Paula Cothran, DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgery with Sedation Options for Complex Extractions and Implants

Paula Cothran, DDS operates a surgical dental practice in Oklahoma City focused on tooth extractions, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery, serving both new patients and those referred by general dentists across the metro area.

What Paula Cothran, DDS Actually Is

Paula Cothran, DDS is a solo oral surgeon practice that handles surgical procedures requiring extraction of damaged or impacted teeth, placement of implant fixtures, and bone reconstruction. Unlike a general dentist who may perform simple extractions in-office, an oral surgeon manages complex removals, impacted wisdom teeth, and surgical implant treatment. The practice accepts new patients directly and also receives referrals from referring dentists when a patient needs surgical expertise beyond general dental scope.

Procedures, Sedation, and Referral Process

The practice provides extractions ranging from straightforward removals to impacted wisdom teeth requiring bone removal. Implant surgery includes fixture placement, bone grafting where insufficient jaw structure exists, and sinus lift procedures for upper-jaw implants. Corrective jaw surgery is also available for severe bite misalignment.

Sedation options typically include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, IV conscious sedation, and general anesthesia depending on procedure complexity and patient anxiety level. Verify current sedation availability and anesthesia pricing by calling the practice directly, as these fees vary by type and duration.

Patients may self-refer or come by dentist referral. A typical referral pathway begins with a general dentist identifying a need for oral surgery, forwarding records, and scheduling a consultation. Self-referred patients book directly and bring existing X-rays and relevant dental history to streamline the initial assessment.

How It Compares to Other Oklahoma City Oral Surgeons

Oklahoma City has multiple oral surgery options. OU College of Dentistry's oral surgery clinic in the medical district provides lower-cost treatment for complex cases but operates on an academic schedule and may have longer wait times due to case complexity and student involvement. Private practices such as those in Edmond and northwest Oklahoma City offer similar procedural scope but may have different sedation protocols or specialist experience in reconstructive cases.

Choose Paula Cothran, DDS if you prefer a solo practitioner model with direct access to the surgeon and established relationships with local referring dentists. Select an academic clinic if cost is the primary factor and you can accommodate longer appointment intervals. Opt for a larger group practice if you prefer multiple surgeon options or extended evening hours.

First Visit and What to Bring

The initial visit includes a consultation where the surgeon reviews your dental history, performs an examination, and may order cone-beam CT imaging if not already done by your referring dentist. Discussion covers the specific procedure, sedation options, recovery timeline, and cost. Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications and allergies, and any existing dental X-rays or imaging from your dentist.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

This practice is appropriate for patients requiring wisdom tooth removal, implant placement after tooth loss, or bone grafting before implant surgery. It suits those with high anxiety who benefit from sedation during surgical procedures and those whose general dentist has recommended surgical referral. It is not a replacement for general dental care (cleaning, fillings, routine checkups) and does not handle orthodontic treatment or cosmetic-only bonding and whitening.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Confirm current hours by calling directly, as surgical practices often operate by appointment only and may not maintain fixed daily schedules. Street parking is typically available in office building lots; call ahead to confirm accessible parking if needed. Plan for post-operative recovery time; most patients arrange for a ride home after sedation and take 3 to 7 days off work depending on procedure extent.

Paula Cothran, DDS fills a specific surgical need in Oklahoma City's dental landscape, handling cases that exceed general dentistry scope and requiring specialized training in anesthesia and bone-level surgical technique. Patients seeking surgical dental care benefit from direct access to an oral surgeon rather than relying solely on a general dentist's limited extraction capability.