Skilled Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons When You Need Us Most
Oral surgery can feel scary, but it’s often the best way to solve serious dental problems and protect your long-term health. Whether a painful wisdom tooth is bothering you, a tooth is too damaged to save, or jaw issues are affecting your day-to-day life, the right surgical care can ease pain and restore normal function. At Southern Smiles, Dr. Bethany Burton blends modern techniques with a gentle, patient-first approach to make your visit as calm and predictable as possible.
Most people are surprised to learn how routine many oral surgery procedures are—they’re done right here in our Jacksonville dental office, and recovery is usually quicker than expected. With safe sedation options and precise methods, we make sure you stay comfortable through every step.
Ready to take the next step? Call Southern Smiles at 904-389-3451 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients across Jacksonville, Orange Park, Atlantic Beach, and Jacksonville Beach.
Why Choose Southern Smiles for Oral Surgery
Dr. Bethany Burton has advanced training and a careful, compassionate touch for every procedure. Our whole team focuses on your comfort and keeps you informed before, during, and after treatment so you always know what to expect.
Some problems that call for oral surgery include:
- In-office procedures – Many surgeries are completed here, saving you time and the stress of a hospital visit
- Sedation dentistry options available – We offer choices to help you stay relaxed and pain-free during treatment
- Clear communication – Dr. Burton explains your procedure, recovery timeline, and next steps in plain language
- Modern dental technology – Advanced tools and techniques support faster healing and better results
- Compassionate aftercare – We give detailed recovery instructions and are available if you have questions
5-Star Review From Our Patient
"I had such a great experience at Southern Smiles. I had my wisdom teeth removed here and everything was perfect from the removal through the heeling process! Beth & Brooke were so attentive and helpful with any questions I had. 10/10 a wonderful experience and highly recommend!!"
- adriane clemens
We truly value hearing from our patients. If you’ve had a tooth removed with us, please consider sharing your story—it helps us continue to provide the best care possible and supports others in making informed decisions.
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery includes procedures on the teeth, gums, jaw, and nearby facial structures. These treatments fix problems that routine dental care can’t. While “surgery” may sound serious, many of these procedures are routine, done with local anesthesia or sedation, and follow predictable recovery paths.
Types of Oral Surgery We Offer
Dr. Burton focuses on the oral surgery services most Jacksonville patients need.
- Wisdom Tooth Removal – We remove impacted or problematic third molars that cause pain, infection, or crowding
- Tooth Extractions – We extract teeth that are badly decayed, fractured, or otherwise non-restorable to prevent infection and protect the surrounding bone
- Preparatory Procedures – Surgeries such as gum and bone grafting prepare your mouth for restorations like dentures or dental implants
- Emergency Extractions – We handle urgent cases involving cracked teeth, abscesses, or trauma
While our focus is on tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal, we’ll evaluate TMJ or sleep apnea–related concerns and refer to a specialist if a procedure falls outside our in-office scope.
Benefits of Oral Surgery
Though surgery might seem like a big step, it often provides lasting benefits that temporary fixes can’t match.
- Eliminates chronic pain – Removing the source of infection or pressure stops ongoing discomfort that affects daily life
- Prevents serious complications – Extracting problem teeth can stop abscesses, bone loss, and damage to nearby teeth
- Improves oral function – Surgery can restore comfortable chewing and clearer speech
- Protects surrounding teeth – Removing impacted wisdom teeth prevents crowding, shifting, and harm to healthy molars
- Enhances overall health – Treating oral infections reduces the chance that bacteria spread to other parts of the body
- Restores confidence – Fixing painful or embarrassing dental issues helps you smile, eat, and socialize without worry
- Supports future treatments – A healthy foundation after surgery makes restorations like implants more predictable
- Offers long-term solutions – Unlike short-term fixes, surgery treats the root cause of the problem
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Surgery?
Many patients who need oral surgery are great candidates. Dr. Burton will review your health and goals during a consultation to recommend the best plan.
- People with impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth that cause pain or infection
- Patients whose teeth are too damaged by decay, fracture, or trauma to be saved
- Those with chronic jaw or TMJ pain that might improve with surgical care
- Individuals whose teeth are blocking permanent teeth from erupting or causing crowding
- People with severe gum disease that has led to loose teeth or bone loss
- Patients preparing for dentures, dental bridges, or implants who need extractions first
- Anyone with a dental abscess or infection that doesn’t respond to other treatment
Caring for Your Oral Surgery Results
Following post-op instructions helps you heal faster and lowers the chance of problems.
- Bite down gently on gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery to control bleeding
- Apply ice packs to your face for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days
- Avoid using straws – the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket
- Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery
- Take medications as prescribed to control pain and prevent infection
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours to support healing
Worried about recovery? Our Southern Smiles team is just a phone call away at 904-389-3451.
Cost and Financing for Oral Surgery Near You
Costs vary by case complexity and the procedure needed. Simple extractions are generally less expensive than surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
- Simple extractions typically range from $150 to $300 per tooth
- Surgical extractions or wisdom teeth removal may cost between $225 and $600 per tooth, depending on the impaction level
- Factors affecting cost include how many teeth are removed, the type of sedation, and any imaging or follow-up care required
- Insurance coverage – Most dental plans cover part of medically necessary extractions; we’ll verify your benefits before treatment
- Flexible payment options – We offer financing plans to help make care more affordable
Safety Consideration for Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is often the right answer, but it’s important to know what to expect and consider all options.
Most procedures are safe and effective, though, like any medical treatment, they carry some risk. You can expect swelling, bruising, and soreness for several days. Careful follow-up with post-op instructions greatly reduces complications. Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, and vigorous rinsing, as these can interfere with healing.
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the surgical site
- Minor bleeding that typically stops within the first day
- Jaw stiffness or limited mouth opening for a few days
- Rare risk of dry socket if post-op care instructions aren’t followed
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does recovery take?
Most people get back to normal activities within three to five days. Full healing of the extraction site takes several weeks, but it’s usually not noticeable day to day. We’ll schedule follow-ups to make sure everything is healing properly.
Can I eat before my oral surgery?
If you’re having local anesthesia only, a light meal beforehand is usually fine. If sedation is planned, you’ll need to avoid food and drink for several hours before your appointment. Dr. Burton will give you specific pre-op instructions.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
If you receive sedation beyond local anesthesia, yes. Sedatives can affect judgment and reaction time even after the procedure. Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours.
What should I eat after oral surgery?
Choose soft, cool foods for the first few days: applesauce, scrambled eggs, soup, ice cream, and pasta are good options. Avoid hot liquids, crunchy foods, and anything that needs a lot of chewing.
How do I know if I have a dry socket after wisdom tooth removal?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot protecting the extraction site dislodges. Signs of dry socket include severe pain starting a few days after surgery, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste. Contact us right away if you have this complication.
Can I brush my teeth after oral surgery?
Yes—just be gentle near the surgical area. Brush your other teeth as normal and begin rinsing with warm salt water 24 hours after surgery to keep the site clean.
Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
Not always. If wisdom teeth have enough room and aren’t causing pain or problems, removal may not be necessary. Dr. Burton evaluates each case individually and recommends removal only when it’s in your best interest.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation Today
Don’t let dental pain or persistent problems go unchecked. Dr. Bethany Burton and the Southern Smiles team provide professional, compassionate oral surgery in Jacksonville. Whether you need a simple extraction or wisdom tooth removal, we’ll make your care comfortable and clear with modern techniques and a personalized plan.
Call us at 904-389-3451 to book your consultation. We welcome patients from Orange Park, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and the greater Jacksonville area. A healthier, more comfortable smile is just one appointment away.
