First Visit
- You will be greeted by our receptionist, Michelle, who will help you register your details and direct you around the practice. Your personal information will remain confidential at all times, and is never passed to anyone outside of the practice.
- You will be asked to fill in a short medical history questionnaire. If you take any medications, please bring a list of them along, or if you prefer, simply bring the medication(s) with you.
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If you have medical or dental insurance, please bring any forms or insurance cards with you to the appointment.
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Dr. Doody or Dr. Dace will chat to you about your gum or implant needs, and a thorough examination of your mouth and gums will be completed. Usually, some x-rays are taken to help confirm the diagnosis and to establish a treatment plan.
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Dr. Doody or Dr. Dace will talk you through the findings, and give you a plan of any work (including costs) if something is required. They will then write to your referring dentist to keep them informed.
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Please feel free to ask questions if you do not understand anything.
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You will be shown back to the reception area to complete your appointment, and to help you schedule any further appointments if these are necessary.
Please Note: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation appointment.
Will It Hurt?
We will be as gentle as possible. 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. Usually, it is necessary to supplement your original x-rays to allow full assessment of your treatment needs.
What Will It Cost?
Since all patients are different, 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 estimate of treatment costs can usually be determined and given to you 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.
Will My Insurance Cover The Cost?
Will I Need Surgery?
Not everyone needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.
Can My Teeth Be Saved?
The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat most teeth. Periodontal therapy has an extremely high success rate. Occasionally, it is necessary to consider removing a problematic tooth, but the goal of treatment is to keep all teeth where possible.
When Will I Go Back To My General Dentist?
Our office and your dentist will work closely together. If crowns and fillings etc. are needed, your dentist will provide them. Regular visits to your dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance. You should continue to attend your dentist for routine check-ups irrespective of any work that is completed at our practice, and we will keep in contact with your dentist to update them of your treatment with us.
What If I Don’t Have Gum Treatment?
Periodontal disease is a progressive, painless infection. Delay can cause you further bone loss and more expense. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own teeth.