FAQs
1) What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in
the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and
in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive
training in these areas, including two to three additional years
of education beyond dental school. Periodontists are familiar with
the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease.
In addition, they can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to
help you achieve the smile you desire.
2) How do I know if I need to see a periodontist?
You may not realize that persistent swollen,
red or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath are warning
signs of periodontal (gum) disease – a serious infection that,
left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
Do you have any of the following
symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Do you ever have pain in your mouth?
- Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your
teeth or when you eat hard food?
- Have you noticed any spaces developing between
your teeth?
- Do your gums ever feel swollen or tender?
- Have you noticed that your gums are receding
(pulling back from your teeth) or your teeth appear longer than
before?
- Do you have persistent bad breath?
- Have you noticed pus between your teeth and
gums?
- Have you noticed any change in the way your
teeth fit together when you bite?
- Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?
If you have any of these symptoms of periodontal
disease, take action to protect your gums and your health.
Don't let periodontal disease take away your smile. If you answered
yes to any of these questions, consult a periodontist -- and help
save your natural teeth!
If you've already lost a tooth to periodontal
disease, you may be interested in dental implants --the permanent
tooth replacement option.
3) How do I become a patient?
Often, dentists refer their patients to a periodontist
when their periodontal disease is advanced.
In this case your dentist, with your consent, may share your periodontal
history and any relevant
radiographs (x-rays). This information is helpful, when determining
an individual’s course of treatment.
4) How do I know your knowledge and skills
are current?
Drs. Jones, Schwartz, Singh and Ghaly are
members in good standing with their professional associations. In
addition, they further their knowledge by attending continuing education
courses and professional conferences. They also remain current by
researching in preparation for delivery of university level and
peer education courses.
5) How are fees determined?
Generally, we follow the Ontario Dental Association’s
Suggested Fee Guide for Certified Periodontists. Consideration is
made and fees are affected by the amount of time required to deliver
treatment, and by the nature of treatment delivery.
6) Is treatment covered by insurance?
Your dental insurance plan is a contract set
up by your employer and your insurance company. Each company plan
is unique. At the time of your consultation appointment, we can
provide you with a written estimate for any treatment recommended
by your periodontist. This estimate can be forwarded to your insurance
company, so you can get a written response indicating your coverage.
If you would like us to send your estimate (or any claims) electronically,
you will need to provide your insurance information.
7) How can I get to your office?
Click
for Directions, map & bus routes
8) What is the parking situation?
There is free parking in the lot adjacent to
our building, in the visitor's lane closest to the sidewalk.
9) I am a little nervous about having
treatment done. What options are there?
Sedation can be provided in combination with
your treatment appointment. There are several available options,
described below. The sedation results in effect are listed from
the least to most predictable. Your
periodontist will discuss which option is best for you.
Conscious sedation...allows
the treatment to be more pleasant and comfortable. It’s a
safe, drug-induced state in which you are fully conscious and relaxed
but free of anxiety and apprehension. We offer 2 different types
of conscious sedation.
The first option is nitrous oxide
inhalation. It’s a combination of
2 gazes, nitrous oxide and oxygen which the patient breathes through
a mask during the whole process of the treatment. At the end of
the appointment, the patient fully recovers from the sedation effects.
He or she will be able to drive home safely without any attendance.
The second option involves taking an oral
medication to be taken prior to the appointment.
We typically ask the patient to come in 1 hour before the beginning
of the treatment, so the progressive effects of the medication can
be monitored. Since the patient may still be groggy after the treatment
is completed, they are not able to drive and must be accompanied
by a designated driver.
Intravenous sedation…allows
patient to relax during treatment. The sedation is a combination
of medications delivered through an intravenous tube. It is not
the same as a general anesthetic. Patients always self-breathe and
there is no need for an intubation. The patient can hear and respond
to instruction, but are in a state of continuous relaxation. The
patient is most asleep at the beginning of the procedure and become
more aware of surroundings at the end. A doctor trained in delivering
anesthetisia and who works at a local hospital does the sedation.
Throughout the procedure, the patient always has vitals monitored
(blood pressure cuff, heart monitor). With intravenous sedation,
the patient must: fast for a minimum of 6 hours prior to treatment,
and wear a short sleeved shirt so the arm is accessible for the
intravenous (blood pressure cuff). After treatment is completed,
the patient goes to recovery with a nurse for approximately 30minutes,
for monitoring of their vitals until the patient is fully conscious,
after which time the patient is able to leave. Since the patient
will still be groggy, they are not able to drive and must be accompanied
by a designated driver.
|
