A Warning to all who would use Austin Oral Surgery In October 2023, I underwent a skin graft procedure from the roof of my mouth to the lower left gum with Dr. Travis W. Kern, DDS, MD at Austin Oral Surgery in Austin, TX, in preparation for two dental implants. I was 76 years old at the time. The procedure lasted more than twice as long as planned (3 hours under general anesthesia in his office, without an anesthesiologist or standard Deep Vein Thombosis prevention protocols like compression wraps). Nine days later, I developed severe swelling in my right leg. I was diagnosed with three blood clots (DVT) -- above, below, and behind the knee. I was hospitalized, put on blood thinners, and referred to a hematologist and vascular surgeon. All other risk factors were ruled out. My hematologist concluded the clots were a direct result of the surgery. I now (20 months later) live with permanent vein damage (Post Thrombotic Syndrome). My mobility is severely limited and my quality of life has deteriorated. When I obtained the surgical report from Dr. Kern 5 months later, I was shocked to find that it described the procedure as "uneventful." He made no mention of the extended time, complications, or excessive bleeding that he admitted to me during a follow-up visit -- with his nurse present. In my opinion, this omission was deliberate and does not meet the standards of care patients deserve. I filed a formal complaint with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. After nearly a year-long investigation, the Board required Dr. Kern to take continuing education courses in Risk Management, Sedation of Medically Compromised Patients, and Record Keeping -- but imposed no public disciplinary action. He continues to practice without a public record of this case. I am sharing my story to help others make informed decisions. This was my personal experience and reflects my sincere opinion based on medical records and interactions with multiple physicians. read more

We cannot say enough good things about Dr. Kern and everyone at AUSTIN Oral surgery. My son was extremely anxious about having an IV for the first time . Dr. Kern gave him an anxiety prescription and use lidocaine spray to numb his arm. I was shocked at how calm and unbothered my son was. He had all four wisdom teeth removed without any problem. Dr. Kern has a calming presence anyway & he made my son feel at ease. They also did a great job of keeping me apprised of how everything was going, while I was in the waiting room. The entire procedure lasted less than an hour Everyone in the recovery area was extremely kind and helpful. My son doesn't even remember anything from getting the IV thru the car ride home. Dr. Kern even called to check on him and make sure he was recovering well the next day. The post-procedure prescriptions they used seem to do great for managing his pain, as well. Overall, I just can't recommend Dr. Kern and the good folks at Austin Oral Surgery enough! We will definitely be using them again when my daughter has hers removed, as well as any future oral surgery needs. read more

I am a dentist who just had an appointment with Dr. Kern. I decided to go to him from great reviews and vicinity to my practice. I called around several oral surgeons prior and so disappointed with their front office scheduling and mannerisms. Immediately when I called Austin Oral Surgery I could tell the difference in that they treat you like a person not a number. Once meeting Dr. Kern and his staff, they exceeeded my expectations! So organized! So nice! Dr. Kern I thank you for your professionalism. So appreciative of your work. read more

My daughter had to have 2 teeth removed a week ago , she's only 5 and was terrified to have it done, dr.kern was very good to her , he kept checking in on her while the medication to calm her down started to work . And then a few days later he saw her right away because she was still bleeding. He's a amazing dentist and I'll be going there as well for some work in my teeth soon read more

Dr Kern is a stand-up, professional man who deserves all and more of the accolades given in these reviews. He is by far one of the finest oral surgeons in town and I would go back to him in a heartbeat (hopefully I won't need to!) I had to go to him for a corrective wisdom tooth surgery. My first (horrible) surgeon left part of one tooth intact in the gum because it was too close to a nerve. Unfortunately the tooth fragment started to decay and needed to be removed before it became something much worse. Dr Kern was patient and informative in my consultation and spent all the time I wanted discussing every part of the surgery. It turned out that my situation was pretty bad and the tooth was completely wrapped around a nerve. But Dr Kern was able to completely remove the tooth with no nerve damage at all. And he continued to see me for multiple follow-ups to deal with any and all pain I was experiencing. I don't just mean I was seen by his nurse--Dr Kern himself INSISTED he see me every two days for at least two weeks, and made a point to show up and talk to me himself. He is an awesome doctor and I couldn't possibly recommend him highly enough. read more

