When selecting a periodontal practice, be sure that the periodontist is Board Certified. This means that the doctor has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory requirements of his specialty. For you as the patient, this means the best opportunity to receive the most up-to-date, quality care available in periodontics today.
Choosing a Periodontist
With all the changes in dental insurance, it is more important than ever for patients to become involved in selecting their doctors and their treatment.
Should you choose a periodontist just because they participate in your insurance plan? Be aware that not every periodontal office provides the same QUALITY of care and some don’t offer the newest and best treatments. How do you know if you are making the right choice?
It is important to consider not only the cost of care, but the outcome of care as well. Treatment that is cheaper for the insurance company today may be more costly to you in the long run. Before you or one of your family members chooses a periodontist, there is certain information that can help you decide whether or not you’ll receive quality care that will provide long term benefits. Ask the following questions:
1. Is the periodontist BOARD CERTIFIED? (You have to ask).
2.Can I see a list of all continuing education courses that you have taken in the past year?
3.Many periodontists do not provide the newest and often dramatically better treatment options. How much experience do you have with:
A. Regenerative procedures?
B. Root coverage grafts?
C.
The new technology of anaerobic culturing and sensitivity tests?
D. Dental implants? How many years have you been placing them?
4. In regard to this particular dental plan:
A. What is NOT covered?
B. Will I be directed to accept less expensive, less desired treatment options?
C. Can I be sure that ALL treatment options will be discussed with me so that I can make an informed choice?
D. Will I be told of the need for treatment BEFORE I have major problems?
5. Maintenance Visits. The following records are standard of care and essential to monitor the stability of treatment long-term. Not all periodontists get this necessary information at all periodontal cleaning appointments. Do you routinely include:
A. A complete probing exam?
B. A plaque-free score using a disclosing solution?
C. A “bleeding upon probing” evaluation?
D. A check for gum recession?
E. A check for any mobility in my teeth?
F. A report to my general dentist on my current periodontal health? (And will my visits be appropriately coordinated with my general dentist?)
6. What are your methods of disinfection and sterilization and are they up-to-date?
Learn more about periodontist PA at PittsburghImplantsAndPerio.Com.
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