First Visit to a Periodontist
If you’ve recently been referred to a periodontist for oral healthcare, you may be wondering what will happen on your first visit. Periodontists are much like a general dentist’s practice. The major difference is that periodontists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease and tooth replacement. Therefore, your first visit will be much like a visit to your general dentist’s office. It will just be more focused. Read on to find out what you can expect in your first visit.
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is dentist who has received additionally training to become an expert in matters relating to the periodontium. The means that periodontists specialize in treating gum disease and the impacts of gum disease on your oral health. Periodontists complete a general doctorate of dentistry like all dentists, but then go on to complete at least 3 years of additional schooling and residency.
Why might I need to see a periodontist?
If you’ve been referred to a periodontist, it is because you have signs of gum disease or other tooth loss needs that your general dentist has determined require a specialist. Mild periodontal disease can typically be treated at a general dental practice, but if the symptoms are more severe or there are additional complicating health issues, you may be referred to a periodontist. Some of the signs of periodontal disease include bleeding or swollen gums, mouth pain, loss of teeth, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, changes in jaw structure, or changes in your bite. Additionally, if you are need of dental implants, a periodontist is typically the right specialist to see. If you’ve been referred to a periodontist, you should rest easy knowing that your general dentist is working to get you the best, most specialized care you can receive to address your oral healthcare needs.
Why is it important to see a periodontist?
If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause other oral and general health issues. Periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss when it is uncontrolled. Tooth loss, then leads to more serious issues such as loss of bone structure, further periodontal disease, and the inability to eat and speak normally. Additionally, periodontal disease has been linked to other more serious health issues such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Therefore, if you’ve been referred to a periodontist, it is important that you follow through.
What will happen at my first visit?
Your first visit will generally be a consultation to determine your oral health needs. First, your general health history will be established. This health profile includes your medical and oral health history. Once your profile is created, you will undergo a thorough examination. During this examination you will be checked for bone loss, loose teeth, bite related complications, oral cancer, and general signs of periodontal disease.
To perform this examination, x-rays and other periodontal instruments will be used. X-rays will be used to examine the bone and root structures of the teeth. A periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. This pocket is called a sulcus. Gum disease can be identified through the depth of these pockets. The bigger the pocket the more issues related to periodontal disease. A healthy sulcus depth is usually less than three millimeters. If you have a sulcus depth of greater than three millimeters, you likely have some degree of periodontal disease. Additionally, healthy gum tissue does not bleed, so during the examination there should be no sign of bleeding. Any sign of bleeding generally means some degree of periodontal disease.
What should I bring to my first visit?
On the day of your first visit, it is important to have specific documents and information with you. This will help ensure your profile is created accurately and efficiently and that you can get on with the care you need. Here is a list of what to bring:
- If you’ve been referred by a dentist, you’ll need to bring the referral form with you. You should also bring any accompanying dental x-rays from the referring dentist.
- You should bring a list of all medications you are currently taking and a list of any medications you have an allergy to.
- You should complete the medical history form likely provided by your periodontal office. If you haven’t received a form, you should come prepared to speak to your medical history and your family’s medical history. This includes health related issues, surgeries, and allergies. Your periodontist will need to examine you and your familial health histories to provide the correct treatment.
- You should bring your dental insurance card or information if you have dental insurance.
- You should make sure to bring photo identification.
- If the patient is under 18 years old, they will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What will my first visit cost?
All patients are different and therefore their needs are different. In order to determine the cost of your care, the periodontist will need to complete an examination. Periodontal treatments will vary in cost depending on the problems needing treatment and the complexity of the care involved in treating the problems. In general, the more invasive and complex a treatment plan, the more costly. After the first visit, an approximate fee can usually be provided for the treatment plan. Sometimes though, additional diagnostics and examinations must be done to determine the exact course of treatment. Once a treatment plan is determined, the periodontist will be able to provide a cost for the treatments. Before scheduling with a periodontist, it is important to seek to understand their philosophy of treatment. Some periodontists tend to treat conservatively and seek non-surgical treatment plans more frequently. Others can lean more towards surgical procedures more quickly. Because the type of treatment determines the cost, it is important to consider the practice’s philosophy of treatment.
Will my insurance cover the cost?
Dental insurance typically covers a portion of the treatment costs. This depends on the plan and the course of treatment, however. Some plans require higher copays and out of pocket payments. Your periodontist will be able to examine your plan’s coverage and let you know what is and isn’t covered as well as any money you would need to pay out of pocket. Similarly, you can discuss your plan with your insurance company before hand to better understand what you might be required to pay.
Will I need x-rays?
Yes, your periodontist will need to take x-rays to determine your overall oral health. If your referring dentist has taken very recent x-rays, those may work. This is why it is important to bring the x-rays from your general dentist or have them forwarded to your periodontist’s office.
Will I need surgery?
You won’t necessarily need surgery. A lot of periodontal disease is treatable with non-surgical approaches such as deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing. On your first visit, your periodontist will be able to tell you what the best course of treatment is for you and your specific circumstances.
What are my next steps?
If you have further questions about what to expect in your first visit, reach out to your periodontist’s office. They will be able to tell you more about what you need and can expect in your first visit. It is important to remember that periodontal disease left untreated only gets worse. Therefore, your first visit should happen as soon as possible. The sooner you see a periodontist, the sooner your treatment can start. Hopefully this will mean less invasive and less costly procedures. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your treatment plan.