About Your Initial Consultation
Please assist us at the time of your initial visit to the office by providing the following information:
- Your referral slip and x-rays from your referring dentist.
- We will send a welcome package prior to your consultation, containing practice information and forms. Please complete the necessary forms and email or fax them to our office prior to your appointment.
- These detailed forms are very important for us to learn about what is important to you and to provide safe, appropriate care.
- If you have dental insurance, the information you provide will expedite our claim submission for you.
Please allow approximately one hour for your initial consultation. We respect your time and ask that you reciprocate by being on time.
Your Initial Evaluation and Consultation
Your initial one hour consultation with Periodontist Dr Kissel includes a thorough oral health evaluation, a review of your medical history, x-rays (as needed) and sufficient time for Q&A regarding your oral health.
During your first visit with Dr. Kissel, We will provide you with the following:
- Review of your medical history
- Blood pressure reading
- Discussing your goals for oral health
- Dr. Kissel will explain his findings and present you various options for treatment, help you prioritize treatment as it relates to your goals and lifestyle, fee estimate and financial options for payment
- Advantages and disadvantages of the various solutions available
- Q&A: you will have enough time in the schedule to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with your decisions
We will also provide an examination of the following:
- Extra oral/Soft tissue
- Oral cancer screening
- Existing Dentistry/Decay
- Missing teeth
- Movement caused by missing teeth
- Bone dimensions (if missing teeth)
- Bite relationship
- Temporomandibular joint exam (TMJ)
- Location of Bacterial Plaque
- Location of Calculus
- Inflammation
- Periodontal recession
- Amount of attached gum tissue
- Diseased pockets and bleeding
- Furcation involvement (bone loss for teeth with multiple roots)
- Mobility of teeth
- Facial Support
- Smile Self-Evaluation
- Images (x-rays) , diagnostic impressions, photographs and intraoral camera images as directed by Doctor
Our promise is that we will provide you with an accurate and precise diagnosis and a treatment plan at the end of your consultation. If more than one session is needed, we will gladly accommodate any extra time with Dr. Kissel at no charge. He will report the exam outcome to your general dentist to ensure they are kept in the loop for your best interest.
Below we have addressed some of the most common questions that concern new patients:
Can my teeth be saved?
Our priority is to save your natural teeth, and we take every measure to do so. The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat and save most teeth.
Will it hurt?
No, not usually, the periodontal exam can be completed with little or no discomfort and of course we will be as gentle as possible.
Do I need x-rays?
Yes, we will need current periodontal x-rays in order to see any disease not otherwise visible. If your referring dentist has taken x-rays, you may request that they be forwarded to us.
What will it cost?
Since all patients are different, your periodontist must complete your examination before establishing your treatment plan and the fee for care. The fee for periodontal treatment can vary considerably depending on the type of problems and the complexity and length of treatment. An approximate cost can usually be determined at the initial visit; but on occasion, some initial treatment or further diagnostics must be completed before the final treatment plan can be established.
Will I need surgery?
Not everyone needs periodontal surgery. Gum disease can often be treated without surgery. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation. The philosophy of our practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.
When will I go back to my general dentist?
Our office and your dentist will work closely together. If crowns and fillings are needed, your dentist will provide them. Regular visits to your dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance.
What if I decide not to have gum treatment?
Periodontal disease is a progressive, painless infection. Delay can cause you further bone loss and more expense. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own teeth.
