New Patients Information
New Patients:
Please complete the following forms prior to your scheduled consultation, and of course let us know if you have any questions along the way!
What will happen at my first visit?
Please provide the following information for your first visit:
- Your referral form and x-rays from your referring dentist
- A list of medications you are currently taking (please note that you can fill out your patient registration and medical history form on this web page.)
- If you have dental insurance, please bring proof of insurance with you to the appointment.
Please Note: All new patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the scheduled evaluation appointment.
Please notify the office if you have a medical condition or concern prior to surgery (e.g. artificial heart valves, joint replacement, requiring antibiotic prophylaxis, diabetes, or high blood pressure).
We will complete an in-depth medical and dental history and a thorough examination which will include; an oral cancer screening, periodontal probing, a radiographic analysis, mobility charting, an evaluation of the attached gingiva, as well as check for other periodontal conditions.
Will it hurt?
The periodontal exam can be completed with little to no discomfort. We will be as gentle as possible.
Do I need x-rays?
We will need your current Full Mouth X-rays in order to provide the most comprehensive evaluation. If your referring dentist has taken x-rays, please request that they be forwarded to our office.
How much will it cost?
Since all patients are different, our doctors must complete your evaluation before establishing your treatment plan. The fee for treatment can vary considerably depending on the type of condition, complexity, and length of treatment. An approximate fee 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 my insurance cover the cost?
Dental insurance policies often cover periodontal treatment. Please bring your dental insurance information to your initial examination appointment. Upon request, we can submit a claim to predetermine your insurance coverage.
Will I need surgery?
Not everyone needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.
Can my teeth be saved?
The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat most periodontal conditions.
When will I go back to my general dentist?
Our office and your general dentist will work closely together to achieve optimal periodontal health. If crowns and fillings are needed, your dentist will provide restorative services.
What if I don't have gum treatment?
Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammatory infection which is often painless. Delaying treatment can cause further bone loss, increase expense, and often have less predictable outcomes than early treatment. In addition, there are many studies that show correlations between oral health and overall health. In fact, treatment of periodontal disease can improve other health markers such as heart disease and blood sugar control for diabetic patients.
Pre-Surgical Recommendations
We are happy that you have chosen to proceed with the surgical phase of your periodontal care. The procedures that you are about to undertake will help us to restore and maintain your periodontal health. We have prepared the following recommendations because we feel that a little preparation can make your post-surgical recovery period short and uneventful.
- Get a good night's sleep the evening before the surgery.
- Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and herbal supplements for one week before surgery. These substances can thin the blood and cause increased bleeding.
- Have ice on hand or bags of frozen vegetables like peas and corn to make ice packs.
- Prepare for a soft food diet following surgery. Have pasta, soup, eggs, yogurt, protein shakes, soft fruit, mashed potatoes etc. available.
- Eat before you come as portions of your mouth will be numb and many medications taken after surgery can upset your stomach.
- If you were given a prescription prior to surgery, get it filled.
- You may want to arrange for a ride home, although it is not required unless you have been prescribed a sedative for your treatment appointment. If you use sedation, a driver is required to and from the dental appointment.
While complete healing of the soft tissues may take 14-21 days, most of the discomfort and swelling, if any, will subside within a week. You should be able to return to work within a day or two. Activities that raise your blood pressure or increase your heart rate may result in some slight bleeding from the surgical site for 2-3 days and can increase swelling and pain, which can result in compromised healing.
Your post-operative healing depends greatly on your state of mind. While the procedure you are undergoing is “surgery”, in many cases it is really not much different from any other dental treatment that you have undergone. Keep a positive mental attitude and you will be pleasantly surprised at the ease of your post-operative healing.
Your post-operative healing depends greatly on your state of mind. While the procedure you are undergoing is “surgery”, in many cases it is really not much different from any other dental treatment that you have undergone. Keep a positive mental attitude and you will be pleasantly surprised at the ease of your post-operative healing.
Instructions to Patients After All Periodontal Surgeries
Pain
You may have moderate discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. The soreness can often increase for two to five days after surgery and can even linger longer depending on the surgery.
