Fentem Richard L DDS in Oklahoma City: Routine Dental Care and Restorative Work
Fentem Richard L DDS is a general dentistry practice in Oklahoma City that handles preventive cleaning and exams, restorative work such as fillings and crowns, and referrals to specialists for procedures outside the general scope. The practice accepts most major insurance plans and maintains a straightforward new-patient intake process.
What Fentem Richard L DDS Provides
The practice focuses on the core functions of general dentistry: managing oral health maintenance, addressing tooth decay and damage, and coordinating with specialists when necessary. This is the category of dentistry most people visit first, and typically the one their insurance covers most extensively. Unlike specialists who concentrate on a single area like orthodontics or periodontics, general dentistry practices are structured to handle the broad range of conditions that lead patients to seek dental care.
Services and Pricing
Fentem Richard L DDS offers exams, professional cleanings, digital X-rays, fillings, temporary and permanent crowns, and extractions. The practice performs basic restorative procedures in-house. For more complex cases, such as root canal therapy or extensive periodontal work, the practice refers patients to appropriate specialists in Oklahoma City.
Pricing for general dentistry in Oklahoma City varies by insurance coverage. Preventive visits (exams and cleanings) are typically covered at 100 percent by most dental insurance plans, which means patients with active coverage pay nothing at the point of service. Restorative work such as fillings usually falls under a 70 to 80 percent coverage tier, leaving a patient responsibility of 20 to 30 percent of the cost. A composite filling at a general practice in Oklahoma City typically ranges from $150 to $300 per tooth before insurance, with patient out-of-pocket cost dependent on plan benefits. Crowns are more variable, often running $800 to $1,500 per crown depending on material and complexity. Patients without insurance should confirm Fentem's current rates before scheduling restorative work; many general practices offer fee-for-service discounts to uninsured patients.
How Fentem Compares to Other Oklahoma City General Dentistry Options
Oklahoma City has numerous general dentistry practices. Fentem Richard L DDS differs from larger multi-location practices like those affiliated with dental support organizations, which typically operate on standardized fee schedules and may have longer new-patient waitlists. Single-provider or small-group practices like Fentem tend to offer more flexible scheduling and direct access to the dentist, though appointment availability varies by practice. Larger group practices may have extended hours or weekend availability that solo practitioners cannot match.
Insurance acceptance is a practical dividing line. Fentem accepts most major plans, which broadens its reach within Oklahoma City's employed and insured population. Practices with limited insurance participation require patients to pay full fee-for-service rates and seek reimbursement themselves, a process that adds administrative burden.
New patients should compare whether a practice schedules comprehensive initial exams (typically 45 to 60 minutes) or uses abbreviated appointments. Fentem's scheduling approach can be confirmed directly, as initial-visit length affects whether you will have a rushed experience or time for a thorough evaluation.
Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not
Fentem is the right choice for insured patients in Oklahoma City who want straightforward preventive and restorative care without specialty needs. People with limited dental insurance (preventive coverage only, high deductibles) benefit from a general practice that keeps costs predictable by handling common problems in-house.
The practice may not suit patients who anticipate needing complex procedures such as bone grafting, implant placement, or root canal therapy; referral to a specialist still applies, but some patients prefer to start with a full-service dental center that offers more services under one roof.
Uninsured patients should discuss fee structures and payment plans before committing. Fentem may offer reduced rates for uninsured patients, but this is not universal and should be confirmed.
The First Visit
New patients at Fentem typically begin with a comprehensive exam, which includes a visual inspection of teeth and gums, digital X-rays, and a review of medical and dental history. The dentist will assess for decay, gum disease, and any obvious structural issues. If no urgent problems are found, the dentist will usually recommend a professional cleaning at a follow-up visit.
If the initial exam reveals decay or damage, the dentist will discuss treatment options, costs, and insurance coverage before proceeding. This is the stage where understanding your dental insurance benefits matters; calling your insurance company beforehand with Fentem's office name and your policy number will clarify what portion you will pay for fillings, crowns, or extractions.
Hours, Location, and Parking
Fentem Richard L DDS operates during standard business hours. Parking availability depends on the office location within Oklahoma City. Contact the practice directly to confirm current hours and parking details, as these are subject to change with staffing or facility updates.
Why Fentem Matters in Oklahoma City
Fentem Richard L DDS fills the role of accessible, insurance-friendly general dentistry for routine and restorative work in Oklahoma City. The practice's acceptance of major insurance plans and focus on preventive and common restorative care make it a practical starting point for patients who need dental care and want to avoid referral delays.
