PATIENT INFO

Initial Consultation

It is our intention to make all of your visits to our office a pleasant and comfortable one.  On your first visit, Dr. Diab will do a full oral examination to measure for bone loss, loose teeth, bite, oral cancer screening, TMJ, and other signs of periodontal disease.
 
If you are visiting our office for dental implants, Dr. Diab will determine what type of implant to use and how feasible implants are in your situation. 
 
After your first visit, Dr. Diab will confer with your referring dentist in order to determine the most appropriate treatment catered specfically for you. 
 

What to Bring to First Visit

In order for your visit to be as efficient and as thorough as possible, please supply the following information to our office:
  • Your referral slip from your referring dentist,
  • Any xrays from your general dentist - your dentist may forward them to us via mail or email,
  • Patient Information Forms, signed Consent for Services and Financial Policy Form, and signed Privacy Acknowledgement Form which can be downloaded from this website or sent to you in the mail before your appointment.  All forms are also available in the office if you cannot fill them out before your appointment.  Please complete these forms as accurately as possible - all information will be kept in your confidential dental record,
  • Any information regarding medical conditions requiring premedication,
  • If you have dental insurance, please bring any forms or insurance cards with you to the appointment,
  • Any other information you feel would be relevant.
     

Please Note: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation appointment.

Please notify the office if you have a medical condition or concern prior to surgery (e.g. artificial heart valves or joints, heart murmurs requiring pre-medication, severe diabetes, or hypertension).

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Will the Initial Exam and other Procedures Hurt?

Dr. Diab will perform the initial exam as gently as possible and the periodontal exam usually causes little or no discomfort.
 
As for other procedures, Dr. Diab can perform all procedures under conscious sedation which means that you would be "asleep" while the procedure is being performed and you will not feel any pain and have little or no memory of that time.  He can also prescribe oral medications and nitrous to alleviate anxiety and nervousness.  Please ask the treatment coordinator about these options.

Do I Need X-Rays?

We will need current periodontal x-rays in order to see disease not otherwise visible. If your referring dentist has taken x-rays, you may request that they be forwarded to us.

What Will It Cost?

Since every patient's treatment plan is different, you must undergo a thorough exam in order to develop the best route for your dental health.  As soon as Dr. Diab completes the exam and determines a treatment plan, our treatment coordinator will meet with you in order to review the costs and all financial options available.  Additionally, we offer a financial payment plan through Care Credit. 

Will My Insurance Cover The Cost?

In most cases, dental insurance covers the costs of periodontal treatment.  If you provide your dental insurance information to our receptionist when making your initial appointment, the financial coordinator can have the information ready for you when you complete your examination.  As a courtesy, our financial coordinator will file claims with your insurance company.  Please remember, that we will do everything we can to maximize the benefits from your insurance company, but each patient is ultimately responsible for his or her own treatment costs.  Pelase read our Financial Policy for more information.
 

What if I don't Treat the Periodontal Disease?

Because periodontal disease can be painless and symptom free, it seems easy to forgo treatment.  However, left untreated, this infection will attack and destroy the foundation, gum, and bone around the teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.  Studies have also shown a direct link between periodontal disease and heart disease.

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 teeth.

When Will I Go Back To My General Dentist?

Our office and your dentist will work closely together. If crowns and fillings are needed your dentist will provide them. Regular visits to your dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance.