Residents of Carbondale and the surrounding Southern Illinois region have direct access to specialized oral and maxillofacial surgical care at Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, conveniently located on Reed Station Parkway. Dr. Jonathan Burton and his team provide comprehensive surgical solutions ranging from routine extractions to complex reconstructive procedures, ensuring patients don’t need to travel far for expert care. The practice has built its reputation on delivering precision surgical treatment in a setting where patients feel genuinely supported throughout their care journey. By combining surgical expertise with a patient-centered philosophy, Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has become a trusted resource for those requiring specialized oral surgical services.
Why We Love Practicing in Carbondale
Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1856, Carbondale, Illinois earned its name from the vast coal deposits discovered in the surrounding region. The city’s growth accelerated dramatically when the Illinois Central Railroad arrived in 1854, transforming it into a vital transportation hub for Southern Illinois. In 1869, Carbondale became home to Southern Illinois University, an institution that would forever shape the community’s character and identity. This rich heritage of education and industry established Carbondale as a cornerstone city in the region.
Today, Carbondale thrives as a vibrant college town with a population of approximately 22,000 residents, swelling during the academic year with thousands of students. The city seamlessly blends small-town charm with cultural sophistication, offering art galleries, music venues, diverse dining options, and the beautiful Shawnee National Forest just minutes away. Its walkable downtown district and numerous community events throughout the year create an energetic yet welcoming atmosphere.
What makes Carbondale truly special is its unique ability to foster both academic excellence and tight-knit community values, creating an environment where families, students, and professionals alike can build meaningful connections and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.
The Science Center near Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Did you know that tucked inside University Mall in Carbondale sits a hands-on wonderland with more than 65 interactive science exhibits designed to turn curious kids into budding scientists? The Science Center has been sparking young minds since 1994, making it a cornerstone of educational fun in Southern Illinois for three decades.
You’ll find this nonprofit gem at 1237 East Main Street, where children ages 3–13 and their families can explore everything from basic physics to biology through inquiry-based learning. The center’s crown jewel is an impressive 600-foot pneumatic ball launch system that demonstrates principles of air pressure and motion in a way that’s guaranteed to get kids excited about science.
With a stellar 4.5-star rating from over 354 visitors, The Science Center proves you don’t need a massive campus to create meaningful experiences. Most families spend 1–2 hours exploring the compact museum space, which also hosts camps, field trips, and birthday parties throughout the year. As an ASTC reciprocal member, your Science Center membership opens doors to hundreds of similar institutions nationwide.
The center thrives on community support as a 501(c)(3) organization, offering discounted admission for military families, seniors, and free entry for children under 2. It’s a perfect stop in Carbondale for families looking to blend education with entertainment.
After a morning of hands-on experiments and discovery, your kids might work up quite an appetite—just remember that healthy teeth need the same attention to detail as those carefully designed exhibits!
Meet Their Oral Surgeon
At Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, patients are welcomed into a practice dedicated to exceptional surgical care and compassionate service. The team is committed to providing comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgery in a comfortable, professional environment where every patient receives personalized attention.
Dr. Jonathan Burton: With over 25 years of clinical experience since earning his DMD from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Burton brings extensive expertise in the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, combining advanced surgical skills with a patient-centered approach to care.
Comprehensive Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Services
Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a dedicated surgical specialty practice located at 2250 Reed Station Parkway in Carbondale. The practice focuses exclusively on advanced surgical procedures of the mouth, jaws, and face, providing patients with expert care for complex dental and facial conditions that extend beyond the scope of general dentistry.
One of the most common services provided is tooth extraction, with particular expertise in wisdom teeth removal. When third molars become impacted or fail to emerge properly, they can cause pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. The practice skillfully removes these problematic teeth to prevent future complications and relieve discomfort. For teeth that require more complex surgical extraction due to positioning or development, the surgical team has the specialized training and experience to perform these procedures safely and effectively.
Dental implant surgery represents a transformative solution for patients missing one or more teeth. The practice places titanium implants into the jawbone, which serve as stable anchors for crowns, bridges, or dentures. This procedure restores both function and appearance, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. To ensure optimal results, pre-prosthetic surgery is also available to reshape and prepare the gum tissue and bone before dentures or other prosthetic devices are placed, creating a stable foundation for long-lasting dental restoration.
The practice provides surgical treatment for various forms of oral pathology, including the diagnosis and removal of cysts, tumors, and suspicious lesions in the mouth and jaw. Through careful biopsy and surgical excision, these conditions are addressed promptly to protect oral health and provide peace of mind. When oral infections or abscesses develop beyond what antibiotics alone can treat, surgical drainage and treatment eliminate the source of infection and prevent it from spreading to other areas.
For patients who have experienced facial injuries, Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery manages facial trauma with precision and care. The practice treats fractured jaws and facial bones, restoring both function and facial structure after accidents or injuries. Similarly, orthognathic surgery corrects significant jaw alignment and bite problems that affect chewing, speaking, breathing, and facial symmetry. These corrective jaw procedures can dramatically improve quality of life for patients with skeletal imbalances.
Working in coordination with orthodontists, the practice also performs surgical exposure of impacted teeth, particularly canines that have failed to erupt naturally. This procedure allows orthodontic treatment to guide these teeth into their proper position, completing a patient’s smile and ensuring proper dental function for years to come.
