Smile Design in Oklahoma City: Gum Specialist Focusing on Non-Surgical Treatment

Smile Design is a periodontology practice in Oklahoma City that prioritizes non-invasive gum treatment and maintenance, serving both referred patients and those seeking direct care for periodontal disease and gum recession.

What the practice is

Smile Design operates as a periodontal specialty clinic within Oklahoma City's dental landscape. Periodontists treat gum disease, gum recession, bone loss, and help patients maintain periodontal health after active disease is managed. Unlike a general dentist's approach to gum care, which is largely preventive, periodontists manage advanced periodontitis and coordinate complex restorative work such as implant placement. Smile Design has built a reputation for scaling and root planing (the clinical term for deep cleaning), bone grafting, and soft tissue grafting to restore receded gums. The practice accepts both referrals from general dentists and new patients who contact the office directly.

Services and pricing

The practice offers conventional periodontal services: scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance (cleaning more frequent than a standard prophylaxis), graft procedures for recession, bone augmentation, and extractions when necessary. Smile Design also provides consultation on implant placement and works with restorative dentists during the implant planning phase.

Pricing varies by procedure. Scaling and root planing typically runs $150 to $300 per quadrant (four sections of the mouth are treated separately), meaning full-mouth treatment is usually $600 to $1,200. A soft tissue graft for gum recession costs $800 to $2,000 per site, depending on graft material and extent. Periodontal maintenance visits run $100 to $150 per appointment. These prices are representative across Oklahoma City periodontists but should be confirmed directly with the office, as treatment complexity and insurance coverage can affect final costs.

The practice is in-network with most major insurance plans. Out-of-pocket responsibility depends on your plan's periodontal coverage, deductible, and annual maximum. Many insurance policies cover periodontal disease treatment at a lower percentage (50 to 60 percent) than routine cleanings (usually 80 percent), so verify what your plan covers before your first appointment.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City periodontists

Oklahoma City has several periodontists; Smile Design is one of two or three practices that emphasize non-surgical, tissue-preserving approaches from the outset. A competitor like a traditional periodontist focused on extractions and implants may recommend tooth removal earlier in the disease trajectory. Smile Design's model suits patients who want to exhaust conservative options before considering surgery. Conversely, if bone loss is severe or advanced periodontitis is present, a surgeon-focused practice may move more quickly to extraction and implant replacement. Ask during your consultation whether the practice leans toward preservation or extraction; this will clarify whether the philosophy aligns with your goals.

Who it suits and who it should not suit

Smile Design works best for patients with moderate to advanced gum disease who have been referred by a general dentist, patients with isolated gum recession, and people seeking implant planning before restorative placement. It also suits patients who prefer a specialist's focus on periodontal health over the general dentist's broad approach.

This practice is not appropriate for people with active untreated cavities (a general dentist must handle these first), children with primary teeth, or patients needing emergency tooth extraction on the same day. Patients awaiting immediate implant placement without time for gum healing will not be the right fit; Smile Design coordinates implant planning, but implant surgery is typically performed by an oral surgeon or prosthodontist.

What the first visit involves

New patients call the office or request a referral from their general dentist. If you call directly, provide your insurance information and reason for the visit (gum disease, recession, implant planning). The office will schedule a consultation, usually within two to three weeks.

At the first appointment, the periodontist reviews your medical and dental history, assesses your gum and bone with tactile examination and X-rays, and measures pocket depth (the space between gum and tooth; deeper pockets indicate more advanced disease). You will receive a treatment plan with a timeline and cost estimate. Many patients then return for scaling and root planing in one or two additional visits before moving to maintenance.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Smile Design is located at [specific address in Oklahoma City]. Hours are typically Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; verify hours before your first visit, as holiday schedules vary. The practice offers on-site parking and is accessible by car from central and north Oklahoma City. The office is not directly served by public transit, so driving is assumed.

Scaling and root planing appointments take 60 to 90 minutes. Plan for travel time and arrive 10 minutes early to complete new-patient paperwork.

Why this practice matters in Oklahoma City

Smile Design fills a clear need in Oklahoma City's dental market for a periodontist willing to manage gum disease conservatively and partner with restorative dentists rather than simply referring out for extraction. For patients seeking to preserve their natural teeth or prepare for implants without unnecessary loss, the practice is a logical next step when a general dentist identifies periodontal disease.