Michael F Alspaugh, DDS in Oklahoma City: Specialized Gum Treatment and Periodontal Maintenance

Michael F Alspaugh, DDS is a periodontist based in Oklahoma City who focuses on gum disease diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of advanced periodontal conditions. Periodontists occupy a narrower space than general dentists: they handle cases that range from moderate gingivitis and scaling to complex extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement when bone loss has occurred. Alspaugh's practice serves both self-referred patients seeking gum care and those sent by Oklahoma City general dentists when treatment demands more specialized expertise.

What Alspaugh's practice actually is

Periodontists complete a general dentistry degree plus two to three years of specialized training in the anatomy and disease patterns of gums, bone, and the tissues supporting teeth. Alspaugh holds the DDS credential and specializes exclusively in these tissues. A periodontist is your destination when initial gum treatment (scaling and root planing by a general dentist) has plateaued, when pocket depths suggest bone loss, or when tooth extraction and replacement planning are in play. Unlike a general practice, which manages routine cleanings and cavity filling, Alspaugh's office handles the medical complexity of periodontitis, aggressive inflammation, and surgical reconstruction.

Gum treatments and referral pathway

Periodontal treatment typically begins with a consultation that includes probing to measure gum pocket depth and, often, radiographs to assess bone loss. A healthy sulcus measures 3 millimeters or less; pockets of 4 to 6 millimeters suggest mild to moderate disease, while 7 millimeters or deeper indicates advanced periodontitis requiring intervention beyond routine cleaning.

If a general dentist diagnoses moderate periodontitis or if a patient experiences bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth despite home care, referral to Alspaugh is appropriate. Some patients self-refer after noticing gum recession or learning from an online search that their symptoms demand specialist care. Unlike a procedural specialist such as an oral surgeon, a periodontist often becomes a long-term partner: after surgical treatment, patients typically return for maintenance cleanings (often called periodontal maintenance) every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval, because the underlying disease risk remains.

Services and what they involve

Alspaugh's scope includes scaling and root planing, which removes tartar and smooths the tooth root to allow gum reattachment. For advanced cases, flap surgery (also called pocket reduction surgery) allows direct access to clean the root surface and, if needed, add bone graft material to rebuild lost support. Some patients need extractions when teeth are too compromised, and Alspaugh can place dental implants immediately after, on a staged timeline, or refer for restorative work to a general dentist or prosthodontist.

Specific pricing for periodontal treatments varies by insurance coverage and case complexity. Scaling and root planing on a limited area can range from $150 to $400 per quadrant (one-quarter of the mouth), depending on depth and inflammation. Flap surgery starts around $1,500 to $3,000 per area and may be covered partially by insurance if medically necessary. Bone grafting adds $500 to $1,500 depending on volume and graft source (synthetic, human, or animal). For exact costs, patients should request a written estimate after the consultation; most periodontists in Oklahoma City ask for this conversation before starting treatment.

Comparison to Oklahoma City periodontists

Oklahoma City has a small but established periodontist community. Alspaugh competes with a handful of other specialists, including periodontists in practices affiliated with OU College of Dentistry's clinic on Stonebrook and private practices in Edmond and Nichols Hills. A key differentiator is geography: Alspaugh's location (which you should verify directly) may offer shorter drive times than outlying specialists. Another is engagement style—some periodontists emphasize surgical intervention; others favor initial conservative care. Alspaugh's approach and communication style are best assessed during a consultation, where you can gauge whether the office explains the severity of your condition clearly and outlines a stepwise treatment plan rather than recommending everything at once.

If your general dentist recommends periodontal referral, ask whether Alspaugh has a working relationship with your dentist's office. Some practices have standing referral patterns and offer streamlined communication. Others require you to gather records and refer yourself.

Who suits Alspaugh's practice and who does not

Alspaugh's practice is right for patients with moderate to advanced gum disease, those facing tooth loss and considering implants, and anyone whose general dentist has identified bone loss or deep pockets unresponsive to routine care. It is also appropriate for patients who have had periodontal treatment and need long-term maintenance to prevent relapse.

His practice is not the starting point for mild gingivitis (bleeding gums, no pocket depth) or for routine preventive care. Those belong with your general dentist. Similarly, if you are seeking cosmetic gum contouring or a gum graft for recession solely for appearance, verify that Alspaugh's focus aligns; some periodontists emphasize disease management and functional outcomes over cosmetic refinement.

What the first visit involves

Expect a new-patient appointment of 60 to 90 minutes. The office will obtain a health and dental history, perform probing of all tooth sites, and likely take full-mouth radiographs or cone-beam scans to assess bone level. Alspaugh will discuss findings, explain your disease severity using measurements and images, and outline a recommended treatment plan with timing and cost. Most offices provide a written estimate. Insurance questions are answered during or after the visit. You will not receive treatment on day one unless it is a simple, pre-scheduled procedure; the initial visit is diagnostic and educational.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm hours directly with the office by phone. Periodontists in Oklahoma City typically keep Monday-through-Friday schedules, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional early morning or evening slots. Parking at a specialist's office is generally ample on-site or nearby. Check whether your insurance requires a referral from your general dentist; some plans do, some do not. If you are self-pay or your insurance coverage is unclear, request a cost estimate in writing before booking.

Alspaugh's depth in periodontal disease and surgical technique makes him a necessary referral point for Oklahoma City dentists managing moderate to severe gum disease. A patient armed with understanding of pocket depth, bone loss, and realistic timelines for healing will maximize the value of a specialist visit.