FAQs

As a courtesy to our patients, we will file all claims with your dental insurance carrier, however, you are responsible for all charges on your account. Keep in mind, there are many types of plans and coverage is different for each one. Our doctors are not in-network with any insurance companies, please check your plan for out of network benefits. After your initial consultation and upon request, our team is happy to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance carrier for any recommended treatment. Most insurance companies will respond in 4-6 weeks. This will give you the most accurate estimate of what your insurance will cover. A payment is required every 30 days on account and finance charges are assessed on any unpaid balance after 60 days.

During your first visit, a thorough evaluation of your oral health from a very caring team who places emphasis on listening and education. This will include a discussion of your medical and dental history, a physical examination of your gums and teeth and potential radiographs, followed by a discussion of your treatment options.

The best way to find out is regularly visiting your dentist for check-ups. Around 4 out of every 5 people have periodontal disease and don’t even know it. The reason for this is periodontal disease is typically painless in the early stages. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria left on the teeth and gums for long periods of time. The bacteria produce toxins the that cause gum inflammation which in turn causes you to lose the bone that is holding your teeth in place. Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease: Genetics – Patients with a family history of periodontal disease may be pre-disposed to having the disease themselves Smoking – Tobacco uses are more likely than non-users to develop periodontal disease. Diabetes – Patients with DM type 1 and type 2 are at high risk for developing periodontal disease Medications – Blood pressure medication, steroids, anti-convulsant, and many other drugs can directly affect the health of your gums Pregnancy – Changes in hormone levels can cause your gums to be more susceptible to bacterial toxins Certain dental appliances – Bridges, crowded teeth and defective filling can trap bacteria.

The following are some common signs and symptoms: Swollen or puffy gums. Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched. Gums that bleed easily. A toothbrush that looks pink after brushing your teeth. Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth. Bad breath that won't go away. Pus between your teeth and gums. Loose teeth or loss of teeth. Painful chewing. New spaces that develop between your teeth that look like black triangles. Gums that pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer than usual, called receding gums. A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in both of these areas and more, including three additional years of education beyond dental school.

Instead of leaving your treatment to one dental professional, you should consider having both your general dentist and a periodontist be actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your periodontal disease. This team approach will help your general dentist (who is familiar with your dental and medical history) and your periodontist (who has extensive experience treating periodontal disease) work together to develop a treatment plan that works best for your specific case.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that may put you at higher risk for other diseases, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Home care is an important part of preventing/maintain periodontal disease. This includes brushing your teeth after every meal and before bedtime, flossing at least once each day, and seeing your dentist or periodontist on a regular basis.