Common Questions
General Questions
What is going to happen on my first visit?
On your first visit to our office, you will receive a periodontal examination. You should experience little, if any, discomfort during this examination. If necessary, x-rays will be taken to further evaluate any loss of bone around your teeth.Afterwards, our findings and your options for treatment will be thoroughly explained. At that time, your periodontist will answer any questions you may have.
Our goal is that you leave with a complete understanding of your condition and the treatment needed to restore you to optimum oral health
How much will treatment cost and will my insurance cover it?
Everyone deserves to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. While periodontal treatment is not as costly as replacing natural teeth due to tooth loss, its cost can vary greatly depending upon your needs.If you have dental insurance, this may provide full or partial coverage. We file claims as a courtesy to our patients.
We feel that finances should never be an obstacle to treatment. For your convenience, we offer several payment options. We also have payment plans to suit your individual needs. Our financial coordinator will be happy to answer any of your financial or insurance questions
What are the medical consequences if I delay treatment?
When periodontal infection gets into the bone around your teeth, it can then enter your blood stream. From there it travels to other parts of the body and can contribute to medical problems.Recent research has found that patients with periodontal disease are more than twice as likely to suffer heart disease and stroke. Please read the section entitled "Dental & Medical Consequences" to see an overview of recent research correlating periodontal disease with serious medical problems
Do you use the latest equipment and techniques?
We keep ourselves up to date regarding equipment and periodontal procedures. You can be certain you will receive state-of-the-art care in our office.Regarding sterilization, we believe that all procedures should be safe as well as comfortable. We use only the latest sterilization techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the section entitled "Procedures."
What other treatments do you provide?
Prescriptive Periodontal Procedures:
- Crown lengthening
- Antibiotic treatment
- Aesthetic Ridge augmentation
- Connective tissue grafting
Cosmetic Procedures:
- Gum lifts
- Aesthetic crown lengthening
- Soft tissue grafting
For more information on these procedures, please see the section entitled "Procedures."
How is my general dentist important in my overall care?
In many cases, your general dentist may do your preliminary periodontal treatment and a portion of your periodontal maintenance
Questions Relating to Periodontal Disease
What is periodontal disease?
This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more information, please see the section entitled "Periodontal Disease."
What are the symptoms of periodontal infection?
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Tooth sensitivity to heat/cold
- Bad breath
- Deep pockets around the teeth
- Spaces between the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Missing teeth
- Gums receding around the teeth (longer looking teeth)
For more information see the section entitled "Periodontal Disease."
Why, all of a sudden, is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?
Patients with periodontal infection have a lowered resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection that can grow in bursts of activity. Some factors that can cause a dramatic increase in the severity of your periodontal disease are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Stress
- Diet
- Age
- Illness
Two other important factors are:
- Lack of regular dental checkups
- Lack of regular dental cleanings
When your infection has a burst of growth, or when there are signs that this may occur, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment
How is periodontal disease treated?
Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums and jawbone. The goal of treatment is to remove this infection and prevent it from coming back. The specific treatment required will vary with each patients' individual needs. After your initial examination, we will completely explain your different treatment options.For more information see Periodontal Disease Treatment
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
One of our primary concerns is that you have a comfortable experience during treatment. Towards this end, we offer an extensive array of the latest techniques to minimize discomfort. Many of our patients are amazed at how little discomfort they experience.For more information on the patient comfort techniques we use, see our Procedures page
Why must I start treatment right away?
Periodontal infection grows in "bursts of activity."
It is likely that you have been referred to us because your general dentist has noticed an increase in infection activity. This infection eats away at the bone that supports your teeth (leading to tooth loss). If not treated, there can be a number of consequences. Please see the Dental & Medical Consequences section for a list of these.
These medications are administered intravenously. Your periodontist administer just enough medication to make you relaxed and comfortable. You are carefully monitored, and additional medication can be easily administered throughout the procedure to ensure your sustained comfort.
Questions Relating to Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Implants are natural looking replacements for missing teeth. The implant itself is a post that attaches to your jawbone. This post provides an anchor for your general dentist to place crowns, bridges or other restorations.Dental implants begin with an evaluation by your general dentist who will decide if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
For more detailed information, please see the section entitled "Dental Implants."
The Success Rate of Dental Implants
After their healing period, the success rate of dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
The discomfort involved with receiving a dental implant is similar to that of having a cavity filled. It is often done under local anesthesia and patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone. Though the life span of a dental implant will vary with each patient, many can last beyond 30 years. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.
Bone Regeneration
A critical question in determining whether an implant can be placed is, "Is there enough bone to support the implant?" Fortunately, advanced bone regeneration techniques now make it possible to place many more implants than just 10 years ago.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment begins with an evaluation by your general dentist who will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If he feels dental implants might be possible, he will send you to a periodontist for a placement evaluation.
Do implants work as well as natural teeth?
Dental implants function much better than removable teeth, (e.g. partials or dentures). Patients often comment that dental implants are so natural in appearance and function that it is like having their natural teeth back. Today's advancements make implants function within 90% of the efficiency of natural teeth in terms of both bite and feel.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of implants varies from patient to patient, depending on the complexity of each case. As a general rule, however, the investment is comparable to that of fixed bridgework.
How soon is it possible to eat after receiving dental
implants?
As soon as the final restoration has been placed, you can resume normal eating again. A strict soft diet is necessary between placing the implant and placing the final restoration, since stress prior to the final cementing of the restorative tooth could cause the implant to be weakened and fail.