Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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.
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.
How do I know your knowledge and skills are current?
Drs. Jones, Schwartz, Singh, Ghaly, MacKay, McDonald, and Fung 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.
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.
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.
How can I get to your office?
What is the parking situation?
The fee for parking is: $2.00 per hour. The parking machine accepts toonies, loonies, and credit cards
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.