Mark Balenseifen, DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgery with Referral and Sedation Options

Mark Balenseifen, DDS operates a surgical dentistry practice in Oklahoma City focused on tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and related procedures requiring a dentist with advanced training and surgical facilities. His practice accepts referrals from general dentists and other practitioners, handling cases that extend beyond routine restorative work, and offers multiple sedation choices for patient comfort.

What Mark Balenseifen, DDS actually is

Oral surgery differs from general dentistry in scope and setting. A general dentist performs routine cleanings, fillings, and preventive care; an oral surgeon manages impacted or severely damaged teeth, places dental implants, and treats cases with complexity or anxiety concerns that benefit from sedation. Balenseifen's practice is a referral-based oral surgery office, meaning patients typically do not walk in off the street but arrive through a recommendation from their primary dentist. The office maintains surgical-level infection control and equipped operatories to support procedures beyond what a standard dental office can safely perform.

Procedures and sedation options

Oral surgeons in Oklahoma City typically perform extractions (simple and surgical), implant placement, bone grafting, and occasionally pre-prosthetic surgery to prepare the jaw for dentures. Mark Balenseifen's practice offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for lighter sedation, oral conscious sedation (a sedative taken by mouth before the procedure), and IV sedation for deeper, monitored anesthesia. The choice depends on the procedure complexity, patient anxiety level, and medical history. Pricing for extractions and implants varies; verify current fees directly with the office, as surgical charges depend on difficulty, bone density, and whether bone grafting or sinus lifting is required. Implant placement alone typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth in the Oklahoma City market, with the implant crown added separately at $1,200 to $2,500, but Balenseifen's specific fees should be confirmed during consultation.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City oral surgeons

Oklahoma City has multiple oral surgery practices, including offices affiliated with university dental programs (OU College of Dentistry) and independent practices such as Balenseifen's. University-based oral surgery clinics often charge lower fees because they use resident surgeons under faculty supervision, appealing to patients prioritizing cost over a single experienced surgeon. Private practitioners like Balenseifen typically charge market rates and offer shorter wait times and continuity with one surgeon. If a patient needs extraction or implant work and their general dentist has not referred them, asking for a referral to the office of their choice is standard practice; most insurance plans cover a portion of surgical extractions and implant placement, though coverage depends on the plan and diagnosis.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Balenseifen's practice suits patients whose general dentist has identified a tooth requiring surgical extraction, those with dental anxiety who need sedation options beyond nitrous oxide, and people pursuing dental implants to replace missing teeth. The practice does not suit patients seeking their first dental exam or preventive care; those should continue with a general dentist. It also does not serve purely cosmetic needs like tooth whitening or veneer placement, though straightforward extractions may have cosmetic motivation (closing gaps or preparing for orthodontics).

What the first visit involves

After receiving a referral, a new patient typically undergoes a consultation including a clinical exam, imaging (X-rays or 3D CBCT scans), and a discussion of treatment options and sedation. The surgeon explains the procedure, recovery expectations, and cost. Insurance verification may occur before the appointment. The actual surgical procedure is usually scheduled on a separate date, allowing time for pre-operative clearance, lab work if IV sedation is planned, and patient preparation.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Verify hours of operation directly with the practice, as oral surgery offices often keep schedules unlike general dental offices, sometimes closing on certain days or offering limited evening availability. Parking at the practice location should be confirmed; most Oklahoma City surgical dental offices are in professional buildings with on-site or nearby lot access. Patients using IV sedation cannot drive themselves home and must arrange a designated driver or family member to pick them up post-procedure.

Mark Balenseifen's practice fills a necessary role in Oklahoma City's dental ecosystem, bridging the gap between general dentists and hospital-based surgical facilities for patients needing intermediate surgical care in an ambulatory setting.