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If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you’re likely eager to start treatment right away in order to keep your smile safe. However, you should never commit to any sort of procedure until you’re sure that you have the full story on how it will work and what you can expect to happen. Be sure to ask your periodontist these 3 crucial questions before you begin your gum disease treatment plan.
1. How Often Will I Need to Return for a Follow-Up?
Advanced forms of gum disease can’t be completely cured, but it is possible to manage the problem to protect your smile from further damage. To that end, after your initial treatment for gum disease, you may need to plan on returning to your periodontist’s office a number of times for follow-up visits.
The question is, how often do these appointments need to take place? For many patients, the answer is once every three months. However, you may need more or less frequent visits depending on how severe your gum disease is. Your periodontist can give you a more personalized answer after examining your mouth and evaluating your situation.
2, What Kinds of Sedation Do You Offer?
Local anesthesia will typically be enough to keep you comfortable during your gum disease treatment. However, patients with dental anxiety may require sedation to help them stay calm. Your periodontist may also suggest sedation if more invasive procedures are called for.
The types of sedation available can vary depending on which practice you visit. Many locations offer nitrous oxide sedation, which can be a convenient option since the effects won’t linger for very long once your treatment is complete. Oral conscious sedation may also be offered for especially nervous patients. Talk to your periodontist to see what kinds of sedation they provide.
3. Will You Take My Dental Insurance?
Oftentimes, a good dental insurance plan can make it easier to manage the costs associated with gum disease treatment. However, it’s important to confirm that your periodontist is willing to take your dental insurance plan. It’s often worth looking for a periodontal practice that’s in-network with your insurance provider so that you can save more money on your care.
You can also ask the team at your periodontal practice to help clarify your benefits for you if there’s anything you don’t understand. Each dental insurance plan is different, after all; it’s important to clear up the details and confirm what kind of coverage is available for the treatment you want.
For the sake of your oral health, it’s extremely important to make sure that your gum disease is properly treated. If there’s anything you’re not sure about regarding your upcoming treatment, get your doubts cleared up as soon as possible by speaking with your periodontist.
About the Author
Dr. Rob Wood went to the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry for his dental degree. After his graduation, he went to the University of Texas for his training in periodontics. He is currently a board-certified periodontist who can offer reliable treatment options for patients suffering from gum disease. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Wood at Utah Implants & Periodontics in Salt Lake City, visit our website or call (801) 322-5032.