Periodontics and Dental Implants - Dr. R. Craig Diederich, Periodontist

Why is my dentist referring me to a periodontist?

How is periodontal disease treated?

How painful is periodontal treatment?

How can a laser be used in periodontal treatment?

What is the difference between traditional and laser periodontal therapy?

At my first visit, what will the doctor do?

How much will by treatment cost and is it covered by my insurance?

What will happen if I don't have my periodontal disease treated?

What is the role of my general dentist?

What happens after my periodontal treatment is complete?

Is your office up to date?

What is a dental implant?

How are diabetes and periodontal disease related?

Are there any other procedures that you do?

Why is my dentist referring me to a periodontist?

General dentists are trained to diagnose and treat early periodontal disease. The fact that you have been referred means that your dentist feels you would benefit from the advanced training that a specialist receives. Feel fortunate that your dentist is able to make the diagnosis since periodontal disease usually causes no symptoms or discomfort.

How is periodontal disease treated?

The goal of periodontal treatment is to remove the disease causing bacterial plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots which allows the tissues to begin to heal. For many of our patients this begins with scaling and root planning or a "deeper cleaning". Other means are also used, depending on the severity of your condition. All of your treatment options will be reviewed with you in detail, either at your initial visit or at a second appointment if more information or explanation is required.

How painful is periodontal treatment?

Everyone at our office is committed to making your treatment as comfortable as possible. A numbing agent is used for all procedures so that dull pressure is the only sensation you are aware of. At no time will there be any pain associated with your treatment. There are also means by which any anxiety can be easily controlled with oral medication. This will be addressed at your first visit as well.

How can a laser be used in periodontal treatment?

Laser periodontal therapy is a new and exciting addition to our practice. The laser targets and destroys disease-causing bacteria as well as diseased tissue. The result is similar to conventional periodontal survery but without incisions or sutures (stitches).

What is the difference between traditional and laser periodontal therapy?

Traditional therapy involves scaling, or deep cleaning, followed by surgical treatment of pockets that haven't healed. This means relaxing the tissue back for access and completion of cleaning the roots. A laser can now be used in deep pockets to accomplish the same effect but without cutting or stitches. This form of therapy is most appropriate for advanced cases and is combined with bite related therapy as well.

At my first visit, what will the doctor do?

During your first visit, your medical and dental history will be reviewed and then you will be given a thorough periodontal examination. Any additional x-rays will be taken, if needed, for an accurate diagnosis to be made. After the examination has been completed we will explain our findings and treatment recommendations. Our goal is to answer all questions that you may have before you leave the office that day, to help you understand your condition, its severity and what you can expect from your treatment. If more time is needed or further informaion required, a second visit will be scheduled.

How much will my treatment cost and is it covered by my insurance?

The cost of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and extensiveness of your treatment. Each patient is evaluated and a treatment plan developed on an individual basis. Therefore, it is not possible to give an average cost. If you have dental insurance, it will definitely help cover some, possibly most, of the cost of your treatment. Your dental insurance benefit will be affected by the deductible, total amount of benefit available per year and how much of your benefit has already been used. My staff will be in contact with your dental insurance carrier to clarify your coverage and review this with you before your treatment begins. We will do our best to help you receive your maximum insurance benefit, but please realize it is your responsibility to know what procedures are included in, or excluded from, your plan. Benefit information can be obtained from your insurance company directly or the human resources department involved in your dental insurance plan.

For treatment procedures, which involve more than your insurance provides, payment options are available.

What will happen if I don't have my periodontal disease treated?

Periodontal disease slowly destroys the gumline and jaw bone support for the teeth. While this rarely hurts initially, it eventually results in the teeth loosening and then being lost. The ongoing infection of periodontal disease has recently been linked to the other systemic medical conditions, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke and premature low birthweight infants.

What is the role of my general dentist?

Your general dentist is the most important member of your dental health care team. He/she is still in charge of your overall treatment. Your general dentist is made aware of our initial findings and treatment plan and is kept informed as to your progress through your treatment here. We will work closely together to ensure the best possible result for your treatment.

What happens after my periodontal treatment is complete?

The most important phase of your periodontal therapy is the maintenance or recare phase. That means, how often and where you will need to have periodontal cleanings. Since periodontal disease cannot be cured, disease prevention is the key to long term success. Published studies of treated patients have taught us two important facts:

periodontal patients typically need to have their teeth professionally cleaned 3-4 times per year in order to maintain health and retain their teeth, and
if the periodontist is allowed to participate in their maintenance, patients tend to stay healthier.

What this means is that after treatment, our patients usually alternate between seeing their general dentist and our office for their professional cleanings. You then have the benefit of both offices helping you stay healthy.

Is your office up to date?

My staff and I are committed to continuing education so that you receive state of the art care in a comfortable and safe atmosphere. We upgrade our treatment and sterilization procedures on a regular basis.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. When used to support a crown, a dental implant prevents the reduction (grinding down) of adjacent teeth to make a fixed bridge and helps maintain the jaw bone that would otherwise be lost after an extraction. Dr. Diederich has had extensive training in the placement of dental implants. The first step in determining whether you are a candidate for dental implants would be to ask your general dentist.

How are diabetes and periodontal disease related?

Diabetics are known to be more susceptible to infection and are therefore more prone to the chronic infection involved in periodontal disease. Once the periodontal disease has been treated, it is usually easier to keep diabetes under control. Every diabetic needs to be screened and monitored regularly for periodontal disease.

Are there any other procedures that you do?

In addition to periodontal therapy and dental implants, periodontists perform:

bone grafting
gumline grafting
crown lengthening
bite related therapy
exposure of impacted teeth for braces