Patient guide Before you book
The patient guide covers what patients ask before and around booking a periodontist: the first visit, checking a license and board status, questions to ask, treatment timelines, sedation and the codes on a treatment plan. Under Florida rule, a dentist must furnish copies of records, including x-rays, in less than 30 days of a written request.
Before the first visit
First periodontist visit step by stepA first periodontist visit moves through a medical and medication review, an exam, a full periodontal chart, x-rays, a diagnosis by stage and grade, and a written treatment plan with a cost estimate.
How to check a periodontist's credentialsFour public records confirm a Florida periodontist's credentials: the Department of Health license search, the federal NPI Registry, the American Board of Periodontology locator and CODA's list of accredited residencies.Questions to ask a periodontistPatients can ask a periodontist about training, the diagnosis, treatment options, time and visits, cost and insurance, sedation and aftercare before agreeing to a plan.Referrals to a periodontistA referral to a periodontist is required only when the dental plan requires one.
Second opinion on a periodontal planA second opinion is a separate evaluation of the diagnosis and plan by another periodontist, built on copies of the first office's x-rays, chart and coded plan.Planning treatment
How long periodontal treatment takesPeriodontal treatment time runs from a single deep-cleaning visit to many months when extraction, bone grafting and an implant are staged.Treatment codes on a periodontal planThe codes on a periodontal treatment plan are CDT codes, the HIPAA standard code set for dental records and claims, published by the American Dental Association.
Sedation for gum and implant surgeryGum and implant surgery is done under local anesthesia, alone or with nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV moderate sedation or general anesthesia.Preparing for gum or implant surgeryPreparing for gum or implant surgery means a medication review with the prescribing physician, antibiotics only for patients who meet heart or joint criteria, fasting when sedation is planned, a ride home and soft food at home.