Yes, we will need recent dental x-rays to help us accurately diagnose your periodontal health—these allow us to see areas that aren’t visible during a visual exam. If your referring dentist has taken a Full Mouth Series (a set of about 18–20 images that show all of your teeth and the surrounding bone) within the last 12 months, you may request that they send them to our office. A Full Mouth Series is typically taken every 3–5 years and gives us a complete picture of your oral health.
In our office, there is no cost for x-rays—we don’t even bill your insurance for them. We simply want to ensure we have the information we need to provide the best possible care for you.
Because every patient’s needs are unique, your periodontist will first complete a thorough examination before determining your treatment plan and fee for care. The cost of periodontal treatment can vary significantly depending on the type of issues present, as well as the complexity and length of treatment. In most cases, we can provide an approximate fee at your initial visit; however, in certain situations, some preliminary treatment or additional diagnostics may be needed before a final plan and cost are confirmed.
At every new patient appointment, you will meet with the doctor first to establish the treatment needed and to have all of your questions answered. Afterward, our treatment coordinator will review the financial details of the proposed care. If applicable, we will also submit a predetermination of benefits to your insurance company so you have a clear understanding of your potential coverage.
Our goal is for every patient to have a good idea of their treatment costs up front, and we are committed to treating as conservatively as possible while achieving the best results.
Many dental insurance plans include coverage for periodontal treatment, though the extent of coverage can vary by plan. Please bring your dental insurance information and card to your examination appointment.
After your exam and consultation with the doctor, our treatment coordinator will review your proposed treatment plan and submit a predetermination of benefits to your insurance company (if applicable). This allows you to see an estimate of what your plan may cover and what your out-of-pocket costs might be—so you can make informed decisions about your care before treatment begins.
Not everyone with gum disease requires surgery. When detected early, many cases can be managed effectively with non-surgical treatments. After your exam, your periodontist will make recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Our philosophy is to treat as conservatively as possible while still achieving the best results for your oral health.
Thanks to recent advances in periodontal care, we can successfully treat and preserve most teeth affected by gum disease. With early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and ongoing maintenance, many patients are able to keep their natural teeth for life. After a thorough exam, your periodontist will determine the best approach to restore your gum health and support your teeth for the long term. Our goal is always to save your natural teeth whenever possible.
Our office works closely with your general dentist to ensure you receive the best overall care. If you need crowns, fillings, or other general dental treatments, your dentist will provide those services. Once your periodontal treatment is complete, you will return to your general dentist for routine care—though you may also visit us periodically for specialized maintenance. Regular visits to your dentist remain an important part of keeping your gums and teeth healthy long-term.
Periodontal disease is a progressive infection that often develops without pain—so it can worsen before you even realize it. Delaying treatment can lead to further bone loss, more complex procedures, and greater expense over time. Untreated gum disease has also been linked to other serious health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions.
If gum disease progresses to the point of tooth loss, dentures and other replacements can help restore function, but they can never fully match the comfort and effectiveness of your own natural teeth. Treating gum disease early offers the best chance to protect your teeth, gums, overall health, and quality of life.
Most patients experience very little discomfort during or after LANAP. Because the laser is gentle and precise, healing tends to be faster, with less swelling or sensitivity. Many patients return to normal activities the same day or the next.
LANAP may be right for you if you have moderate to severe gum disease and want a less invasive treatment option. After your exam, we can determine if LANAP is the best choice for your situation.
Initial healing typically takes 1–2 weeks, though complete healing may take a few months. We will provide detailed instructions to keep you comfortable and ensure the best results.
Crown lengthening is a procedure to reshape the gum and bone around a tooth to expose more of the tooth’s surface. It may be recommended to help restore a tooth that is broken or decayed below the gumline, or for cosmetic reasons to improve a “gummy” smile.
No. While crown lengthening can enhance your smile’s appearance, it is often performed for functional reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a crown or filling.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a small titanium post placed into the jawbone. Once healed, a crown is attached to restore appearance and function. The process usually involves a few months of healing for the bone to integrate with the implant.
With proper care, dental implants can last decades—often a lifetime. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are key to their success.
After a tooth is removed, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink. Ridge preservation involves placing bone graft material into the socket to maintain bone height and width.
Yes. Preserving the ridge makes it easier to place a dental implant later, with better stability and aesthetics.
Ridge augmentation rebuilds areas of the jaw where bone has been lost, often due to tooth loss or injury. This creates a stable foundation for dental implants and restores natural contours to the jaw.
A sinus lift is a procedure to add bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. It is often needed if the sinus is too close to the jaw for a dental implant to be placed safely.
A frenectomy removes or loosens the small fold of tissue (frenum) that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums. It can help with speech issues, orthodontic treatment, or gum recession caused by a tight frenum.
Expose and bond is often done in coordination with orthodontic treatment to help guide a tooth that hasn’t erupted properly (often a canine) into its correct position. We uncover the tooth and attach a small bracket so your orthodontist can gently move it into place.
A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue to examine under a microscope. It can help diagnose unusual growths, persistent sores, or other changes in your mouth.
You will be given care instructions and results are typically available within 2-3 weeks. If treatment is needed, we will discuss the next steps with you.
SFOT is a procedure that gently reshapes the bone around teeth to help them move more quickly and efficiently during orthodontic treatment. It can shorten treatment time and improve results.
Patients with moderate to severe crowding or those who want to speed up orthodontic treatment may benefit. An exam will determine if SFOT is right for you.
