Ray Laverdiere DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgery with Direct Extraction and Implant Services

Ray Laverdiere DDS is an oral surgery practice in Oklahoma City offering tooth extractions, dental implants, and sedation-supported procedures from a single provider location. The practice handles complex removals, impacted wisdom teeth, and implant placement, requiring referral from a general dentist in most cases but accepting new patients directly for consultation.

What this practice actually does

Ray Laverdiere DDS operates as a referral-based oral surgery office rather than a full-service dental clinic. The practice focuses on surgical extractions, wisdom tooth removal, implant placement, and bone grafting where indicated. Patients typically arrive with a referral from their general dentist, though consultation appointments can be scheduled without one. The scope is surgical and restorative only; preventive cleaning and routine fillings remain the responsibility of the referring dentist. Laverdiere holds a DDS degree and concentrates his practice on cases requiring surgical expertise rather than general dental maintenance.

Procedures, sedation options, and referral pathway

Extractions at the practice include routine removals, impacted wisdom teeth, and teeth deemed unrestorable by a general dentist. Dental implant procedures cover the surgical placement of the titanium root form; the restorative crown is typically completed by the general dentist afterward. Bone grafting is available when jaw volume is insufficient to support an implant, a common requirement in cases of long-standing tooth loss.

Sedation is offered, allowing anxious patients to undergo extraction or implant surgery without awareness of the procedure. Confirmation of specific sedation levels (oral sedation, IV sedation, general anesthesia) and their associated costs should be obtained directly from the office, as these vary by procedure and clinical need.

The standard referral pathway begins with a general dentist's assessment. Once the dentist determines that extraction or implant surgery is necessary, a referral is placed to Laverdiere DDS. The patient schedules a consultation, during which the surgeon evaluates the tooth or implant site, orders imaging if needed, reviews sedation options, and provides cost and timeline estimates. Insurance precertification is handled during this phase if required by the patient's plan. New patients arriving without a referral can still request a consultation; the office will coordinate with any existing dentist for clinical records.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City oral surgeons

Oklahoma City has multiple oral surgery options, and the choice depends on location, insurance network status, and procedural needs. Laverdiere DDS is a single-provider practice, meaning appointments are with the same surgeon and waits reflect that office's schedule rather than a larger group. Practices affiliated with dental schools or hospitals often have additional services like anesthesia support and same-day sedation IV placement on-site, whereas an independent office typically relies on the patient's anesthesia communication beforehand. Insurance networks vary significantly; confirming that Laverdiere DDS is in-network for your plan is essential, as out-of-network costs for oral surgery can exceed $1,000 to $3,000 per procedure depending on complexity. If your general dentist has an in-house oral surgeon or prefers a specific referral partner, that alignment may streamline treatment but does not guarantee lower fees. Patients prioritizing a solo practitioner's direct relationship may prefer Laverdiere DDS; those wanting a larger facility with multiple specialists and same-day imaging may benefit from a hospital-affiliated center.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Laverdiere DDS is best suited for patients with impacted wisdom teeth, non-restorable teeth, or implant needs referred by a general dentist, as well as anxious patients who are willing to use sedation. Patients with significant medical histories or those requiring general anesthesia should confirm that the office can accommodate complex sedation or whether transfer to a surgical center is necessary. Patients without a general dentist should first establish preventive care; the general dentist then initiates the referral to oral surgery. The practice is not suited for patients seeking all-in-one care; Laverdiere DDS does not handle routine cleaning, filling, or crown placement. Patients in dental insurance plans that exclude this provider or impose high out-of-network penalties should verify coverage before scheduling. Those needing multiple tooth replacements over time benefit from a long-term relationship with both a general dentist and an oral surgeon; if either is out of network, costs and logistics become fragmented.

What a first appointment involves

A consultation at Laverdiere DDS typically includes a review of the tooth or implant site, often with an X-ray or cone-beam CT scan to assess bone volume and nerve proximity. The surgeon discusses the procedure, expected recovery, post-operative restrictions (eating soft foods, avoiding smoking, limiting activity), and medication including antibiotics and pain management. Sedation preferences are confirmed, and the office collects insurance information for precertification. A written cost estimate is provided, along with the expected surgical date. Patients are advised to arrange transportation if sedation is used, as driving is prohibited for at least 24 hours afterward. Some practices request lab work or cardiac clearance for high-risk patients; ask whether this applies to your case during the phone consultation.

Hours, location, and logistics

Hours, address, and parking details for Ray Laverdiere DDS should be confirmed directly with the office, as scheduling and facility changes may not be reflected in older listings. The practice is located in Oklahoma City proper. Appointment availability for initial consultation typically ranges from one to three weeks; urgent extraction needs are sometimes accommodated sooner. Confirmation of whether payment is expected at time of consultation or at the time of surgery, as well as financing options for out-of-pocket costs, should be clarified when you call to schedule.

Ray Laverdiere DDS serves Oklahoma City patients requiring oral surgical expertise beyond general dentistry, acting as the referral endpoint for tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and implant placement. The single-provider model offers continuity but requires coordination with a general dentist for comprehensive care.