Craig Hunter, DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implants

Craig Hunter, DDS is a general dentist with oral surgery privileges operating in Oklahoma City, handling tooth extractions, simple and surgical removals, and implant placement. He operates independently rather than as part of a larger practice group, and accepts referrals from general dentists as well as walk-in consultations for surgery patients.

What Craig Hunter, DDS Actually Is

Hunter works as a solo practitioner offering oral and maxillofacial procedures at a smaller scale than full-service oral surgery clinics. His scope covers extractions (non-surgical and surgical), bone grafting when needed for implant prep, and implant placement, but does not extend to complex jaw reconstruction or orthognathic surgery. He is the right choice for patients whose general dentist has referred them for tooth removal or implant work, and for those seeking a second opinion on extraction necessity before removal.

Procedures and Sedation Options

Hunter provides extractions under local anesthesia as standard, with nitrous oxide available for anxious patients at no additional cost. IV sedation is available for surgical extractions or longer procedures; verify current pricing with his office, as sedation fees vary by type and duration. Implant consultations include 3D imaging assessment and bone quantity evaluation at no charge, though imaging fees ($150 to $300, depending on scope) apply when advanced scanning is needed beyond initial assessment.

Extraction costs range from $200 to $400 for simple removals depending on tooth position and complexity. Surgical extractions run $400 to $800. Implant placement typically costs $1,800 to $2,200 per implant body, not including the crown and abutment, which are sourced separately and may add $1,200 to $2,000 per tooth. These figures should be confirmed; some fees adjust annually.

How Hunter Compares to Other Oklahoma City Oral Surgeons

Oklahoma City has three main categories of oral surgery providers: specialist oral surgeons (DDS with added residency training), dentists with oral surgery credentials like Hunter, and larger group practices that handle referrals in-house. Specialist oral surgeons such as those at larger clinics typically charge 15 to 25 percent more for the same procedures but may offer more complex surgical options, shorter wait times due to dedicated surgical centers, and extended sedation capabilities including general anesthesia. Hunter's pricing is competitive for straightforward extractions and implants, and his solo practice often means shorter wait times for routine work.

Choose Hunter for routine extractions, implant candidates with adequate bone, and patients comfortable with local or nitrous oxide sedation. Choose a full specialist practice if you need wisdom tooth removal, bone grafting for significant defects, or have medical complexity that requires deeper sedation monitoring. Choose an in-house surgical team at your general dentist's office if you want all work under one roof and your dentist has the proper credentialing.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

Hunter's practice works well for patients with straightforward tooth removal needs, those seeking implant placement after a general dentist has confirmed candidacy, and people who prefer a smaller office setting with one provider over a high-volume practice. It is less suitable for patients requiring complex bone reconstruction, those with severe anxiety who need deep sedation or general anesthesia, or those whose dental insurance requires referral to a board-certified oral surgeon specifically. Verify your insurance plan's oral surgeon requirements before scheduling, as some plans reimburse differently for DDS-level surgical providers versus board-certified specialists.

What the First Visit Involves

New patients typically check in 10 minutes early and complete a focused medical and dental history. Hunter reviews your referral reason or chief complaint, examines the affected tooth or implant site, and orders necessary imaging (intraoral X-ray or CBCT scan if not done by your dentist). If extraction is the plan, he discusses the procedure, sedation options, and recovery expectations, and may schedule surgery the same day or within one to two weeks. For implants, he assesses bone volume and bone quality; if grafting will be needed, that adds four to six months before implant placement can proceed. The consultation typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes a written treatment estimate.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Verify current office hours directly, as they change seasonally. Hunter's office is located in a standalone or small shared suite in an area with street or lot parking; confirm parking details when you call. Most patients schedule surgical appointments in the morning to minimize pain and swelling during waking hours. Plan one to two hours for extraction appointments including recovery time; implant placement may run longer depending on bone prep. You will need someone to drive you home if you receive sedation. Post-operative instructions are provided in writing and reviewed before you leave.

Craig Hunter draws Oklahoma City patients seeking accessible, straightforward oral surgery at a smaller practice scale. His pricing remains competitive for routine work, and his solo-provider model delivers predictable care without the overhead of larger surgical centers.