Dr. Jerry Benson operates an oral surgery practice in Oklahoma City focused on tooth extractions, dental implants, and surgical procedures that general dentists refer. His practice serves patients requiring expertise beyond routine dental work, including complex extractions and implant placement before restoration by the patient's primary dentist.
Dr. Benson holds a DDS degree and specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, a field requiring additional training beyond general dentistry. His Oklahoma City practice handles surgical cases that general dentists cannot or should not perform. This includes extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, complicated tooth removal in patients with prior bone loss or medical conditions, and implant placement and bone grafting when needed. He works within a referral model: patients' general dentists or specialists request his surgical expertise, then return the patient to their original dentist for implant restoration or prosthetics.
Benson's practice covers extractions ranging from routine to complex (teeth fused to bone, teeth in patients taking bisphosphonate medications, or cases requiring bone recontouring), implant placement (including bone and soft-tissue grafting when the implant site lacks sufficient volume), and other surgical procedures such as lesion removal or corrective jaw surgery. Sedation options typically include local anesthesia alone, nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, oral sedation, and IV sedation, allowing the practice to accommodate patients with anxiety or medical complexity. The specific cost for each procedure varies; implant placement fees and bone grafting are particularly variable, depending on site conditions and graft material type. Confirm pricing at the time of referral or your first consultation.
Referral from a dentist or physician is standard practice for oral surgeons. Patients do not typically call an oral surgeon directly without a referral unless their general dentist recommends the change. Your dentist will send records, imaging (panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan), and notes to Benson's office; his staff will schedule you.
Oklahoma City has several established oral and maxillofacial surgeons, including practices affiliated with university dental programs and larger group dental offices. Benson operates as an independent specialist practice, which typically means lower overhead and potentially more personalized attention, but fewer support services than a multi-provider group. If you need complex surgery followed by immediate or urgent general dentistry on the same day, a group practice or dental center with restorative dentists under one roof may be more convenient. If you prefer focused surgical expertise in a smaller setting and your general dentist already coordinates your overall care, Benson's model suits you. Many insurance plans and Oklahoma City dentists recognize and refer to Benson's practice, so acceptance of your insurance is likely but should be confirmed when your dentist sends the referral.
Benson's practice is ideal for patients whose general dentist has identified a surgical need (wisdom teeth removal, implant placement, or a tooth too damaged or decayed for extraction by the general dentist) and for those with medical conditions, anxiety, or medication use that calls for an oral surgeon's training and sedation capability. It suits patients who want one expert focused entirely on the surgical part of their care while their general dentist handles restoration.
This practice is not appropriate for routine preventive cleanings, fillings, or initial dental assessment; those services belong with a general dentist. It is also not a substitute for a primary dental home; you will still need a general dentist for regular exams and restoration after Benson completes surgery.
When your dentist sends a referral, Benson's staff will request your X-rays, medical history, and current medications. At your consultation, Benson will review imaging (and may take new CBCT scans if needed), examine the surgical site, discuss the procedure, review sedation options and their risks, and explain recovery expectations. He will answer questions about cost, insurance coverage, and financing. You will sign consent forms acknowledging the procedure's nature and risks. The actual surgery is typically scheduled for a separate appointment, often within one to four weeks depending on complexity and your availability.
Verify hours directly with the practice; oral surgery offices often operate on morning and early-afternoon schedules Monday through Friday, with limited or no weekend hours. Parking is typically available on-site or nearby; ask when you call to confirm. Plan for sedation recovery: if you receive IV or oral sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for several hours after surgery. Arrange this before your appointment.
Benson's practice fills a necessary niche in Oklahoma City's dental landscape, handling the surgical cases that general dentists see but cannot perform. His independent practice and referral model keep surgical care separate from restoration, which often improves outcomes and cost clarity.