Why Choose Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Choosing Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery means selecting a practice dedicated exclusively to surgical excellence and specialized care. As a focused surgical specialty practice, the team concentrates entirely on advanced oral and maxillofacial procedures rather than routine dentistry, ensuring patients receive expert attention for complex surgical needs.
The practice embraces a patient-centered approach that prioritizes comfort and understanding throughout every surgical experience. From initial consultation through recovery, the team takes time to explain procedures clearly and address concerns, making even the most complex treatments feel manageable and stress-free.
Located conveniently at 2250 Reed Station Parkway in Carbondale, Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery combines accessibility with specialized expertise. The practice’s commitment to staying current with surgical advancements means patients benefit from modern techniques and comprehensive care tailored to their unique surgical requirements, whether addressing wisdom teeth, dental implants, or more complex jaw and facial procedures.
But What Are Their Patients Saying?
There’s no one who can tell you how great Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry is like their own patients!
“We’ve been seeing Dr. Ball since my oldest daughter was one year old, and now, five years later, both of my girls (6 and 4) absolutely love going to the dentist. Dr. Ball and her team are incredibly professional, kind, and patient with children. They always make the experience fun and comfortable, which is why my daughters actually look forward to their visits. I highly recommend Dr. Ball 100%!” – Pierangela Rodríguez De Angelis (5 stars)
“Parents and caregivers you know how important our kids are to us. Dr. Ball and her team show us how important they are to them too. Their level of care, thoughtfulness, and love shows up the minute you step off the elevator and into their office. Their space is bright and inviting as every human you interact with. I never would have thought that three kids would LOVE to go to the dentist this much but after you meet Dr. Ball and her team, you will quickly see why. I never leave reviews but I couldn’t resist in leaving one for such an AMAZING TEAM that takes WORLD CLASS care of you and your kids!” – David Hardy (5 stars)
Schedule an Appointment with Them Today!
If you’re experiencing dental pain, facing a complex extraction, or exploring solutions for missing teeth, the team at Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Carbondale is here to help. Dr. Jonathan Burton brings specialized expertise in oral surgery procedures, from wisdom teeth removal to dental implants and corrective jaw surgery. Every patient receives personalized care designed around their specific needs and comfort.
Taking the first step toward improved oral health is simple. Visit the practice website or schedule a consultation to discuss treatment options and get answers to your questions. The team is ready to provide the expert surgical care you need in a welcoming, patient-focused environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of tooth extraction procedures does Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery perform?
The practice provides comprehensive tooth extraction services, with particular expertise in wisdom teeth removal. When third molars become impacted or fail to emerge properly, they can cause pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth, and the surgical team removes these problematic teeth to prevent future complications and relieve discomfort. For teeth that require more complex surgical extraction due to positioning or development, the practice has the specialized training and experience to perform these procedures safely and effectively. This focused expertise in both routine and complex extractions ensures patients receive appropriate care regardless of how complicated their case may be.
How do dental implants restore both function and appearance for patients with missing teeth?
Dental implant surgery at Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery involves placing titanium implants into the jawbone, which serve as stable anchors for crowns, bridges, or dentures. This procedure represents a transformative solution for patients missing one or more teeth because it restores both function and appearance simultaneously, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. To ensure optimal results, the practice also offers pre-prosthetic surgery to reshape and prepare the gum tissue and bone before dentures or other prosthetic devices are placed. This preparation creates a stable foundation for long-lasting dental restoration, ensuring the implants integrate properly and provide reliable support for years to come.
What conditions does the practice treat through oral pathology services?
Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides surgical treatment for various forms of oral pathology, including the diagnosis and removal of cysts, tumors, and suspicious lesions in the mouth and jaw. Through careful biopsy and surgical excision, these conditions are addressed promptly to protect oral health and provide peace of mind. Additionally, when oral infections or abscesses develop beyond what antibiotics alone can treat, the practice performs surgical drainage and treatment to eliminate the source of infection and prevent it from spreading to other areas. This comprehensive approach to oral pathology ensures that potentially serious conditions are identified and treated effectively before they can cause more significant health problems.
What is orthognathic surgery and how can it improve quality of life?
Orthognathic surgery is a corrective jaw procedure that addresses significant jaw alignment and bite problems affecting chewing, speaking, breathing, and facial symmetry. The practice performs these complex surgical procedures to correct skeletal imbalances that cannot be addressed through orthodontics alone. These corrective jaw procedures can dramatically improve quality of life for patients with skeletal imbalances by restoring proper jaw function and creating better facial harmony. By addressing both functional issues like difficulty chewing or breathing and aesthetic concerns related to facial structure, orthognathic surgery provides comprehensive solutions for patients experiencing significant jaw-related problems.
How does Shawnee Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery handle facial trauma cases?
The practice manages facial trauma with precision and care, treating fractured jaws and facial bones to restore both function and facial structure after accidents or injuries. This specialized service addresses the unique challenges that come with facial injuries, requiring expertise in both the functional aspects of jaw movement and bite alignment as well as the aesthetic considerations of facial appearance. The surgical team’s training in oral and maxillofacial surgery provides them with the specific skills needed to repair complex facial fractures and ensure patients regain proper jaw function while maintaining natural facial contours and structure following traumatic injuries.