I am not a patient of Dr. Kern, but I am writing this review on behalf of my son, who found his way to Dr. Kern by referral from our dentist, Dr. Brian Tucker. My son had a very complicated case that involved approximately two years of appointments, several surgeries/bone grafts, and ultimately, implants. Dr. Kern and Dr. Tucker worked very closely to restore my son's smile. I cannot underestimate the impact the successful outcome of this case has had on my son's smile, obviously, but also his self-esteem. Dr. Kern and his staff communicated and coordinated with Dr. Tucker's office, and really made an unfortunate situation much more bearable for my son, who miraculously, has not been put off dentistry for life. On the contrary, he genuinely likes and respects these guys because they worked really hard to give him the highest level of care. I am 100% certain that his case would not have had such a successful outcome were it not for the personalized and exceptional care my son received from Dr. Kern (and Dr. Tucker at Austin Family Dentist, whom I also reviewed). Our family is so grateful to Dr. Kern for his part in restoring our son's smile and giving him back his social life:) read more

Dr. Kern removed all four of my wisdom teeth under anesthesia (3/4 were impacted). I was nervous to go under anesthesia, but I'm glad I did because the surgery felt quick and trauma -free. Him and his staff did a great job answering all of my my questions and providing the information that I requested. Recovery was smooth with minimal pain. Great job overall. Staff gave a courtesy call to follow up a week later. I was so nervous, but Dr. Kern and his staff provided the best experience possible. read more

Dr. Kern and his staff are amazing. I got a sinus lift and dental implant and the pre-op, surgery, and post-op were by the numbers top to bottom. He is incredibly professional, knowledgable, detail oriented and doesn't rush. Staff is super organized and took of everything. read more

Dr.Kern was awesome, if you are looking for someone to take good care of you this is your guy! I have been putting off my wisdom teeth surgery for years, and I am so happy I tried out a new a dentist office that referred me to him. He made me feel comfortable, and the day of was a breeze. I was stressing about the surgery for a month and I had IV sedation and didn't feel a thing. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for any oral needs! Everyone in the office is super nice, and always helpful! Definitely will return to him in the future if needed. read more

I chose Dr. Kern based on amazing reviews about how kind and personable he was. Unfortunately, this was not the experience I had during my consultation with him. He barely explained what the procedure (wisdom teeth removal) would consist of and be like. I say barely because he did not until I asked and when I did ask questions he made me feel silly for asking them-at one point saying "well most people are referred by their dentist where they go over the procedure with them" (my dentist did not refer me-clearly marked on my paperwork-to him and also it should never be expected that someone who isn't performing your surgery is the sole provider of information about said surgery). He was condescending, rude, and made me feel uncomfortable throughout. I made it clear that I was not experiencing the "personable" doctor people referred to him as and he said "what more do you want me to do? what more do you want me to do to make you feel better?" to which I replied, "can you tell me more about you as a dentist and about the procedure" he then pointed to his degrees on the wall and listed them all off. The quoted material is all after the dental assistant had to have him come back in (he was present for a very limited time) because I was not willing to sign documentation consenting to something that wasn't gone over with me. At the end of the appointment, I chose not to schedule my surgery that day because I did not feel comfortable during the appointment. I asked about what would be required to transfer paperwork, if necessary, to a different doctor within Austin Oral Surgery and filled out the required documentation. I happily paid for the appointment I endured. Within 5 minutes of me leaving I received a phone call from the receptionist stating that Dr. Kern is refunding me my appointment cost, I asked "why would he do that?" to which the receptionist replied: because you said you may be interested in going to another doctor and this way you would be able to use the funds towards that visit. Overall, I had the worst experience I have ever had with a dentist/oral surgeon. I was made to feel uncomfortable and as if I was wrong to advocate for my agency as a patient. The office itself was much like a factory-packed waiting room, rushed through xrays (the dental assistant wasn't even willing to let me compose myself after having to remove my hair pins, glasses, and jewelry), and a crude doctor who was unwilling to treat me and respect me as a person and patient. read more

