Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, James A. Baker, DDS, Jacob W.B. Mendenhall, DDS, Peter L. Carlson, DDS of Oklahoma City, OK practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with skill and experience ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and TMJ disorders, and performs a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after graduation from dental school. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Baker, Dr. Mendenhall, and Dr. Carlson manage a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. Drs. Baker, Mendenhall, and Carlson practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with skill ranging from dental implant surgery and wisdom tooth removal to corrective jaw surgery. This also includes techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, and fractures.

The surgical staff at OKC-OMS are experienced, certified oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants, who assist in administration of IV sedation and surgery. We also have a trained registered nurse (RN) to assist in surgery. All staff are informed administrative personnel, well-versed in health and insurance policies, and are CPR certified.

OKC-OMS wants patients to have the best experience and outcome possible. For this reason, we invest in technology that helps our doctors evaluate patient needs, plan and personalize treatment, and conduct gentle and accurate procedures.

In many oral surgery procedures, the approach that the doctor uses will depend on the strength, stability, and position of structures beneath the gums. Whether you are receiving dental implants, getting teeth extracted, or having jaw surgery, better knowledge about these underlying structures will improve the function, durability, and appearance of your results.

OKC-OMS uses cone beam CT scanning to create detailed, three-dimensional anatomic models. This lets our doctors see the teeth and surrounding bone with improved accuracy. We use this information to identify areas of bone loss, plan grafts if necessary, plan surgical procedures and coordinate different stages of treatment.

Our practice employs several technologies that leverage the cone beam scans and that allow us to effectively prepare for surgery. We use software for simulating procedures, modeling jaw surgeries, and determining the ideal location for dental implants. We also produce customized guides that allow us to work with a high degree of accuracy.

In addition to supporting better outcomes, models and guides improve the efficiency of treatment. For example, OKC-OMS doctors can often combine procedures into a single surgical session because we know in advance that the patient has the bone strength to support this decision. This means that patients see results more quickly and with fewer office visits.

A variety of companies make dental components, and they may use different materials in their production processes. The choices that companies make during manufacturing can affect the comfort and strength of the treatments that patients receive. For this reason, OKC-OMS invests in high-grade components and in materials proven through research to offer comfort and durability.

For dental implants, we typically employ titanium, which is similar to what surgeons use in hip and knee replacement procedures. Titanium is biocompatible, and it is extremely rare for patients to have a reaction to the implants components as a result.

Along with high-quality materials, OKC-OMS has gone digital with certain processes to improve the patient experience. In traditional dentistry, one treatment that some patients find uncomfortable is getting an impression of their teeth made. OKC-OMS has invested in digital scanning as an alternative. Our doctors use a wand camera to take 3D photos of the mouth, and our software combines this data into a fully realized model that is ready for dental fabrication.

OKC-OMS surgeons have extensive training and experience with specialized instruments for procedures. The precision and quality of these instruments allow us to work more carefully and accurately, which aids in a patients recovery. Certain tools, such as self-irrigating drills, reduce the potential for discomfort following procedures, while others offer a gentler approach to treatment, such as gum tissue resurfacing with CO2 lasers.

As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, our doctors also hold certification in IV general anesthesia. This permits us to provide any level of anesthesia that is appropriate for the procedure and that meets the patients preferences. Sleeping through treatment allows patients to have a more comfortable, low-anxiety experience. To promote safety further, our doctors and staff have attained ACLS and VLS certification.

Beyond the tools and technologies that OKC-OMS offers patients, the skill of our doctors and our approach to care distinguish our work. If you are seeking an established oral surgery practice that is focused on a patient-centered experience, we invite you to visit our offices.

Dr. James A. Baker has been providing excellent care to patients throughout our community for more than 40 years. Certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery since 1981, he is an active member and leader of numerous professional organizations. Area dentists and orthodontists frequently refer their patients and loved ones to him as a trusted physician.

He has been in private practice in Oklahoma City since 1979. In 2004 he founded OKC-OMS to ensure his patients were provided the ultimate oral surgery experience they deserve. He remains a vital part of the OKC-OMS family and performs a wide range of procedures on a daily basis. His work includes treating patients with facial trauma, correcting jaw misalignment that affects functionality and facial aesthetics, TMJ disorders/pain, removing impacted and damaged teeth, placing dental implants and bone grafting and site preparation for implant placement. His experience and training enable him to address even the most challenging and complex needs.

