Underwood James J DDS in Oklahoma City: Surgical Extractions and Implant Placement in Central OKC

James J. Underwood DDS operates an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice in Oklahoma City, providing tooth extractions, dental implant placement, corrective jaw surgery, and other procedures that fall outside the scope of general dentistry. The practice accepts direct patient referrals and is positioned within the city's specialist network for cases requiring surgical intervention beyond routine dental care.

What Underwood James J DDS Actually Does

Oral surgery is the branch of dentistry that manages complex tooth removals, surgical implant placement, jaw reconstruction, and trauma repair. Underwood's practice focuses on the most common procedures that general dentists refer out: impacted wisdom teeth extraction, bone grafting to prepare sites for implants, removal of retained tooth roots, and placement of implants in patients with complex anatomy or previous bone loss. The practice serves established patients from other Oklahoma City dental offices as well as self-referred patients seeking surgical consultation.

Procedures, Sedation Options, and Cost Basis

Wisdom tooth extractions in Oklahoma City oral surgery practices typically cost between $300 and $600 per tooth depending on complexity and impaction depth. Simple extractions run lower; impacted teeth requiring surgical removal run higher. Single dental implant placement, including the surgical fixture insertion, ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 at most Oklahoma City surgeons; this does not include the crown fabrication, which is handled by a separate prosthodontist or general dentist and adds another $1,200 to $2,500. Bone grafting, often necessary when the jaw has insufficient volume for implant stability, adds $400 to $1,200 per site. Prices vary by surgeon, materials used, and whether imaging or advanced reconstruction is required; contact the practice directly for a quote on your specific procedure.

Sedation options for oral surgery typically include local anesthesia with nitrous oxide, twilight sedation (IV conscious sedation), or general anesthesia. The choice depends on procedure complexity, anxiety level, and patient health history. Twilight sedation is most common for wisdom tooth removal and routine implant placement; general anesthesia is reserved for extensive procedures or medically complex patients. Anesthesia fees are separate from the procedure cost and often range from $200 to $600 depending on type and duration.

How Underwood Compares to Other Oklahoma City Oral Surgeons

Oklahoma City has several oral surgeons in addition to Underwood. Many general dentists in the city refer to a mix of practices based on insurance accepted, location, and procedural specialty. Practices affiliated with hospital systems, such as those connected to OU College of Dentistry or community health centers, may offer different fee structures and scheduling availability than private surgeons. Private practices like Underwood typically offer shorter wait times for elective procedures compared to safety-net settings. If you are underinsured or uninsured, ask whether the practice offers cash-pay discounts or payment plans; some surgeons in Oklahoma City do, others do not.

Who It Suits and Who It Does Not

This practice suits patients referred by their general dentist for removal of impacted wisdom teeth, complex extractions, or implant surgery. It also suits patients seeking a second opinion on surgical treatment recommendations or those with previous failed implant attempts who need advanced bone reconstruction. It does not suit patients seeking routine fillings, cleanings, or orthodontics, which should remain with a general dentist.

What the First Visit Involves

Most patients arrive with a referral from their general dentist and existing imaging (3D cone beam CT or panoramic X-rays). The first visit typically includes a focused history, review of imaging, clinical examination of the surgical site, discussion of surgical approach and sedation options, and a cost estimate. Expect 30 to 60 minutes. If you are new to the practice without a prior referral, contact the office in advance; some surgeons prefer to see patients only by referral, while others accept direct consultations.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Verify current hours and contact information directly with the practice before scheduling, as surgeon hours often accommodate surgical blocks and may not be standard weekday business hours. Most Oklahoma City oral surgery practices are located in central or midtown areas with private parking. The practice address and phone number should be confirmed through your dentist's referral or online directory, as surgeon locations occasionally change.

Underwood's practice fits the Oklahoma City market for patients requiring surgical intervention that their general dentist cannot provide. Clear cost understanding and advance sedation discussion protect both patient and surgeon in what is an outpatient surgical setting.