Richard A. Safi, DDS in Oklahoma City: Oral Surgery with Implant Focus

Richard A. Safi, DDS operates as a referral-based oral surgery practice in Oklahoma City, specializing in tooth extractions, implant placement, and surgical management of complex dental cases. The practice serves patients referred by general dentists and periodontists across the metro area, as well as self-referred patients seeking a second opinion or direct access to surgical care.

What Richard A. Safi, DDS Actually Is

This is a solo oral surgery practice—not a multi-specialty dental clinic or hospital surgical center. Safi holds a dental degree (DDS) and has completed specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, the formal credential required to extract impacted teeth, place dental implants, and perform bone grafting. The practice operates independently, which means patients typically arrive with a referral from their general or restorative dentist, though walk-in consultations are available. Most insurance plans require a surgical referral for coverage, a detail to confirm with your dentist before scheduling.

Common Procedures and Sedation Options

Routine extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and implant placement form the core service menu. Implant placement runs $1,200 to $2,000 per implant at many Oklahoma City oral surgery practices; Safi's fees fall within that range, though verification with the office is necessary since costs vary by implant system, bone augmentation requirements, and whether the extraction is included. Bone grafting, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation are additional charges when needed for implant candidacy.

Sedation options matter directly to surgical comfort. Safi offers local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for simpler cases and intravenous (IV) conscious sedation for complex or anxiety-prone patients. IV sedation allows deeper relaxation and amnesia of the procedure; patients cannot drive themselves home and must arrange a responsible adult for transport. Wisdom tooth removal under IV sedation typically costs $500 to $1,200 depending on tooth position and impaction level. Ask during your consultation which sedation level is recommended for your case, as this affects both comfort and total cost.

How Safi Compares to Other Oklahoma City Oral Surgeons

Oklahoma City has several oral surgeons, among them practitioners affiliated with university dental clinics (offering lower fees but longer wait times) and group surgical practices such as those in larger dental networks. Safi operates as a solo practitioner, which typically means more direct access to the surgeon performing your procedure—no residents or assistants as the primary operator—and often shorter scheduling windows for straightforward cases. However, group practices or hospital-based surgeons may offer extended office hours or on-site sedation support that Safi's office does not. If you require complex reconstruction, immediate surgical hospitalization capability, or evening/weekend availability, a group practice or hospital oral surgery department may be more suitable. If you prefer one-on-one surgeon care and have a predictable case (simple extraction or implant in adequate bone), Safi's independent practice is a reasonable fit.

Who It Suits and Who It Does Not

Safi's practice is appropriate for patients with general dentist referrals, those needing implant placement in standard anatomy, and patients comfortable with a solo-practitioner model. It suits people with dental anxiety who benefit from IV sedation in a private office setting, avoiding hospital overhead. It does not suit patients requiring extensive reconstructive surgery (grafting bone from the hip or chin), patients with medical complexity requiring hospital supervision, or those seeking pediatric care (this practice treats adult patients). If your general dentist mentions "complex case" or "hospital setting," that signal typically means you need a group practice or hospital-based surgeon, not Safi.

What Your First Visit Involves

Contact Safi's office with a referral from your dentist or request a consultation directly. You will complete a health history and provide panoramic X-rays (either taken at your dentist's office or by Safi's team). The consultation includes a clinical exam, discussion of your surgical options, and a clear fee estimate before any treatment. If you proceed, a separate surgical appointment is scheduled; this is when the procedure takes place. Bring a responsible adult if you will have IV sedation, as you cannot drive for 24 hours afterward. Plan 1 to 3 hours at the office depending on procedure complexity.

Hours and Logistics

Safi's office operates standard business hours; confirmation of exact hours is necessary, as they may vary seasonally. Street parking or a small lot is typically available. The practice is located within Oklahoma City proper, making it accessible from mid-town and the metro area. Call ahead to verify current hours and to ensure your dentist's referral has been received.

Why This Practice Matters in Oklahoma City

Safi fills a straightforward need: extraction and implant surgery without the cost markup or wait time of hospital-based care. His independent status appeals to patients seeking direct surgeon involvement and competitive pricing within a professional setting.