Tom K. Ball DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgery with Referral-Based Access

Tom K. Ball DDS operates as a referral-based oral surgery practice in Oklahoma City, handling surgical extractions, implant placement, and procedures that exceed the scope of general dental offices. The practice accepts referred patients from dentists across the metro area and works primarily with insurance plans, though self-pay options and financing arrangements exist for uninsured patients.

What Tom K. Ball DDS actually is

Oral surgery in Oklahoma City divides between general dentists who extract simple teeth and dedicated surgeons who handle complex cases. Ball's practice sits in the latter category. Oral surgeons manage impacted wisdom teeth, bone grafts for implant candidates, surgical extractions of teeth with curved or broken roots, and implant body placement. The practice does not provide restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns) or orthodontics; it receives patients after a general dentist identifies a need requiring surgical expertise.

Procedures, sedation, and pricing

Ball offers intravenous sedation, nitrous oxide, and local anesthesia, with the choice depending on procedure complexity and patient preference. Wisdom tooth extraction costs vary by impaction level; simple extractions run lower, while impacted teeth requiring bone removal cost more. Implant placement fees cluster around $1,500 to $3,000 per implant body, though the final prosthetic crown comes from a general dentist or prosthodontist and carries separate fees. Bone grafts and extractions for failed teeth typically range from $800 to $2,500 depending on graft material and complexity. Most major insurance plans cover extractions deemed medically necessary and portion of implant costs; verify coverage with your carrier before consultation, as plans vary widely on surgical benefits.

How referral-based oral surgery in Oklahoma City works

Oral surgeons in Oklahoma City operate almost entirely on referral. A general dentist identifies a patient who needs surgery, forwards records and imaging, and Ball schedules the appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted; patients calling directly without a referral face delays. This differs from some practices, including Oral Surgery Associates of Oklahoma City, which also accepts referrals but maintains direct scheduling for self-referred patients. If you have been told by your general dentist that you need surgery, you typically have one to three weeks before your consultation. If you are self-paying and want direct access without a referring dentist, call ahead to ask whether Ball accepts self-referrals; policies on this point vary among practices.

Who this fits and who it does not

Tom K. Ball DDS suits insured patients whose general dentist has already identified them as needing oral surgery, patients comfortable with surgical extractions under IV sedation, and candidates for implants who want a single surgeon to place the implant body. The practice does not handle routine cleanings, fillings, or orthodontic care. Patients without dental insurance or with plans that cap oral surgery benefits should confirm what they will owe out of pocket before scheduling; many practices offer payment plans through third-party financing companies like CareCredit, which offers zero-interest terms for six to 24 months depending on balance. Anxious patients who prefer lighter sedation like nitrous oxide can request that option at the first appointment.

What the first visit involves

Upon arrival, you will provide insurance and medical history information. The surgeon reviews imaging from your referring dentist or orders new X-rays and possibly a CT scan if anatomy is complex. A consultation follows, during which the surgeon explains the procedure, reviews sedation options, discusses recovery timelines, and answers questions. Complex cases may require a second visit for additional imaging or surgical planning. If you are scheduling an implant, the surgeon will assess bone volume and determine whether grafting is needed before implant placement. Most consultations last 30 to 45 minutes. Bring a list of current medications and any allergies.

Hours, location, and logistics

Ball's practice operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a lunch break. Saturday hours may be available for select procedures; call to confirm. Parking is available on-site or nearby, depending on the office location within Oklahoma City. If you are undergoing IV sedation, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home; you cannot operate a vehicle for the remainder of the day. Recovery from a simple extraction is typically one week; implant placement carries a healing timeline of three to six months before the final crown can be placed.

Tom K. Ball DDS serves the referral pathway that ensures complex oral surgery stays with a trained specialist rather than burdening a general practice, keeping emergency extractions and implant cases moving through Oklahoma City's dental system efficiently.