Richard L. Johnson, DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgery with Sedation and Implant Placement

Richard L. Johnson, DDS is an oral surgeon operating in Oklahoma City who performs wisdom tooth extractions, dental implant placement, bone grafting, and other surgical procedures in a private practice setting. The practice offers multiple sedation options, accepts new referrals from general dentists and self-referrals, and serves patients requiring tooth removal or implant restoration across the city.

Procedures and Sedation Options

Johnson handles tooth extractions ranging from simple removals to complex surgical cases, including impacted wisdom teeth. Implant placement represents a significant share of the practice's work. Bone grafting, sinus lift procedures, and ridge augmentation are available for patients with insufficient bone structure for implant anchoring.

Sedation choices include nitrous oxide, oral sedation (conscious sedation via medication), and IV sedation. The specific sedation option depends on the procedure complexity and patient preference. Patients anxious about surgery or undergoing lengthy procedures typically benefit most from IV sedation, which renders the patient unconscious and unaware during the operation. Oral sedation offers a middle ground between minimal sedation and full IV anesthesia. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) combined with local anesthetic alone suits straightforward extractions where the patient remains awake but relaxed.

Pricing for extractions generally ranges from $150 to $400 per tooth for simple removals; surgical extractions of impacted teeth run $400 to $1,200 depending on complexity. Dental implant placement costs vary by case, typically $2,000 to $4,000 per implant, though final cost depends on whether bone grafting or sinus work is necessary. Confirm current fees when you call, as surgical material costs fluctuate.

How Johnson Compares to Other Oklahoma City Oral Surgeons

Oklahoma City hosts several oral and maxillofacial surgery practices. Johnson's single-provider model differs from larger group practices like those affiliated with OU College of Dentistry or multi-surgeon clinics. Smaller practices often allow longer appointment slots and direct access to the surgeon at every visit, rather than delegation to associates. Larger group settings may offer shorter wait times for emergency extractions because multiple surgeons can absorb urgent cases, but appointment lead times for non-emergencies may run 3 to 6 weeks at peak demand. Johnson's practice size typically suits patients who prefer continuity with one surgeon and are comfortable with routine scheduling timelines of 1 to 3 weeks.

General dentists within Oklahoma City can perform simple tooth extractions under local anesthetic alone. Choosing an oral surgeon becomes necessary when wisdom teeth are impacted, when extraction complexity requires sedation, or when implant work is planned. Johnson's dental school affiliation (if any) and years in practice should be verified directly to gauge experience level if implant success rates or surgical outcomes are your priority.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

Johnson suits patients requiring tooth extraction who prefer or need sedation, patients planning implant restoration, and those referred by their general dentist for surgical-level work. It is also appropriate for professionals or working parents who value one surgeon across multiple visits rather than rotating providers.

The practice is less suitable for patients seeking to keep a tooth versus extract it, as orthodontics and restorative care fall outside oral surgery scope. Patients seeking cosmetic gum surgery or periodontal treatment should consult a periodontist instead. Those expecting a large clinic with same-day emergency availability or walk-in capacity should investigate emergency dental clinics or hospital-based oral surgery instead.

What Your First Visit Involves

Most patients arrive with a referral from their general dentist, though self-referral is accepted. Expect a consultation appointment where Johnson evaluates the tooth or implant site, orders X-rays or CT imaging if not already provided by your dentist, and discusses the recommended procedure, sedation choice, and recovery timeline. The surgeon explains risks, benefits, and alternatives.

If you proceed, a second appointment is scheduled for the actual surgery. Pre-operative instructions include fasting if IV or oral sedation is planned. You must arrange a driver to take you home afterward because sedation impairs reaction time and judgment. Recovery from extraction typically takes 1 to 2 weeks; implant placement requires 3 to 6 months of bone integration before the crown is attached.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Confirm current hours and parking availability when you contact the office, as practice schedules can shift seasonally. Most oral surgeons in Oklahoma City operate Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited Saturday availability. Call ahead for directions and parking instructions, especially if the office is located in a medical plaza or downtown area.

Why This Practice Matters

Johnson provides the surgical-level care that general dentistry cannot deliver, operating in a city where dental implants and complex extractions represent growing demand as the population ages. The practice fills the gap between routine dental cleanings and hospital-based emergency oral surgery.