5 Things To Expect When You Visit The Periodontist

It can be a bit scary and overwhelming when you have been referred to a periodontist. Your gums may be bleeding or you may have lost a tooth or two. A referral is usually made when your dentist is recommending you receive a laser periodontal evaluation or  perio therapy in order to get the periodontal disease under control. But there is no reason to be nervous, here are five things to expect from your visit.

The periodontist will review your health history. This is easy enough. They want to make sure you have not had any hospitalizations or are taking any medications they are not aware of. They may spend some time going over your medical history with you if there is anything you have marked.

Dr. Denine Rice and her team will review the x-rays that were sent over from your dentist. By evaluating the x-rays that already have been taken it will allow them to evaluate what your current needs are.

After this is done there will be an exam. An exam is simply a look at your gums in order for the periodontist to get a really good idea of what type of treatment you are going to need and whether you really need to have laser surgery or whether something else can be done instead.

Once your exam is over, there will be time for a consultation. During this time, the doctor will outline the plan for you. You’ll talk about whether you’re a candidate for laser surgery, what to expect if you have laser surgery and healing time after the procedure.

Finally, you’ll get an estimate of the cost and schedule your next appointment. Then you will be on your way and ready to get the healthy gums you deserve. For more information on laser periodontal procedures, contact Dr. Denine Rice and her team today.

Dental Insurance & What That Means For You

Have you recently started a new job where they offer dental insurance, or do you have a flex spending account? Now that the New Year has rolled around you may be asked if you want to make changes to your dental plan.  But the amount of information that insurance plans throw at you can make it very difficult to navigate your way through. "While each plan is a little different, here are some in’s and out’s of dental insurance," Dr. Denine Rice.

You are usually given an amount of money that you will need to spend out of pocket for certain services. They may also limit the amount of times you can have a particular procedure conducted. For example, routine cleanings are usually done twice a year. If your dentist recommends you come in a third time for a more extensive hygiene, it may not be covered. “Dental plans also typically reimburse your dentist based on a class of service,” says Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice.

For example, Class one is typically your diagnostic and preventative procedures. These cover your hygiene visits and x-rays. While class two services are typically your restorative procedures such as fillings. Class three is more extensive restorative work and usually is crowns, bridges and dentures. Class four is reserved for orthodontics and procedures such as this. It may allow for an amount to be used to cover long-term treatments. This class is not a guarantee on insurance plans, and therefore, when determining which insurance is right for you, this may be something to consider.

Dental insurance companies have an overall amount that they set aside to pay for dental procedures. At the beginning of the year your new insurance amount should be ready for you to use. If you have further questions about your specific dental insurance plan or a procedure that has been recommended by Dr. Rice and her team please contact them for further specific information.

What should I expect at my first visit

Seeing a new dentist can be stressful and scary. You maybe filled with anxiety. Dr. Rice and her team however, work hard to put your mind at ease. They provide you with a comfortable, private suite in order to help reduce your anxiety. 

Another way they work to reduce your anxiety is to let you know what to expect on your first visit. After the warm and caring staff at Rice Periodontics and Implant Care welcomes you they will walk you back to your private room.  Once seated in the chair a team member will go over your medical and dental history. Medications that you are taking can impact your treatment so, make sure you provide the team with any information on current medications.

Dr. Denine Rice, will then complete an exam. This will be comprehensive in order for Dr. Rice to know exactly what your level of periodontal disease is. The pocket depths will be taken and x-rays may be utilized in order to determine the bone levels between your teeth. Once your comprehensive exam is completed, she will discuss with you treatment options, fees and your next appointment will be scheduled.  

Dr. Rice and her team specialize in building strong relationships with patients and providing a stress free zone so you don’t have to worry. 

Call today for your first appointment!

What to Look for When Getting a 2nd opinion

“For many patients the road to dental health is confusing,” says Dr. Denine Rice, “there may be several options for treatment that all seem the same, but usually are not.”

In any second opinion there should be a few things you are looking for and ask about.

“When you arrive at your appointment for your second opinion, make sure that you have a detailed report of what your 1^st opinion is recommending – that way you will be sure to compare the two plans equally if the recommendation is the same,” adds Dr. Rice of Rice Periodontics. But many times, your 2^nd opinion will also give you a 2^nd option.

“Discuss thoroughly with your dentist your desires and fears regarding the recommended treatment,” says Dr. Rice, “including the types of materials and technology that will be used and why.”

For example: many dentists place implants, be sure to find one that is also recommending an ICAT and not just a regular x-ray to determine if there is sufficient bone. “Implants are an investment that can last and be highly successful, or not. When determining if you wish to proceed, make sure you are doing what you can to improve the outcome.”

Also when discussing treatment with your dentist, ask about the number of procedures that have been completed successfully. “This should always be part of the discussion,” adds Dr. Rice.

Use your second opinion to find someone you feel comfortable with, someone who is knowledgeable, uses proven technology and has completed the procedures a number of times before. Call Rice Periodontics today to schedule your 2^nd opinion.

Periodontal Surgery the LANAP Way, After-care Instructions

 

Laser Periodontal Therapy is a laser-based technique used for treating periodontal disease many times without using a scalpel or sutures.

“Previously for patients suffering with periodontal disease many times the treatment was almost as frightening as the disease. Now with advanced technology we can not only remove diseased tissue easily and effectively, we can also do it virtually painlessly,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside California Periodontal and Implant Surgery Practice.

If you choose or have chosen to have LANAP treatment, here is what you should know post-surgery:

1.     Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of gum tissue. Gum tissue can turn gray, yellow, red, blue, or purple following the laser treatment.

2.     Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the treated area.

3.     Do not be alarmed if you should experience light bleeding, slight swelling, soreness, tenderness or tooth sensitivity.

4.     If swelling does occur, gently place an ice pack on the outside of the face for 20 minutes each hour until you retire for the night the first day.

5.     Some oozing of blood may occur. Rinse your mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the general area.

6.     Call your surgeon’s office is you have prolonged or severe pain, excessive bleeding or an elevated or persistent temperature.

7.     Take any medication as directed.

8.     Reduce physical activity for several hours after surgery to maximize healing.

9.     Keep your mouth clean. This will help the healing process. Brush and floss ONLY untreated areas of your mouth. After 7-10 days you can brush and floss in the treated areas.

    10. Do not rinse your mouth the day of treatment. The day after you may spit and gently rinse using either Peridex, Perioguard or warm salt water.

Remember, it is critical for your periodontal success that you keep all follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

 

 

Dental X-Rays

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.  Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan.  Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental X-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts.
• Bone loss.
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
• Decay between the teeth.
• Developmental abnormalities.
• Poor tooth and root positions.
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental X-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment.  The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental X-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe.  Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental X-rays.  These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each X-ray.

How often should dental X-rays be taken?

The need for dental X-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs.  Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental X-rays is recommended for new patients.  A full series is usually good for three to five years.  Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Rice Periodontics