Most discomfort can be controlled by taking 600 mg (3 tablets) of ibuprofen alternating with 1000 mg (2 tablets) of acetaminophen every 6-8 hours as needed. If you are prescribed a narcotic pain medication, this can be taken in place of acetaminophen (and still combined with ibuprofen) for higher levels of pain. Discomfort is easier to control if you stay on a schedule with your pain medication. Be sure to take all pain medications with food to avoid stomach upset.
Most discomfort can be controlled by taking 600 mg (3 tablets) of ibuprofen alternating with 1000 mg (2 tablets) of acetaminophen every 6-8 hours as needed. If you are prescribed a narcotic pain medication, this can be taken in place of acetaminophen (and still combined with ibuprofen) for higher levels of pain. Discomfort is easier to control if you stay on a schedule with your pain medication. Be sure to take all pain medications with food to avoid stomach upset.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed depending upon the surgical procedure. It is important that these antibiotics be taken completely as directed to prevent or treat an infection. It is not necessary to get up in the middle of the night to take your antibiotic but spread your doses out as much as possible with the first dose taken first thing in the morning and the last dose taken right before bed.
Swelling
In some cases swelling and facial bruising may occur. To help alleviate this, ice packs may be applied to the outside of the face over the area of surgery for 15-20 minutes every hour, beginning the day of surgery. Ice cubes in a plastic bag or a bag of frozen vegetables work nicely for an ice pack. The swelling can occur over a period of 5 days and is usually at its worst at 3-5 days after surgery.
Bleeding
Do not be concerned if traces of blood are noted in the saliva for several hours to a few days after your surgery. Do not rinse heavily or swish for the first week as disruption of the clot may occur. Avoid the use of straws and hot fluids as both can contribute to bleeding. If heavy bleeding occurs, apply direct pressure to the area using moist gauze or a moistened, standard tea bag (the tannic acid in the tea helps to stop bleeding) for at least 45 minutes. It is critical that you remain seated and inactive while applying pressure to control bleeding. If continuous, excessive bleeding occurs, please contact the office at (360) 818-2232.
Oral Hygiene
Meticulous oral hygiene should be continued in all other areas of the mouth, but the area of surgery should be avoided for 7-10 days to prevent disrupting the healing process. An ultrasoft post-surgical toothbrush will be given to you at your post-operative appointment.
Do NOT use a Waterpik, Sonicare or other power toothbrush in the surgical area until directed.
Do NOT use a Waterpik, Sonicare or other power toothbrush in the surgical area until directed.
Alcohol/Aspirin
Avoid the use of alcoholic beverages or aspirin products for 2 days after surgery. Alcohol and aspirin can delay healing by causing bleeding by acting as blood thinners. Alcohol can also dangerously interact with some pain medications.
Smoking
We strongly recommend that you do not smoke during the healing period. Smoke acts as an irritant to the healing tissues resulting in delayed healing, increased bleeding and soreness. It can also compromise blood flow resulting in surgical failure. A nicotine patch can be used if needed.
Nutrition
Maintaining a good diet after surgery is important. You can chew on the opposite side of the mouth and should avoid extremely hard or spicy foods. We have listed below some foods that supply nourishment with little if any chewing necessary for swallowing.
- Broths and Soups (not too hot!)
- Blended foods and shakes/smoothies
- Yogurt or cottage cheese
- Food supplements such as Ensure, Metrecal or Carnation Instant Breakfast
- Eggs
- Baby foods
Avoid:
- Hard crunchy foods
- Chewing gum
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Granola
- Pretzels
Foods with seeds (poppy seeds on a bun, blackberries, etc). These tiny seeds can get lodged in the surgical site and delay healing or cause infection.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth Sensitivity following surgery is very normal. It is usually related to the surgical procedure, but can also be related to inadequate plaque removal. It is very important to be very meticulous with your plaque control procedures.
If any concerns arise that are not addressed here Dr. Tran or Nguyen can be reached by pager at the number listed on the post-op instructions given to you the day of your surgery.
If any concerns arise that are not addressed here Dr. Tran or Nguyen can be reached by pager at the number listed on the post-op instructions given to you the day of your surgery.