Look, i don't generally trust ,easily, with the care of my teeth to anyone after having several bad experiences but Dr Kern is great. He is laid back, friendly, gentle and obviously knows what he is doing. Two procedures later i do not dread future visits! Thanks! read more

Dr.Kern and his team were a complete dream. I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted. They created a slot for me because I had limited time off, and were able to have the procedure done seamlessly. I was so nervous, but I am so glad I got it done with them and enough cannot be said about their professionalism! read more

I've seen Dr. Kern for 2 different tooth extractions now, and have been impressed both times. He and his staff are always friendly and understanding, and very concerned with your comfort through the entire procedure (and bonus points to his nurse who lets me leave my vertical labret piercing in during x-rays.) read more

Y'all, I can't begin to describe how terrified I was about getting my wisdom teeth out. I had put it off for 10 years because I was so scared! Finally, one was beginning to get infected and it, along with one other that hadn't erupted yet, needed to be pulled. I was so nervous the pill they give you 1hr prior to surgery to calm you down and the gas both did not help. You hear all these stories about how much more painful it is when you get this procedure done when you're older instead of doing it in your teens or early 20s so that made me even more terrified but Dr. Kern is so gentle! I could tell this just by the quick consult we had but even more proof is that I had no pain at all. Obviously I did not have any pain during the procedure nor do I remember anything about it but after the procedure, I still had no pain. I wasn't even sore! I kept waiting for the pain to come but nothing ever hurt. I didn't even have any discomfort. After the numbness wore off, I had to double check that I had sockets back there because I couldn't physically tell that anything had been done to me. I didn't take a single pain medication. I iced for the first couple of days for fear of having pain but I am grateful it never came. He and his staff are so sweet and encouraging. I highly recommend Dr. Kern to anyone but especially those of us who have high anxiety over dental procedures. So so grateful to have found him and to have had such a great experience, so much so that I had to write a review for anyone else putting this off like I did. :) read more

Ive been having to have my wisdom teeth removed for years! After finally going in to get my wisdom teeth removed, I was pain free the whole during surgery especially following post-care notes! The staff were very professional and went as smoothy as possible. My follow up appointment was a success! I definitely recommend Dr. Kern for those who are still anxious about the process. read more

I have never had oral surgery before and right before Christmas my dentist referred me to Dr Kern as one of my wisdom teeth was having issues. I saw him in December 22nd and it was decided that both of my wisdom teeth needed to be removed I asked how soon they could fit me in as I would like to squeeze it in under my 2013 dental benefits but I couldn't do it until the 30th or 31st. They squeezed me in by the doctor, his nurse and his assistant all coming in early on the 30th and doing it prior to other surgeries that day. They then called that afternoon to check on me and again the following day. I don't know of any surgeons office that would do this. All of the staff are amazing here but Dr. Kern and Jill and Jay are the best ever. I recommend him with 100 stars out of 5! read more

Dr. Kern and his staff are terrific. My first experience with the clinic was an extraction, bone grafts and implant to fit with a permanent bridge several years ago. I knew where I was every step of the way and that is certainly the case now with my second surgery. The system in place for patients and procedures is extraordinary, and the staff executes it with precision and with extremely pleasant attitudes. Dr. Kern has set up two lengthy consultations to make sure I'm on board with his suggestions and to thoroughly go over what will happen and what are the different scenarios. They are all so proficient and patient and kind and friendly, that I look forward to a visit and feel better when I leave than I felt when I came in. I wouldn't have thought that possible had I not experienced it. Simply phenomenal and rare. Lou Cartwright read more

