Paula C Cothran DDS, PC in Oklahoma City: Periodontal Specialist for Gum Disease and Implant Planning
Paula C Cothran DDS, PC is a periodontal specialty practice in Oklahoma City that focuses on treating gum disease, managing bone loss, and preparing patients for dental implants. The practice operates as a referral-based periodontist office, meaning most patients arrive with a treatment plan from their general dentist rather than as self-referred cases, though new patients may call directly to schedule a consultation.
What gum treatment actually involves
Periodontal disease ranges from gingivitis (inflammation of the gum line, reversible with improved hygiene) to periodontitis (infection below the gum that damages bone and ligaments supporting teeth). Cothran's practice manages both stages. Early cases may require scaling and root planing (deep cleaning under local anesthetic to remove tartar and bacteria below the gum line). Advanced cases often need surgical intervention: flap surgery lifts the gum to access and clean the root surface, sometimes combined with bone grafting to rebuild lost support. Some patients also come to Cothran's office for implant site assessment and grafting before placing a replacement tooth.
The referral pathway works this way: your general dentist evaluates your gums during routine care, detects pocketing (measured with a probe in millimeters; pockets deeper than 4 mm indicate bone loss), and refers you to a periodontist. This is standard for moderate to severe gum disease in Oklahoma City. Cothran's practice will take the referral, pull imaging, and create a treatment plan based on pocket depth, bone levels, and whether teeth can be saved or must be extracted.
Treatment options and cost structure
Cothran's practice charges based on the type of procedure. Verify current fees by calling, as periodontal treatment costs fluctuate with the scope of surgery and the number of teeth involved.
Common procedures and typical Oklahoma City ranges (confirmation recommended):
- Scaling and root planing per quadrant: $150–$300 per section of the mouth; many insurance plans cover 50–80% after the deductible.
- Flap surgery per quadrant: $600–$1,200; this involves lifting the gum, cleaning the root and bone, and repositioning the tissue.
- Bone grafting: $300–$600 per site if combined with flap surgery; additional cost if done as a standalone procedure for implant prep.
- Gum grafting (soft-tissue transplant for recession): $300–$700 per tooth.
Insurance coverage varies widely. Medicare typically does not cover periodontal surgery; many commercial plans require a referral and may have annual maximums ($1,000–$2,000 typical). Uninsured patients should ask about package pricing for multi-tooth cases or payment plans; many periodontists in Oklahoma City offer financing through CareCredit or in-house arrangements.
How Cothran's office compares to other Oklahoma City periodontists
Oklahoma City has a handful of board-certified periodontists. Cothran's practice is established, accepts most major insurance, and operates as a referral-based office. Other notable periodontists in the area include those in larger dental groups or hospital-affiliated settings; these may offer sedation options or implant restoration in-house, which can streamline care for patients needing multiple services. Cothran's office is smaller and focused primarily on the periodontal surgical and grafting side of the specialty. Choose Cothran if your general dentist has a strong working relationship with the practice or if you prefer a focused periodontist office; choose a larger group or hospital-based periodontist if you want all implant care (surgical placement and crown restoration) under one roof.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
This practice is right for patients with diagnosed gum disease or bone loss who have been referred by their general dentist and are ready for professional treatment. It suits patients who have dental insurance that covers periodontal surgery, because Cothran's office will file claims and coordinate benefits. It also suits patients saving teeth before implant placement or preparing a site for an implant.
It is not the right fit for cosmetic gum contouring without underlying disease, preventive-only gum care (your general dentist handles that), or patients seeking implant placement and restoration in one visit (Cothran provides the surgical prep; your restorative dentist or prosthodontist places the crown).
What to expect on the first visit
Your first appointment will include a full periodontal exam: pocket depth measurements at multiple sites on each tooth, X-rays to assess bone level, and a visual assessment of recession or gum swelling. The periodontist will discuss findings, show you imaging, and explain whether you need scaling and root planing first, immediate surgery, or implant site assessment. If you have insurance, the office will verify coverage and often give you an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before proceeding. The first visit typically takes 45 minutes to an hour; actual treatment is scheduled separately.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Confirm hours directly with the practice, as office schedules can shift with surgical caseload. Most Oklahoma City periodontists operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m. typical) and do not staff weekends. Street or lot parking is usually available at the office location. The practice is located in Oklahoma City proper, making it accessible from most parts of the metro area within 15–25 minutes of drive time depending on traffic.
Paula C Cothran DDS, PC fills a necessary role in Oklahoma City's dental referral network for patients with moderate to severe gum disease and those planning implants. The practice's focus on surgical periodontal care makes it a reliable choice for cases that require specialist-level intervention.
