Where are you located?

Our office is at 11205 N. May Ave, Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. We serve patients throughout the Oklahoma City metro area, including Edmond, Yukon, and Nichols Hills.

We have plenty of parking available at our office. Patients may park in any designated Dental or Melrose parking spots directly in front of and around the building.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! We welcome new patients and do our best to accommodate most visits within one week. Call us at 405-755-4450 or use the online booking form to schedule your first appointment.

What are your office hours?

We are open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office is closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

What is holistic biological dentistry?

Holistic dentistry treats your oral health as part of your total body wellness. It means using biocompatible, metal-free materials, avoiding toxins like mercury and BPA, using digital X-rays that produce up to 90% less radiation, and looking at how your teeth, jaw, and airway connect to your overall health.

Do you use mercury fillings?

No. We do not place any amalgam silver or mercury fillings. We use only composite, porcelain, ceramic, and other non-metallic, biocompatible materials for all restorations.

What is SMART amalgam removal?

SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, a protocol developed by the IAOMT to minimize mercury vapor and particle exposure during amalgam removal. Dr. Ousley is trained in both SMART and the Hal Huggins protocol. She was trained by Dr. Hal Huggins himself in Colorado Springs in 1995, more than 20 years before the formal SMART technique was introduced.

What is CBCT airway imaging and why is it important?

CBCT gives us a full 3D view of your teeth, jaw, airway, sinuses, and skull structures in one scan. The scan takes about 20 seconds and produces only 68 micro sieverts of radiation, compared to 1200-3300 for a medical CT scan. Each scan is read by a board-certified radiologist at no additional charge.

Do you offer Botox and dermal fillers?

Yes. Dr. Ousley offers Botox and JUVEDERM dermal fillers as part of our cosmetic services. Botox can also be used therapeutically to relieve jaw tension, TMJ pain, and teeth grinding. Treatments are performed in the comfort of our dental office.

Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?

Yes. Dentists specially trained in dental sleep medicine can provide oral appliance therapy. Dr. Ousley is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, the highest level of credentialing in this field.

Does insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

Many medical insurance plans, including Medicare, cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea. We now bill medical insurance and Medicare directly for sleep appliances. Coverage varies by plan so call our office and we can help verify your benefits before treatment begins.

What is a tongue tie and how does it affect adults?

A tongue tie is a restrictive band of tissue under the tongue that limits its range of motion. In adults, a restricted tongue can contribute to sleep apnea, mouth breathing, jaw pain, TMJ issues, dental crowding, headaches, neck tension, and speech difficulties, and frequently goes undiagnosed for years.

Do you use a laser for tongue tie release?

Yes. Dr. Ousley uses laser technology to perform frenectomies, offering patients a more precise and comfortable procedure. Laser frenectomy typically means minimal bleeding, faster healing time, reduced risk of infection, and in most cases no sutures are needed.

What is myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a program of targeted exercises that retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to work correctly, like physical therapy for your mouth. Our on-site therapist Jennifer DeJonge, RDH, OMT works with patients ages 4 and up.

Do you offer alternatives to root canals?

When a tooth has infection or damage that reaches the nerve there are two evidence-based options. Option 1 is a root canal, which Dr. Ousley believes is safe and effective when performed by an endodontist specialist. Option 2 is extraction, which requires tooth replacement via bridge or implant. Implants involve a metal post which raises biocompatibility concerns. Dr. Ousley will refer you to a trusted endodontist and provide a biocompatible metal-free crown after treatment.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept most major dental insurance plans. For sleep apnea appliances we also bill medical insurance and Medicare directly. Please call our office at 405-755-4450 to verify your specific plan before your appointment.

Signs You Need a Deep Dental Cleaning

laurabousley
7 days ago
3 min read

Protect Your Smile and Your Overall Health

Most people know they should visit the dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams. However, sometimes a standard dental cleaning isn't enough to remove harmful bacteria and buildup beneath the gumline. When gum disease begins to develop, a deep dental cleaning—also known as scaling and root planing—may be necessary to restore your oral health.

At our Oklahoma City dental office, we believe that healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Understanding the signs that you may need a deep dental cleaning can help prevent serious dental problems and support your overall wellness.

What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?

A deep dental cleaning is a non-surgical periodontal treatment designed to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. Unlike a routine cleaning, which focuses on the surfaces of your teeth, scaling and root planing targets the pockets that form between the teeth and gums when gum disease develops.

The procedure typically involves:

Removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
Smoothing the tooth roots to help gums reattach
Reducing bacterial buildup
Preventing the progression of periodontal disease

1. Your Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss

Occasional bleeding may not seem like a big deal, but healthy gums generally should not bleed during daily oral hygiene.

If you notice blood when brushing, flossing, or eating certain foods, it may be an early sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. A deep cleaning can help remove the bacteria causing inflammation and restore gum health.

2. Persistent Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by bacteria trapped beneath the gumline.

Even if you brush regularly, bacteria hiding in periodontal pockets can continue to produce unpleasant odors. Deep dental cleaning removes these bacteria and often helps improve persistent bad breath.

3. Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums

Healthy gums should appear pink and firm.

If your gums look red, feel swollen, or are tender to the touch, your body may be responding to an infection caused by plaque and tartar buildup. These symptoms often indicate gum inflammation that may require more than a routine cleaning.

4. Receding Gums

Have your teeth started to look longer than they used to?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. This can be a sign of advancing gum disease and should be evaluated by a dental professional.

Deep cleaning can help stop the progression of gum disease and protect the supporting structures of your teeth.

5. Loose Teeth

Adult teeth should feel stable and secure.

When periodontal disease damages the bone and tissues supporting your teeth, they may begin to shift or feel loose. This is a serious warning sign that should be addressed promptly.

A deep dental cleaning is often one of the first steps in managing periodontal disease and preventing further damage.

6. Tartar Buildup Along the Gumline

Plaque that isn't removed through brushing and flossing hardens into tartar.

Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed at home and requires professional treatment. Significant tartar buildup near or below the gumline often indicates the need for scaling and root planing.

7. Deep Gum Pockets

During your dental exam, your dentist or hygienist may measure the spaces between your teeth and gums.

Healthy gum pockets are typically between 1 and 3 millimeters deep. Pockets measuring 4 millimeters or more may indicate gum disease and can harbor harmful bacteria.

Deep dental cleaning helps eliminate bacteria from these pockets and encourages healing.

Why Treat Gum Disease Early?

Untreated gum disease can lead to:

Tooth loss
Bone loss in the jaw
Chronic inflammation
Increased risk of systemic health concerns
More extensive and costly dental treatments

Research continues to show connections between oral health and overall health, making periodontal care an important part of whole-body wellness.

How to Prevent the Need for Deep Dental Cleaning

While some patients are more susceptible to gum disease due to genetics or health conditions, you can reduce your risk by:

Brushing twice daily
Flossing every day
Using recommended oral hygiene products
Maintaining regular dental visits
Avoiding tobacco products
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation in Oklahoma City

If you're experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, or other signs of gum disease, don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention can help protect your smile and support your long-term health.

Our dental team provides comprehensive periodontal evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve healthier gums and a healthier life. Contact Laura B. Ousley, DDS 405-755-4450 today to schedule an appointment and learn whether a deep dental cleaning may be right for you.

405-755-4450