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FAQ's
Periodontal (gum) disease is an ongoing bacterial infection affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontics is a chronic inflammatory disease which means inflammation around your teeth slowly erodes their supporting bone. When supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, periodontal pocketing occurs around the teeth. Periodontal measurements aid in determining the extent of bone loss and your access to properly clean your teeth on a daily basis. Healthy pocket depth measurements range from 1 to 3mm.
Periodontal disease can affect one or several teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss or potential health risks associated with diabetes, heart disease, prosthetic joint replacement, and pregnancy.
Why am I being referred to you?
The first appointment will be with one of our periodontists, Dr. Jason Johnson or Dr. Russell Dylla.
A referral is made to a periodontist for highly specialized treatment
of the gums and bone or dental implants. Your referring dentist feels
you will benefit from the expertise of a periodontal practice. Our
periodontists work closely with your referring doctor to ensure
you receive optimal periodontal care and dental care.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
The first appointment is with our periodontist, Dr. Jason Johnson.
At this initial visit, we will obtain a complete health history,
evaluate records from your referring dentist, and perform a thorough
periodontal exam to obtain current clinical findings in our office.
Additional xrays may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment recommendations will be discussed with you taking into
consideration how it will affect the rest of your dentition and
overall health.
What causes periodontal disease?
The cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque that is consistently
forming on your teeth and your bodies response to this bacteria. Lack of
dental care and improper homecare is a contributing factor for the disease
to develop. There are other factors which can increase your susceptibility
to periodontal disease such as smoking, genetic predisposition, diabetes,
and pregnancy. Certain medications, hormonal fluctuations, clenching/grinding,
and stress can also negatively influence periodontal disease.
Why do I need periodontal scaling and root planing?
Bacterial plaque and hardened deposit accumulations below the gumline
cause destruction to the tissue and bone which leads to periodontal
disease and pocketing. These pockets cannot be cleansed with normal homecare
or even routine professional methods. The goal of this initial therapy
is to coach you with your homecare, reduce inflammation, and remove deposits.
Scaling and root planing requires multiple, 1-2 hour appointments with
the hygienist to thoroughly debride below the gumline. Most times, local
anesthetic is used for this procedure.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning/prophylaxis and a periodontal maintenance?
When a routine dental cleaning is performed, the clinician is
removing plaque and debris on the tooth structure above the gumline.
Patient's with periodontal involvement, pocket depths of 4mm and greater,
need periodontal maintenance following periodontal therapy to thoroughly
clean those deeper pockets as well as the tooth structure above the gumline.
Site specific scaling and root planing, where indicated, and polishing are part
of the periodontal maintenance.
Why do I need to have my teeth cleaned every 3 months?
The bacteria in the mouth recolonizes in approximately 90 days starting
the destruction process. In an effort to maintain healthy pockets and
interrupt the formation of bacteria, a three month periodontal cleaning
is the usual recommendation. This also gives us the opportunity to monitor
your periodontal health.
Why is periodontal surgery necessary?
Following periodontal scaling and root planing, your pocket
depths will be reevaluated to determine whether surgery is necessary.
If surgery is not indicated, a regimen for your periodontal maintenance
will be determined. Deep pockets that persist are best treated with pocket
reduction surgery. The surgical procedure will be explained to you based
on your individual needs. Reducing pocket depths and recontouring of the
soft and hard tissues will enable better homecare and control the disease
process for better long-term results. After surgery, regular periodontal
maintenance with the dental hygienist will still be necessary to maintain
the health of your mouth.
What forms of anesthetic or sedation are used?
Local anesthetic, commonly referred to as Novocaine, is the most commonly
used numbing agent if the procedure you are having warrants it. Surgery in
our office will require anesthetic. If desired, IV sedation can be provided.
In these cases, a driver will be needed and a responsible adult will need to remain with the patient for the day. For patients with high anxiety, oral sedation can be prescribed
prior to surgery. Again, in most cases, local anesthetic is the preferred method.
Does your office accept my insurance?
We are happy to directly file claims and necessary forms to the appropriate
insurance company. Keep in mind that each employer designs their own insurance
plan and coverage can vary dependent on the plan. Please contact your insurance
company or review your policy to find out the specifics of your plan. Upon
request, we will send a predetermination to your insurance company to determine benefits.
Financial Information
Please review our Financial Information page for more information.
Financial Information
Financial Information
