FAQ’s 

How much should I expect my insurance to cover?

It’s hard to provide an exact percentage because coverage, of course, varies by plan. But, we have a proven track record of making the most of benefits. We will act as your liaison with your insurance provider and submit the necessary forms. We do, however, ask that you pay for your treatment at the time of your appointment and provide us with the relevant plan information so that we can promptly seek reimbursement.

How does a visit to the periodontist differ from one to the dentist?

A dentist is primarily concerned with your teeth, while a periodontist’s eye is trained more on your gums and your teeth’s roots. He’s also interested in your overall health for a couple of reasons. For one, untreated periodontal disease can manifest in a number of critical conditions elsewhere in the body. (What is Periodontal Disease?)  (Long-term Ramifications) Medications can also impact the treatment. Some cause excessive bleeding, others, dry mouth. So, those potential side effects need to be accounted for beforehand.

When should I see a periodontist?

Sometimes, the only way to detect periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. If you’re experiencing any of the following scenarios, schedule an evaluation:

  • Gums that bleed easily during brushing and flossing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Gums that have receded from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Puss between the teeth and gums
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • A noticeable change in the alignment of your teeth
  • A sore or irritation in your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
  • An immediate family member has periodontal disease (Research has confirmed that periodontal disease can be passed through saliva.)
  • You have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, or osteoporosis. (Bacteria associated with periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and worsen such conditions. In turn, treating periodontal disease may improve them.)
  • You’re trying to become pregnant (Pregnant women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to give birth prematurely and have their babies born at a below-average weight.)
  • You’re missing a tooth (or teeth), or you’re dissatisfied with your tooth (or teeth) replacement
Just the thought of seeing a dentist makes me anxious. Is there any way around that?

We hear you. And you’re far from alone. We go to great lengths, from our demeanor to our execution, to ensure that we’re as gentle as we can be. That’s great, you’re thinking, but a smile only gets me so far. Don’t worry. We have a number of sedation measures available to us, from pretreatment oral medication to nitrous oxide. For more serious cases, we’ll bring in an anesthesiologist (for an additional fee). Don’t be ashamed to address your concerns with Dr. Staller. The more open you are with him, the more attuned to your anxiety he’ll be come the treatment.

Get to Know Us

For a behind-the-scenes look at our practice and easy-to-follow-along discussions about developing trends in periodontics and dental implants, check out our blog. After all, familiarity breeds comfort. And we could all use a little more of that when we’re sitting in the exam chair.