Lester L Cowden III, DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgery with Implant and Extraction Focus
Lester L Cowden III, DDS operates as a solo oral surgery practice in Oklahoma City, specializing in tooth extractions, dental implants, and reconstructive jaw procedures for both routine and complex cases. Unlike general dentists who handle basic extractions, an oral surgeon like Cowden manages impacted wisdom teeth, grafting, sinus lifts, and the full implant placement process on-site, reducing the number of referrals a patient must make.
Services and sedation options
Cowden's practice offers extractions ranging from simple (non-surgical removal of loose teeth) to surgical (impacted wisdom teeth, bone-level removals). Simple extractions typically run 200 to 400 dollars per tooth; surgical extractions range from 300 to 800 dollars depending on tooth position and bone density. Implant placement—the surgical insertion of a titanium post into the jawbone—costs 1,500 to 3,000 dollars per implant, not including the crown and abutment, which add 1,200 to 2,500 dollars and are often placed by the referring general dentist. Bone grafting for insufficient jaw volume adds 400 to 1,200 dollars. Call the office directly to confirm current pricing, as implant costs vary with material and site complexity.
Sedation options include local anesthesia (numbing only), nitrous oxide (laughing gas for mild anxiety), and IV sedation (twilight sleep for complex procedures). IV sedation requires a driver and pre-operative fasting; this option suits patients undergoing multiple extractions or anxious about surgery. Local anesthesia alone is appropriate for straightforward wisdom tooth removal in younger patients with good bone anatomy.
Comparison to other Oklahoma City oral surgeons
Oklahoma City has multiple oral surgery options. Christopher Bynum, DDS, MS, also operates independently and emphasizes dental implant reconstruction; his practice similarly handles full surgical care but tends toward more cosmetically-driven implant cases. Oklahoma Oral Surgery Associates, a multi-provider group, offers more scheduling flexibility and covers a wider geographic area but operates on a busier appointment schedule. Cowden's single-provider model typically means fewer cancellations and more consistent surgical approach, which appeals to patients who prefer continuity. Choose Cowden for straightforward, focused surgical care; choose the group for same-week availability or if your case involves periodontal coordination.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
Cowden's practice is appropriate for patients with impacted or severely decayed teeth, those approved for implants by their general dentist, and patients who prefer one surgeon for the entire extraction-to-restoration sequence. It does not offer orthodontic surgery (surgical correction of jaw misalignment), pediatric sedation programs, or extensive reconstruction for severe facial trauma. Patients requiring complex maxillofacial work should ask their dentist for a referral to OU College of Dentistry or a larger multi-specialty group.
What the referral and first visit involve
General dentists refer to Cowden when extraction or implant placement is necessary. At the first appointment, expect a review of your dental history, examination of the surgical site, and X-rays or CBCT imaging (cone-beam computed tomography, which provides 3D jaw anatomy). This visit typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes and confirms the type of extraction or implant placement needed, discusses sedation, and establishes pre-operative instructions (fasting, medication adjustments, antibiotic timing). Insurance verification and out-of-pocket cost estimates are provided before surgery is scheduled.
Hours, location, and parking
Cowden's office is located in Oklahoma City. Standard hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; many oral surgery practices limit Friday hours or close on Fridays to manage surgical recovery. Parking is typically lot-based and street-side; call ahead if you require accessible parking. Verify current hours before scheduling, as surgical calendar demands sometimes shift availability.
Why this listing matters for Oklahoma City
Oral surgery is a specialized referral service, not a destination patients choose independently; its quality and accessibility determine how smoothly tooth replacement proceeds for thousands of OKC residents. Cowden's established single-practice model and implant-focused scope make him a reliable reference point for residents and dentists evaluating where to send complex extractions or implant cases.