As a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Baker offers patients an advanced skillset based on years of additional education and training. He continually pursues professional development opportunities. This allows him to employ the most current technology, equipment, and surgical techniques in practice. He is committed to promoting the best possible outcomes for those in his care.

A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Baker completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He later acted as residency director and chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and has served as an associate clinical professor at the University of Oklahoma since 1994.

Dr. Baker has comprehensive training in IV sedation and is certified to perform in-office anesthesia for patients. This background advances the safety and comfort of those in his care during procedures. In addition, he has completed specialized training in TMJ disorders, surgery and treatment. This background allows Dr. Baker to offer a high level of care for patients with painful conditions related to the facial bones, muscles and joints.

Dr. Baker holds active memberships in several local, state, and national dental organizations. These include the Oklahoma State Dental Association and the American Dental Association as well as specialized professional groups such as the American Society of TMJ Surgeons. Dr. Baker has been honored as well to be a Fellow of the American College of Dentists.

Beyond his work with OKC-OMS, Dr. Baker is part of the active staff at Baptist Medical Center and Summit Hospital. He also serves as chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Partners (OMSP), a management services organization that guides oral surgeons in setting up their private practice and in maintaining medical, ethical and business standards.

Outside of his work in practice, Dr. Baker has served as president of the board of directors for the Redbud Foundation, past president of Oklahoma City Running Club, Board member of Rebuilding Together and many other local societies and charities throughout his professional career. He is married to Dr. Melissa Farrow and is very proud of his two daughters and their families to include four grandchildren. He is an avid runner, completing countless marathons, and ultra-marathons.

Dr. Jacob W.B. Mendenhall is an accomplished oral and maxillofacial surgeon dedicated to serving the needs of OKC-OMS patients and the wider community. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for academic and professional excellence and, through his volunteer work, supports underserved populations in our area.

Board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Mendenhall can diagnose and treat the full range of conditions affecting the mouth, gums, teeth, and jaw. He has performed thousands of procedures for patients, leveraging his skill in wisdom teeth extraction, dental implant placement, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, oral pathology, TMD diagnosis and TMJ surgery.

Jacob Mendenhall has more than a decade of experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Over his career, he has treated patients of different ages and backgrounds with a wide variety of needs. Those in his care appreciate his friendly, personable style and the welcoming and supportive environment that OKC-OMS offers them.

Advanced technology and surgical techniques benefit Dr. Mendenhalls patients. He uses cone beam CT scanning to visualize concealed structures of the mouth, allowing for a more precise surgical approach. Dr. Mendenhall frequently uses CBCT technology to employ computer generated assistance and guides for both implant placement and corrective jaw surgery. He also employs CO2 laser resurfacing when appropriate to reduce recuperation time and lessen the chance of complications.

Dr. Mendenhalls chief focus in practice is providing the best possible outcome for patients. This is part of the reason that dentists, prosthodontists and orthodontists refer their own patients to him. He listens carefully to their concerns, fully evaluates their condition, and creates a suitable treatment plan for their needs.

Jacob Mendenhall graduated with Special Distinction from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, where he then completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. As a graduate student, he conducted research investigating facial bone implant technology and facial reconstructing solutions.

Combining his love of learning with ongoing service, Dr. Mendenhall has taught as an associate clinical professor in the University of Oklahomas oral and maxillofacial surgery program. In the past, he has presented to dental students and residents on the topics of correcting midface deformities, bone grafting techniques and dental implant placement. Educating future professionals allows him to cont ribute to and shape the field while staying abreast of its latest developments. OKC-OMS holds annual Continuing Education courses for health care professionals in the community.

Dr. Mendenhall has been the recipient of multiple academic and professional honors. During his training at the University of Oklahoma, he won the Jay F. Anderson Award as well as the merit-based Baker Fund Dental Scholarship. Jacob was consistently placed on the honor roll and deans list and ranked among the top of his class.

As a student, Jacob served as vice president of the University of Oklahoma Medical Schools Oral Surgery Honor Society. He was also inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society.

Today, Dr. Mendenhall continues to expand his knowledge with professional development opportunities and to share his experience with others in the field. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology.

Married, with three sons and a daughter, Jacob is an active member of the LDS church and completed a two-year service mission in Upstate New York earlier in his career. As an Oklahoma City Kids Day Volunteer, he has offered free dental care to children in need in our community.

Jacob is a lifelong animal lover and holds an undergraduate degree in zoology. He is a member of the National Cutting Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Association. His family participates in the Oklahoma high school rodeos.