Skip to main content

For Patients

Patient Resources

Everything you need to prepare for your visit and understand your care.

New Patients

Your First Visit

Your initial consultation is a thorough evaluation — not a sales pitch. We will take time to understand your history, explain what we observe, and present your options clearly. Most consultations take 45–60 minutes.

Please bring:

  • A current list of all medications and supplements
  • Your insurance card and a photo ID
  • Any recent X-rays or imaging from your referring dentist (or we can request them)
  • A completed new patient health history form (available below)
Patient smiling during dental visit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No — you can contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, but a referral is not required. If your dentist has referred you, please bring any paperwork or imaging they provided; it helps us prepare a more complete picture of your situation before you arrive.

Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for periodontal treatment, though the extent varies widely by plan. We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans and will verify your benefits before your appointment. Our team will walk you through what your plan covers and provide a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before any treatment begins.

Modern periodontal treatment is far more comfortable than patients expect. Non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing are performed under local anesthesia — you should feel pressure, not pain. Surgical procedures are similarly managed with local anesthesia plus oral sedation if desired. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and well-controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers and the protocols we provide. Most of our patients tell us recovery was easier than anticipated.

Timeline depends on your specific situation. For a straightforward single-tooth implant with adequate bone, the process from placement to final crown takes approximately 3–5 months. Cases requiring bone grafting first add 3–6 months for graft healing before implants can be placed. Full-arch All-on-X cases typically span 5–8 months from consultation to final restoration. We will give you a realistic, personalized timeline at your consultation — not a generic estimate.

LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser protocol for treating moderate to severe periodontitis. Unlike traditional osseous surgery, which requires incisions and sutures, LANAP uses a specific laser wavelength to selectively remove diseased tissue and kill bacteria without cutting healthy gum tissue. This results in significantly less post-operative discomfort, faster healing, and less gum recession than conventional surgery. Not all patients are candidates — we will advise you on whether LANAP is appropriate for your case at your evaluation.

Not always. Significant bone loss can often be addressed through grafting procedures — socket preservation, ridge augmentation, or sinus lifts — that rebuild the volume needed for implant placement. In cases of extreme upper jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants that anchor into the cheekbone can bypass the maxilla entirely. We see patients who have been turned away elsewhere and find solutions for the majority of them. We cannot promise every case is solvable, but we can promise an honest evaluation of what is possible.

Yes. Oral sedation (anti-anxiety medication taken before your appointment) is available for most procedures. For complex surgical cases — including All-on-X — IV sedation administered by a certified anesthesiologist is available. We will discuss sedation options at your consultation and make sure you are as comfortable as possible throughout treatment.

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash. We also work with CareCredit and Proceed Finance to offer patient financing — including low- and no-interest payment plans. Our financial coordinator will walk you through all options at your consultation. We believe the cost of care should never be a barrier to getting the treatment you need, and we will work with you to find an approach that fits your situation.

Procedure Preparation

Pre- & Post-Operative Guidance

Before Your Procedure

  • Take any prescribed pre-medications as instructed
  • Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for 7 days prior unless medically required
  • Eat a light meal before your appointment (unless instructed otherwise for sedation)
  • Arrange a driver if you are receiving sedation
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Inform us of any changes to your health or medications since your last visit

After Your Procedure

  • Bite gently on gauze for 30–60 minutes if bleeding is present
  • Apply ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 off) for the first 24 hours
  • Eat soft foods; avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy food for 1–2 weeks
  • No smoking or alcohol for at least 72 hours
  • Take prescribed medications as directed; do not skip doses
  • Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours
  • Call our office if you experience severe pain, significant swelling after 72 hours, or high fever

Have More Questions?

We're Happy to Help

Call us, send a message, or request a consultation. Our team will respond promptly and give you the information you need.