Stephen W. Garder DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgery for Extractions and Implants with Sedation Options

Stephen W. Garder DDS operates a dedicated oral surgery practice in Oklahoma City that handles tooth extractions, implant placement, bone grafting, and other complex dental surgical procedures for patients referred by general dentists and specialists across the metro area.

What this practice actually is

An oral surgery practice provides treatment for cases that general dentists cannot manage in their offices. Garder's practice focuses on surgical tooth removal (simple and complex extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth), implant placement and bone augmentation, sinus lift procedures, and management of oral infections or trauma. Unlike a general dental office, the practice uses operating-room-grade equipment and sedation protocols. Patients typically arrive through referral from their primary dentist or can schedule a consultation directly if they already know they need extraction or implant work.

Procedures, sedation options, and referral pathway

Extraction types range from straightforward removals of compromised teeth to surgical extractions of impacted wisdom teeth requiring bone removal and sectioning. Implant cases cover single-tooth replacement through full-mouth reconstruction with bone grafting when the jaw lacks sufficient volume. The practice offers multiple sedation levels: nitrous oxide (minimal sedation, used mainly for anxiety reduction), IV conscious sedation (moderate sedation, where you drift but remain responsive), and general anesthesia (used for extensive procedures like wisdom teeth removal or multiple implants in one session).

Pricing varies significantly by case complexity. A straightforward extraction typically costs between $200 and $400; wisdom tooth removal runs $300 to $600 per tooth depending on impaction level. Implant placement fees run $1,500 to $2,500 per implant, with bone graft procedures adding $500 to $1,500. Most oral surgeons in Oklahoma City follow this general range; complexity and sedation level are the primary cost drivers. Confirm current fees directly, as surgical pricing adjusts for materials and anesthesia provider costs.

Insurance coverage for extractions is usually substantial if medically necessary; implants are often classified as restorative dentistry and may fall outside standard coverage. Many patients finance implant work through payment plans or medical credit cards like CareCredit. Ask about this option at your consultation.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City oral surgeons

Oklahoma City has multiple oral surgery practices. The main distinction is whether a surgeon handles primarily extractions and basic implants versus complex reconstructive cases (full-mouth implant rehab, ridge reconstruction, bone grafting). Garder's practice positions itself within the mid-to-comprehensive range. Larger group practices like those affiliated with university or hospital systems may offer same-day additional services (prosthodontics for crown placement immediately after implant uncovering, for instance) but often involve longer scheduling waits and higher institutional overhead. Solo or small-group practices like Garder's typically offer more personalized case discussion and faster access to the surgeon themselves, though less backup if scheduling conflicts arise.

Choose Garder if your dentist recommends him by name or if you prefer direct scheduling with one surgeon rather than managing multiple referrals across a group. Choose a larger group practice if you want all surgical and restorative work under one roof or need extensive bone reconstruction with immediate prosthetic planning.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

This practice suits adults (and teens with parental consent) who have been referred for oral surgery or who are confident they need extraction or implant evaluation. It suits patients with dental anxiety who benefit from sedation options and a focused surgical environment. It is not appropriate for very young children (pediatric dentistry handles primary tooth extractions differently, with lighter sedation and behavioral techniques) or for patients seeking routine preventive care or fillings; those belong at a general dentist.

What the first visit involves

A referral from your dentist should include clinical notes and imaging (X-rays or CT scans). At your consultation appointment, the surgeon reviews the images, examines the area, discusses the surgical plan and sedation options, reviews recovery expectations, and covers cost and payment. For extraction-only cases, this appointment can sometimes be the same day as surgery. For implant cases, the consultation is usually separate; surgery is scheduled once you confirm the plan and financing.

Hours, location, and logistics

Most Oklahoma City oral surgery practices operate weekday mornings and afternoons, often with limited or no weekend hours. Verify current hours by calling or checking the practice website. Parking is typically included in or adjacent to the office building. Recovery time varies: simple extractions allow return to normal activity within a few days; wisdom tooth surgery or implants may require a week of activity limitation and dietary restriction.

Stephen W. Garder DDS fills a necessary gap in Oklahoma City's dental landscape: the focused expertise and operating-room environment that complex extraction and implant cases demand.