Periodontics

Save the teeth
you already have.

Periodontal disease is treatable. Dr. Thomas R. Baker has spent over 30 years in San Francisco diagnosing it early and treating it in the least invasive way each tooth allows.

30+

Years practicing in San Francisco

Dental operating microscope of the type used for magnified periodontal surgery
Perioscope magnification
20-40x

Direct vision below the gumline, so deposits get removed instead of guessed at.

415-982-6316 Book a consult
Art Deco towers near Union Square, San Francisco, in morning fog

450 Sutter Street

Suite 1935, Union Square

Directions
American Academy of Periodontology Western Society of Periodontology California Society of Periodontists American Dental Association California Dental Association San Francisco Dental Society International Team for Implantology

The practice

Not every patient with periodontal disease needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without it.

Dr. Baker and his staff are committed to periodontal care in an environment of conscious compassion, information and choice. The practice specializes in saving teeth by treating the disease that causes tooth loss, replacing missing teeth, and collaborating with your general dentist so the whole plan holds together.

Thomas R. Baker, DDS/Periodontist, San Francisco

Treatment
offered

The level of care is matched to the need of the individual tooth. Where magnification lets Dr. Baker work through a small access point instead of a full surgical flap, that is the route taken.

Magnification

Seeing it is
how you treat it.

Traditionally the treatment for advanced periodontal disease has been surgical flap procedures. Dr. Baker pioneered a minimally invasive style using both the perioscope and the microscope, which lets him see magnified detail of tooth anatomy and deposits below the gumline.

The dental perioscope

Under local anesthesia a small fiber optic camera is placed below the gumline. That direct view allows a thorough cleaning at the bottom of the pocket with minimal to no surgical flap, which limits the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional periodontal surgery.

  • 20 to 40x video magnification
  • Direct vision of the tooth root
  • Pinpoints deposits causing bleeding
  • Catches problems in earlier stages

The dental microscope

Six steps of magnification give detail that is difficult to see even with traditional loupes, which keeps the surgical site small and the healing quicker.

  • Precise microsurgical incisions and suturing
  • Bone removal without nicking the root surface
  • Better detection of root fractures
30+

Years practicing in San Francisco

20-40x

Perioscope magnification

7

Professional societies

4

Years, U.S. Navy dental corps

About

Dr. Tom
Baker

Dental school
UMKC, 1973
Military service
U.S. Navy, 4 years
Periodontal residency
Wadsworth VA, Los Angeles
Study club
Union Square ITI, director

Dr. Tom Baker is a periodontist who has lived and practiced in San Francisco for over 30 years. He graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1973, then served four years as a dentist in the United States Navy, where he completed a one year general practice residency and a one year periodontal fellowship. His periodontal residency was at the Wadsworth Veterans Administration Hospital in Los Angeles from 1977 to 1979.

He is recognized for patient care and communication, and offers over 30 years of experience helping patients save teeth by diagnosing and treating periodontal disease in the least invasive way appropriate, using instruments such as the perioscope and microscope. Those instruments allow treatment that is more precise, with less to no post operative discomfort.

The team

  • Christina P. Chan

    Office Manager

  • Carol Baker

    Business Manager

  • Racheal Alvarez, RDH

    Hygienist

  • Donna Surhoff, RDA

    Assistant

  • Cesia Monteza, DA

    Assistant

Your first
visit

Most patients arrive on a referral from their general dentist. Bringing the right records to the first appointment means Dr. Baker can complete a full examination and talk through the plan that same day.

  1. 01

    Your referral slip and x-rays

    A full mouth set of periapical radiographs from your referring dentist. We will request them for you first. If we take a set here, your dentist receives a copy along with a letter explaining your periodontal health and the treatment planned.

  2. 02

    Registration form and medications

    Complete the patient registration and medical history form ahead of time, and bring a list of the medications you currently take. Tell us in advance about artificial heart valves or joints, heart murmurs requiring pre medication, severe diabetes or hypertension.

  3. 03

    Insurance details

    Bring any forms or insurance cards. If treatment is recommended we submit a pre authorization to determine an estimate of your coverage before anything begins.

  4. 04

    Examination and plan

    We review your medical and dental history, then measure for bone loss, gum recession, loose teeth, abnormal bite and other signs of periodontal disease. Fees follow the examination, because the plan has to exist before the number does.

For referring
dentists

Dr. Baker directs the Union Square ITI Study Club and is always glad to have new dental team members join. Call the office for details.

Imaging
Dexis x-rays, shareable in almost any format. Cone beam tomography is referred to CDental.
Implant systems
Straumann. Dr. Baker is available to consult and assist on abutment impression technique.
Referral slip
Available to download, or call the office at 415-982-6316 and we will send one over.

Come
see us.

Periodontal disease is quiet until it is not. If your dentist has mentioned pockets, bleeding or bone loss, a consultation is the fastest way to find out where you actually stand.

415-982-6316
info@tombakerdds.com Fax 415-982-2515

Office

450 Sutter Street, Suite 1935
San Francisco, CA 94108

Map and directions

Referrals

We work directly with your general dentist and send a written summary after your examination.

Request a consultation

We will call you back to find a time. Please do not send urgent medical details through this form.

Or call the office directly at 415-982-6316.

Thomas R. Baker, DDS Periodontics & Implants
Treatment Technology Dr. Baker First visit Contact

© 2026 Thomas R. Baker, DDS. 450 Sutter Street, Suite 1935, San Francisco, CA 94108.

General education only, not a substitute for a clinical diagnosis.