Bell Timothy Lee DDS in Oklahoma City: Surgical Extractions and Implant Placement

Bell Timothy Lee DDS is an oral surgery practice in Oklahoma City specializing in tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and jaw reconstruction. The practice serves patients referred from general dentists and handles both routine cases and complex surgical needs across the metro area.

What this practice does

Oral surgeons operate at the intersection of dentistry and surgery, handling procedures general dentists cannot perform in-office. Bell Timothy Lee DDS focuses on third-molar (wisdom tooth) extraction, surgical removal of severely impacted or decayed teeth, pre-implant bone grafting, implant placement, and corrective jaw surgery. The practice accepts referrals from other dental providers and also accepts direct patient contact for second opinions. Most patients arrive through their dentist's recommendation rather than self-referral.

Services and pricing

Extraction costs vary by complexity. Simple extractions of erupted teeth typically range from $150 to $300 per tooth, while surgical extractions of impacted teeth run $300 to $800 depending on depth and bone removal required. Wisdom teeth removal as a full set (four teeth under sedation) generally costs $1,200 to $2,500. Dental implant placement alone runs $1,500 to $3,000 per implant, not including the crown or abutment; bone grafting, if needed to build adequate jaw structure first, adds $500 to $2,000. These figures reflect typical ranges for the Oklahoma City market; verify current pricing directly with the practice as surgical complexity and sedation choice affect final cost.

How it compares locally

Oklahoma City has several oral surgeons. Bell Timothy Lee DDS competes with practices like those affiliated with OU College of Dentistry clinic (which offers lower-cost surgical services through resident doctors under faculty supervision) and established practices such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates. The OU clinic suits patients with limited budgets or those willing to accept longer appointment times; private practices like Bell Timothy Lee DDS appeal to patients seeking shorter wait times and a single experienced surgeon. Some general dentists in Oklahoma City perform routine extractions in-house, eliminating the referral step for simple cases, but they refer surgical complexity to specialists like oral surgeons.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

Bell Timothy Lee DDS serves patients whose dentists refer them for extraction or implant work, people seeking a second opinion on surgical recommendations, and those comfortable with sedation-based procedures. It does not suit patients seeking cosmetic dentistry alone (such as whitening or veneers) or routine preventive cleanings. Patients with severe anxiety around surgery may benefit from the sedation options available, but those with multiple medical conditions or on blood thinners should disclose these before scheduling, as they affect surgical feasibility.

What the first visit involves

Your first appointment begins with a consultation in which the surgeon reviews your dental history, the reason for referral (or your specific concern), and imaging such as X-rays or cone-beam CT scans to assess bone and tooth anatomy. For extractions, this appointment often includes a discussion of sedation options: local anesthesia alone, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation. For implant planning, the surgeon may order a 3D scan to measure bone height and width and discuss whether bone grafting is necessary before implant placement. The surgeon will explain the procedure step-by-step, recovery timeline, and restrictions (such as diet or activity limits). Insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs are reviewed before the procedure is scheduled.

Hours and logistics

Verify hours directly with the practice, as oral surgery schedules are often block-booked and not open to walk-in traffic. Most oral surgeons in Oklahoma City operate Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday availability. The practice should provide parking information and pre-operative instructions such as fasting requirements if sedation is planned. Allow 2 to 4 hours for surgical procedures under sedation, including recovery time before discharge. Most patients require a responsible adult to drive them home after IV sedation.

Why it matters

Oral surgeons handle the procedures that determine whether tooth loss leads to replacement (implants require surgical placement) or extraction alone. Bell Timothy Lee DDS provides the surgical expertise needed for cases beyond general dentistry scope, reducing overall treatment time for complex tooth problems across Oklahoma City.