My son had his wisdom teeth out a week ago and we used Dr. Kern. We were in and out quickly and painlessly. My son had NO swelling and was pretty much back to himself in a day. (We used someone else for my older daughter and had much more of an issue with swelling. When I saw my son immediately after the procedure, he was resting with ice on him, maybe that was the difference?) My son has healed well and I am impressed by how quickly we were seen each time he was in the office. We did not wait more than 5 minutes in the office for the surgery or the follow up appointment. All the staff that we met were lovely and helpful. I would highly recommend Dr. Kern for wisdom teeth removal. read more

Dr. Kern completely changed my life. I had to undergo double jaw surgery in December to correct an underbite and open bite. For years leading up to the surgery I had been so self conscious about my bite and the shape of my jaw and my face in general. I put all of my trust in Dr. Kern to correct my bite and he did so much more than that. My teeth and bite are PERFECT now and I couldn't possibly be more happy with the changes not only with my smile but with my facial structure. The surgery was something extremely intense that I was terrified of and he made the entire experience great for me. He was so informative and caring in all of the appointments leading up to the procedure and all of the appointments after. ALL of his staff are so warm and friendly and almost felt like family to me by the end of my post surgery experience when my appointments were so frequent. After my surgery, my upper jaw was set in the correct place but was 1 centimeter higher than he planned and he said "it looks great already but as a surgeon I want it to be perfect" and he ended up being able to get it to shift down using tight rubber bands on my braces since it was still healing. That is something I appreciated SO MUCH after everything I've been through, to have a doctor who cares that much about his work being perfect. Before all this I also had all four of my wisdom teeth removed by him and it was the smoothest experience I could have ever imagined. I was in and out in less than two hours and never experienced any complications or any real discomfort. I had a 10/10 experience with him and I still look forward to my follow up appointments. read more

Dr. Kern is an outstanding professional. I required an implant and was not quite sure what to expect. He took time to explain the procedure. Sometimes you can tell when a doctor is tops in their field. You not only want a perfectionist, but someone who is caring, with a friendly staff. I would highly recommend Dr. Kern. read more

My daughter recently had 4 wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Kern. He was absolutely brilliant. He's obviously very smart, extremely patient, very professional and seems to really care about his patients. My daughter chose the IV method, as her teeth her going to be difficult to extract. I felt completely confident in his ability to take excellent care of my beautiful daughter. The staff is excellent, as well. read more

I got my lower two wisdom teeth out a few weeks ago, and Dr. Kern and his staff knew what they were doing. The whole process was quick, professional, and pain free (except for the week of healing afterwards of course). He's also relatively flexible about scheduling. I had to reschedule my follow up appointment a couple of times and his office was very accommodating. read more

Dr. Travis Kern is very professional, kind and willing to help. I had a tooth pulled and it was smooth going. If needed I will return. I will recommend him to friends and family. He is a local man growing up in Austin. read more

I had an implant done on my front tooth by Dr. Kern and from the moment I walked in his office door, his staff treated me with professionalism, kindness. patience and understanding. Right away that told me that he was going to be the same, I arrived on time and he was also punctual and very professional. I was so nervous and scared as I don't like going to any doctors, but, he is down to earth and friendly and makes you feel at ease. He explained everything I would need to have done in plain English and at a reasonable price. He was so thorough that he caught a bodged job a previous dentist had done, which I had no idea about, and Thank God for Dr. Kern,he has a Big heart, he saved the bodged tooth. My surgery went pain free and he followed up and made sure I was okay after. All my appointments were scheduled around my work so I never had to miss any work, I would recommend Dr.Kern with 10 STARS if they had them on this site!!! Thank yiou Dr. Kern, may God Bless you 10 fold! read more