Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of our frequently asked questions. We hope you will find what you're looking for. If for some reason you still have questions please do not hesitate to ask through email or by a telephone call.
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Do you take insurance? |
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| a. We will file all of the necessary forms with your insurance company so that you will receive the maximum benefit for your procedures. | |
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Are you in my network? |
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| a. We do not participate in any insurance programs. However, the type of procedures that are performed at the Perio-Implant Center are quite specialized and are not available at most participating general dentists' offices. Please check with you insurance carrier to see if they provide Out of Network benefits. | |
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How long does it take my insurance company to respond to my pre-treatment estimate? Can you call my insurance company? |
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| a. You will get a more immediate response if you contact your insurance carrier personally. However written responses from our office often take 4-6 weeks for a response from insurance companies. | |
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Since I pay the periodontist when services are rendered, how long will it take for my insurance company to reimburse my money? Will it come directly to me or to you? 4 to 6 weeks? |
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| a. We file all insurance claims to pay you the patient. Insurance companies vary in the amount of time it takes to pay claims. | |
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Do you accept Medicaid / medicare? |
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| a. NO | |
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How much does the procedure cost? |
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| a. A consult is required to determine the exact procedures and costs. | |
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Do you have a payment plan? |
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| a. Yes, 12 months interest free with Wells Fargo | |
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How much does the consultation cost? Is it free? |
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| a. Yes, its free. | |
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I already have x-rays, why do you have to take more? |
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| a. Radiographs taken at many dentists ofices are specific for finding dental decay (cavities) and are not always adequate for determining periodontal bone loss or implant suitability. | |
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How much does the surgery cost? |
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| a. Once you have obtained a consult your specific surgical costs will be clearly outlined by our staff. | |
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Can you put me to sleep / sedation? |
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| a. We do not put patients to sleep (general anesthesia) for surgical procedures. We will manage your anxiety with a combination of pre-operative medicines and nitrous oxide gas during the procedure. | |
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Is it going to hurt / am I going to be in pain? |
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| a. Modern surgical techniques allow most patients to resume normal activity in 12-24 hours after a procedure. Pain medication will be prescribed for the immediate post-operative period. | |
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Can I return to work the same day or the next day? |
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a. Many patients can return to work the same day. However, if you require narcotic pain medicine, you may be limited in what you are capable of doing while taking the prescription medication. |
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Will I have to be on antibiotics before and after the procedure? |
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| a. Antibiotics are often prescribed after a surgery to reduce the risk of a post-operative infection. | |
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Can I eat my normal meal before and after the procedure? |
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| a. A light meal is suggested several hours before a surgical procedure. Post operative instructions and dietary restrictions (if any) will be given to you at your consult and surgical visits. | |
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After the consultation, when can I begin treatment? |
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| a. For certain cases, additional consults may be required with your dentist, medical doctor, or other dental specialist. Usually a patient can begin treatment immediately following the consult visit. | |
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What is periodontal disease? |
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| a. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Please see our Oral Care section of this site for a detailed description. | |
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Is periodontal disease curable? |
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| a. No, like many diseases of adult onset (eg. high blood pressure, diabetes) it is not curable, but is treatable. | |
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Is periodontal disease hereditary? |
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| a. It can be hereditary | |
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What will happen if it is not treated? |
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| a. Untreated periodontal disease results in a slow loss of bone supporting the teeth. Teeth can eventually loosen and become painful to chew with and possibly lost. | |
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Do I still need to see you after treatment or can I continue cleanings with my general dentist? Why or why not? |
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| a. Yes, follow-up care is indicated for most patients to determine if the disease has been adequately treated. We will help your dentist design a plan of care suited to your needs. | |
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Do you put the crown on the implant? |
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| a. No, this is done by your general dentist | |
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Is the cost of the crown included in the implant cost? |
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| a. No, your written estimate from this office will include the surgical placement of the implant and follow-up care. The cost of the restoration will be determined by your dentist. | |
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Do you fill cavities? Do you make bridges / partials? |
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| a. No, we treat preiodontal disease and place dental implants only. | |
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Do you charge for emergency visits? If so, what is the charge? |
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| a. Yes, non-scheduled emergency visits have a cost depending on the treatment provided. | |
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Do you charge cancellation fees? |
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| a. We do not charge patients for missed appointments. If you have pre-paid for your scheduled visit to acquire the discount and miss an appointment, then you may forfeit your discount only. | |