Patient Resources

General dentists are trained to diagnose and treat early periodontal disease. The fact that you have been referred means that your dentist feels you would benefit from the advanced treatment that a specialist provides. Feel fortunate that your dentist is able to make the diagnosis since periodontal disease usually causes no symptoms or discomfort, but if left untreated can result in tooth loss.

It is most commonly treated through a non-surgical periodontal procedure called scaling and root planing. This is often followed by periodontal surgery to completely clean the roots of the teeth.

During your first visit, we will review your medical and dental history with you, and we will perform a thorough periodontal examination. If X-rays are needed, we will take them at the first visit. Once this is complete, we will explain our findings and make treatment recommendations. We will answer all your questions before you leave the office that day. Our goal is to help you understand your condition, and what you can expect from your treatment.

Everyone at our office is committed to making your treatment as comfortable as possible. A special numbing agent is used for all procedures so that dull pressure is the only sensation you may notice. There are also means by which patient anxiety can be eased with oral sedation medication. This will be addressed at your first visit as well.

The cost of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and the specific treatment needed. We evaluate each patient and create an individual custom treatment plan. There is no average cost.

If you have dental insurance, it should cover some, possibly most, of your treatment costs. Our staff will contact your dental insurance carrier to clarify your coverage. We review this information during your initial visit. We offer payment options for out-of-pocket costs.

Your general dentist is the most important member of your dental health care team. Your general dentist is in charge of your overall treatment and is made aware of our initial findings and treatment plan. The team at Dr. William E. Mason Periodontics & Dental Implants regularly communicates with your general dentist during your treatment to ensure we deliver the best possible results.

Periodontal disease, untreated, slowly destroys the gum line and bone which supports your teeth. While this rarely hurts initially, it often results in swelling, infection and tooth loss. Ongoing periodontal infections have recently been linked to other systemic medical conditions, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and premature and low birth weight babies.

After your initial scaling and root planing, Dr. Mason or Dr. Lamble will re-evaluate your condition. Some patients do not require further active treatment, only continued periodontal maintenance. If scaling and root planing do not result in healthy gums, then surgical options are recommended to achieve optimal health.