| Why,
all of a sudden, is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?
|
| |
Periodontists have
advanced training in the treatment of periodontal disease
and dental implants.
Patients with periodontal infection have lower
resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing
gum infection that can grow in bursts of activity. Some factors
that can cause a dramatic speed-up of your periodontal disease
are:
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Poor
Oral Hygiene |
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Dental
Plaque |
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Smoking |
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Genetic
Factors |
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Stress |
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Diet |
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Age |
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Illness |
Two other important factors are:
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Lack
of regular dental checkups. |
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Lack
of regular dental cleanings. |
When your infection has a "burst"
of growth, or when there are signs that this is may occur,
periodontal treatment may be recommended.
Back to the
Questions
|
| 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. For more information
see Procedures.
After your initial examination, we will completely
explain the treatment you will need.
Back to the
Questions
|
| 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.
For more information on these techniques, see
Procedures.
Many of our patients come back stating
they are amazed at how little discomfort they experienced.
Back to the
Questions
|
What is going to happen on my first appointment?
|
| |
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 your findings and options for treatment
will be thoroughly explained. At that time the doctor 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.
Back to the Questions |
| 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. Our office will contact your insurance company
to learn what they will cover. We do accept assignment of most insurance
benefits and your responsibility will only be to cover the remainder.
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 insurance
coordinator will be happy to answer any of your financial or insurance
questions.
Back to the Questions
|
| Why must I
have my periodontal infection treated? |
| |
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.
Back to the 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 have 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.
Back to the Questions
|
| Do you work
with my general dentist regarding my periodontal care? |
| |
Your general dentist knows
your entire dental history, the condition of your teeth, and your
future dental needs. He is in charge of your overall dental care.
We work closely with him or her to ensure you will receive the best
possible dental care.
In many cases, your general dentist may do your preliminary
periodontal treatment and a portion of your periodontal maintenance
afterwards.
Back to the Questions
|
| What are
implants? |
| |
Implants are natural looking
replacements for missing teeth. The implant itself is a post that
is attached to your jawbone. This post provides an anchor for your
general dentist to place crowns, bridges or other restorations.
We are experts in the placement of dental implant
posts. 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".
Back to the Questions
|
| Do you use
the latest equipment and techniques? |
| |
We keep ourselves up to
date regarding equipment and periodontal procedures. You can be
sure 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".
Back to the Questions
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| What other
treatments do you provide? |
| |
Besides periodontal treatment
and dental implants, we can perform a number of procedures, including:
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Crown
Lengthening |
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Gingival
(gum) Grafting |
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Gingival
(gum) Contouring |
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Bone
Grafting |
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Frenectomy |
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Ridge
Augmentation |
For more information on these procedures, please
see the Section entitled "Procedures". Back to the Questions
|
