Lynne A. Dunham DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implant Placement

Lynne A. Dunham DDS operates as a referral-based oral surgery practice in Oklahoma City, focused on tooth extractions, implant placement, and related surgical procedures under various sedation options. The practice serves patients referred from general dentists and specialists across the metro area, positioning itself within a small field of surgical-only providers downtown.

What Lynne A. Dunham DDS actually does

Dunham's scope centers on procedures requiring surgical extraction: impacted third molars, compromised teeth unsuitable for restoration, and pre-implant work such as bone grafting and sinus lifting. The practice also places dental implants for patients whose general dentist has identified them as surgical candidates. These are not cosmetic procedures; they fall into the functional restoration and medical necessity category. The office does not offer in-house restorative dentistry or denture work beyond surgical phases.

Procedures and sedation options

Surgical extractions range from simple removal of erupted teeth to complex impacted molars requiring bone removal. Implant cases include diagnosis imaging, fixture placement, and bone augmentation when necessary. Dunham offers local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation; the latter is particularly common for patients undergoing multiple extractions or anxious dentistry cases. Sedation type and complexity of surgery drive cost variability. Most surgical cases in Oklahoma City practices fall between $300 and $800 per tooth for extraction, and implant placement typically runs $2,500 to $4,500 depending on bone quality and whether augmentation is required. Confirm current fees directly with the practice, as surgical materials pricing shifts with implant brand and bone graft sourcing.

How Dunham compares to other Oklahoma City oral surgeons

Oklahoma City has three primary surgical practices: Dunham's, Oklahoma Oral Surgery Associates (a multi-surgeon group), and Precision Oral Surgery. Dunham operates as a solo practice, which means shorter scheduling wait times for routine extractions but potential longer waits for complex implant cases requiring specific expertise. Oklahoma Oral Surgery Associates handles a higher volume of cases and runs a larger sedation-capable facility, making them preferable for patients requiring hospital-level monitoring or extensive reconstructive work. Precision Oral Surgery sits between the two in scale. Choose Dunham for straightforward extractions needing quick turnaround and direct communication with a single surgeon; choose the larger groups if your case involves extensive bone loss, reconstruction, or medically complex patients requiring in-house anesthesia staff. Dunham's solo model also means the surgeon is generally present for your procedure rather than delegated to an associate.

Who suits this practice and who does not

Dunham works well for patients with one or two problem teeth, those anxious about extraction but manageable with light sedation, and implant candidates whose general dentist has already done diagnostic imaging and planning. The practice is not equipped for medically fragile patients needing intensive monitoring, and complex reconstructive cases (extensive graft work, severe atrophy) are better handled by larger groups with more specialized resources. Pediatric oral surgery is not a focus here; referral patterns suggest Dunham primarily treats adults.

What the first visit involves

Referral from your general dentist is standard. You will meet with Dunham for a consultation, during which he reviews any imaging (CBCT or X-rays), examines the tooth or implant site, and discusses surgical approach, sedation level, and cost. This consultation is typically billed as a separate code, often $100 to $150 for new patients; insurance may cover it as a consultation or diagnostic service depending on your plan. The surgeon will also review your medical history and medication list to determine sedation safety. Actual surgery is scheduled after consent is obtained.

Hours, location, and logistics

Dunham maintains standard business hours; verify current schedule by phone as surgical schedules rotate based on OR availability and referral volume. Parking in downtown Oklahoma City medical office buildings is typically validated or offered in attached lots. Public transit is available but limited; ride service is a practical option if sedation is used, as you cannot legally drive for 24 hours post-anesthesia and will need someone to transport you home.

Why Dunham earns its spot

A solo surgeon with two decades of Oklahoma City referral relationships and consistent case outcomes, Dunham fills the niche between general dentistry and hospital-based oral surgery, offering accessibility for routine extraction and implant work without the overhead and scheduling delays of larger groups.