What to Expect at Your First Periodontal Visit

If you are pursuing or considering pursuing periodontal care for your teeth and gums, then you should know what to expect from your first visit. Many people have little or no experience with periodontists, so their first visit can be intimidating, especially if they are dealing with painful or distressing periodontal disease.  

There is no need to feel overwhelmed or intimidated, the periodontist's office is very similar to a dentist's office. When you arrive, you will meet the staff before you are taken back to see the doctor. You may need to bring a few different items, including a current list of medications, your insurance cards, your medical history, a referral form, or any products you are currently using for your oral care. The periodontist's office will communicate everything you need to bring to your initial visit well in advance of the appointment.  

How do you navigate insurance coverage for dental care? Learn more in this blog post! 

If you are seeking periodontal treatment and want to get ready for your first visit, or you are supporting a loved one pursuing periodontal care, this blog is for you. We will discuss some signs that periodontal care is needed, the day of your periodontal appointment, meeting your periodontist, and how the periodontal team will identify your treatment options. Keep reading to learn more about your first periodontal exam. 

Signs that You Need Periodontal Care 

Before you book your appointment, you need to be sure that periodontal care is right for you. Oftentimes, your dentist will be the one to advise you if periodontal care is the best course of action. As specialists who treat gum disease, periodontists are not the same as regular dentists or orthodontists, so before your first appointment, you need to be sure that periodontal treatment is right for you. 

Patients need periodontics to address and treat issues related to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This can include gum disease, gingivitis, and other periodontal issues that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. 

Signs that periodontal care is needed include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, persistent bad breath, and receding gums. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek the care of a periodontist. 

A periodontist works with patients to address their specific needs, which may include deep cleaning procedures, gum grafts, dental implants, or other specialized treatments like Teeth in a Day procedures. The periodontist will conduct a thorough examination, discuss treatment options, and create a personalized plan to address the patient's periodontal needs. Periodontists are experts in treating gum and bone issues and helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. 

Now that you understand what a periodontist does and how they can help you, let's look at the specifics of your first visit.  

Your First Periodontal Visit at Bonomo Periodontics 

When you arrive at our office, you will check in at our front desk. There, you may meet our front desk coordinator, Chelsi, our office manager, Valeri, or our treatment coordinator, Kristin. At this time, you will be asked to complete paperwork related to your medical history, current medications, and any dental insurance information. 

At Bonomo Periodontics, our team is led by periodontist Dr. Raymond Bonomo. He will be primarily responsible for your care and will help guide you through the next phases of treatments. 

Once you are checked in and our front office team has confirmed your appointment, you will be taken back to one of our appointment rooms by our hygienist, Beth. Depending on the nature of your appointment you might also see one of our surgical assistants before Dr. Bonomo comes in. 

 Our friendly team and Dr. Bonomo have helped hundreds of patients just like you treat their periodontal disease, so you can count on top-quality care from all the professionals you encounter on your first visit. In the next section, we will discuss what you should know before meeting with Dr. Bonomo for the first time. 

Meeting Doctor Bonomo 

When meeting with Dr. Bonomo for the first time, it is important to be open and transparent about your dental problems and concerns. Dr. Bonomo may ask you about your dental history, periodontal disease, any current issues or pain you are experiencing, your dental hygiene routine, and any other relevant medical history. He may also inquire about any specific goals or expectations you have for your dental and periodontal health. 

This consultation appointment is the time to share symptoms like gum recession, signs of bone loss, or other health conditions you have. It is important to share any anxieties or fears you have about dental treatment, as well as any specific preferences or requirements you may have. This will help Dr. Bonomo understand your needs and provide the best possible care for you. 

It is important to remember that the initial consultation is usually just the first meeting to determine a treatment plan. Unless you have been informed otherwise, do not expect anything more than an examination. This is a good opportunity to discuss your treatment options and ask any questions you may have about your dental health. 

Next, let's discuss how Dr. Bonomo and our team will help you identify your treatment options. 

Identifying Your Treatment Options 

When meeting with Dr. Bonomo to discuss your periodontal journey, it is important to communicate your needs and wants clearly. He will identify a treatment plan for your periodontal needs, which may include surgeries like bone grafts or dental implants. If you require sedation or have a fear of dentistry, it is important to express this to Dr. Bonomo so that they can recommend suitable treatment options. 

What is sedation dentistry? Learn more here! 

Once you have a treatment plan in place, our office team will guide you back to the front office where you will schedule your follow-up appointment. Depending on the results of this initial consultation appointment with Dr. Bonomo your next appointment may include additional examinations, or even surgical procedures, like Teeth in a Day. If you have been tasked with a new oral care routine by our team, it is important that you follow through for the best chance of long-lasting periodontal health.  

Periodontal Care from Bonomo Periodontics 

Pursuing periodontal care is one of the best things you can do for the long-term health of your gums, teeth, and mouth. Serious issues like bone loss and gum disease will not go away on their own. You need the expert care that only a periodontist can provide.  

If you are looking for a periodontist who will always put you and your needs first, then Dr. Bonomo is here for you. Dr. Bonomo is experienced with periodontal care; he is here to listen to your needs and create a treatment plan made for you and your oral health. 

Click here to schedule an appointment with Bonomo Periodontics today! 

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