooth loss, need jaw surgery, face TMJ issues, or require treatment for facial trauma. Your dentist may also refer you to our Brunswick practice for specialized surgical care.
What types of surgical procedures does an oral surgeon perform?
As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Brunswick, Dr. Mattox performs a comprehensive range of procedures including wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, jaw surgeries, facial trauma treatment, TMJ disorders, and surgical orthodontics. Our surgical expertise extends to complex procedures like bone grafting, sinus lifts, and management of oral pathology.
What type of anesthesia is used for oral surgery procedures?
We offer various levels of anesthesia tailored to your procedure and comfort needs. Options include local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia. Dr. Mattox's dual medical-dental training ensures safe administration and monitoring throughout your procedure.
How long is the recovery process after oral surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure and individual healing factors. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week after minor procedures. For more complex surgeries, we provide detailed recovery guidelines and follow-up care at our Brunswick facility to ensure optimal healing.