Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen at my first visit?
Please assist us at the time of your initial visit to the office by providing the following information:
Please Note: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is responsible for payment of services at all treatment appointments.
Please notify the office if you have a medical condition or concern prior to any consultation appointment or treatment (e.g. artificial heart valves or joints, heart murmurs requiring pre-medication, severe diabetes, or hypertension).
Please notify us if you require antibiotic pre-medication prior to dental appointments (this includes your initial consultation appointment).
We will complete an in depth medical and dental health history and a thorough examination to evaluate for bone loss, loose teeth, bite issues, oral cancer screening, TMJ concerns, and other signs of periodontal disease.
Will it hurt?
The periodontal exam can usually be completed with little or no discomfort. Every effort will be made to ensure your complete and total comfort. In the rare event that we are unable to complete portions of your exam due to anxiety or discomfort, this information can very simply be gathered at a future appointment. This is routinely done under local anesthesia or sedation (oral or intravenous) to prevent any discomfort.
Do I need x-rays (radiographs)?
We will need current, accurate, and diagnostic periodontal radiographs in order to see disease not otherwise visible. If your referring dentist has taken x-rays, you may request that they be forwarded to our office; however, they may be of limited use depending upon your needs. For implant treatment, we will usually take specialized digital radiographs allowing us to make accurate measurements which provide safer and better treatment outcomes for you.
What will it cost?
Since all patients are different, we must complete your examination before establishing your treatment plan and the fee for care. The fee for periodontal treatment can vary considerably depending on the type of problems and the complexity and length of treatment. An approximate fee can usually be determined at the initial visit, but on occasion, some initial treatment or further diagnostics must be completed before the final treatment plan can be established. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals and help you keep your teeth.
Will my Insurance cover the cost?
Dental benefits often cover periodontal treatment to some degree depending upon the plan you, or your employer, have chosen. Please bring all dental cards to your examination appointment. Upon request, we will be happy to submit a claim to predetermine your dental benefits; however, this is not required by most plans.
Will I need surgery if I have gum problems?
Not everyone needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation. Surgery is a specialized form of treatment that periodontists are trained to perform to save teeth, regenerate lost tissues, and eliminate infection in the gums that cannot be managed by routine non-surgical scaling procedures. Contemporary surgical procedures are routinely used to regenerate bone and gum tissues lost by past infection. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals and help you keep your teeth.
Can my teeth be saved?
The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat most teeth. If your condition has advanced beyond a point at which a tooth (or teeth) can be predictably saved, we do have very reliable replacement options available that we perform in coordination with your general dentist. (see Dental Implants)
When will I go back to my general dentist?
Our office and your dentist will work together as a team. If crowns and fillings are needed, your dentist will provide them. Regular visits to your dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance for you. If you have been referred for treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, you will begin alternating cleaning appointments between our offices as soon as stability is achieved. Your treatment and cleaning schedule will be tailored towards your specific dental needs. Our goal and commitment to you is attainment of periodontal (gum) tissue health to help you maintain your teeth for a lifetime. We will take whatever steps necessary to assist you in attainment of this goal.
What if I don't have gum treatment?
Periodontal disease is a progressive, usually painless infection. Delay can cause you further bone loss, loss of more teeth, and greater expense. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own teeth.
Recent research shows that an infection in your mouth, such as periodontal disease, can affect your overall health. Bacteria, and bacterial by-products, enter the blood stream during routine brushing, flossing and eating activities. Evidence indicates that periodontal disease can lead to an elevated risk of stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis, pre-term low birth weight infants, pneumonia, and can affect control of diabetes. You can read more about the Mouth-Body Connection under the Periodontal Disease Section of our website, or visit the American Academy of Periodontology website (www.perio.org) for more up-to-date information on how an infection in your mouth can affect your overall health.