At your first visit you will have a thorough, but painless, examination followed by a detailed consultation. This will allow us to determine your needs and to give you the opportunity to discuss treatment recommendations and alternatives. We also try to be good listeners. The visit will last about an hour and you will be asked to fill out a health history and registration form.

X-rays are important and they should be current.  If you have existing x-rays we can probably use them if they are less than one year old.  A full radiographic series (FMX) is needed for a periodontal examination and generally a panoramic film will not provide adequate diagnostic information. We use digital xray technology which only requires 1/3 the exposure of standard xrays.  We can also view these on a computer monitor  and easily email and copy these to your dentist or insurance company. Call our office so we answer questions and also to provide assistance in obtaining your existing x-rays.

Some individuals need antibiotic pre medication prior to a periodontal examination.  If you know you have to pre medicate and you need a prescription or you are unsure and have a risk factors (heart murmur, prolapsed mitral valve, history of rheumatic fever, artificial joint or bone, or recent heart procedure), please call our office for assistance.

It is our policy to give you a written estimate.  If you have insurance, we will work with you on determining the extent of your benefit.  In most cases we will do a pre-determination of benefits for you.

Many patients are concerned about the need for periodontal surgery. Our practice has a strong commitment to conservative methods and we place a major emphasis on non surgical therapy. If surgery becomes necessary, today's procedures have greatly improved and most patients do very well.