Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON MY FIRST VISIT?

Please provide us with the following information at the time of your initial visit to the office:

Your referral slip and x-rays (if available) from your referring dentist.

A list of medications you are currently taking (please note that you can fill out your new patient registration and medical history form on our website by clicking here.

If you have dental insurance, please bring your insurance information with you.

Please Note: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the initial examination appointment.

Please notify the office if you have a medical condition or concern prior to surgery (e.g. artificial heart valves or joints, heart murmurs requiring pre-medication, severe diabetes, or hypertension).

We will complete an in-depth medical and dental health history and a thorough examination to measure for bone loss, loose teeth, bite, oral cancer screening, TMJ, and other signs of periodontal disease.

WILL IT HURT?

The periodontal exam can be completed with little or no discomfort.

DO I NEED X-RAYS?

We will need current periodontal x-rays in order to see disease not otherwise visible. If your referring dentist has taken x-rays, you may request that they be forwarded to us, or you may bring them with you. If you require more x-rays in order to properly diagnose you, we are pleased to offer our patients Digital Radiography.

Taking x-rays digitally, exposes our patients to considerably less radiation,imaging availability is instantaneous and diagnostic clarity and detail are remarkable. It also allows us the opportunity to electronically transfer your digital x-rays to your dentist or other specialists as needed who are connected via email.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

Your periodontist must complete your examination before establishing your treatment plan and the fee for care. The fee for periodontal treatment can vary depending on the type of problems and the complexity and length of treatment. An approximate fee can usually be determined at the initial visit; however, some treatment or further diagnostics may be needed to complete the established cost.

Our philosophy is to provide the finest and most comprehensive treatment of periodontology and implant placement.

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE COST?

Dental insurance policies often cover periodontal treatment. Please bring all medical and dental benefit information and cards to your examination appointment. Upon request, we will submit form to predetermine your insurance benefits.

WILL I NEED SURGERY?

If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation.

CAN MY TEETH BE SAVED?

The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat most situations without the loss of your teeth.

WHEN WILL I GO BACK TO MY GENERAL DENTIST?

We will work closely with your dentist. Restorative treatments such as crowns, bridges, etc. will be provided by your dentist in consultation with your periodontist. Regular visits to your dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE GUM TREATMENT?

Periodontal disease is a progressive, painless infection. Delay in treatment can cause further bone loss and endanger your teeth, as well as increase the cost of treatment. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own teeth.

TYPES OF SEDATION

We understand that many of our patients are apprehensive to surgical therapy. We offer a variety of anxiety reducing approaches, including hypnosis, oral sedation and in office IV sedation (done by our dental anesthetist). Please feel free to discuss with your periodontist the issues that may cause you anxiety so that we can make your periodontal surgical experience as comfortable as possible.