Patient information

What will happen at my first visit?

Please assist us at the time of your initial visit to the office by providing the following information:

Your referral slip and x-rays from your referring dentist. A list of medications you are currently taking.

Please Note: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation appointment. Please notify us 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.) We will complete an in depth medical and dental health history and a thorough examination to measure for bone loss, loose teeth, bite, oral cancer screening, TMJ and other signs of periodontal disease.

We will be as gentle as possible. The periodontal exam can be completed with little or no discomfort.

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.

Since all patients are different, your Periodontist must complete your examination before establishing your treatment plan and the fee for care. The fee for periodontal treatment can vary considerably depending on the type of problems and the complexity and length of treatment. An approximate fee can usually be determined at the initial visit; but on occasion, some initial treatment or further diagnostics must be completed before the final treatment plan can be established. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.

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.

We work closely with your dentist and normally report back to your dentist with our findings and treatment recommendations. If crowns and fillings are needed your Dentist will provide them. Regular visits to your Dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance.

Periodontal disease is a progressive, painless infection. Delay can cause you further bone loss and more expense. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own teeth.

Scheduling

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We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you as soon as possible. We try to stay on schedule to minimize waiting at the time of your appointment. Referral of emergency patients can cause delays to the schedule, and your understanding and patience are very much appreciated.

Surgical instructions for patient

Pre-operative instructions

The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions.

    • In some case you will receive your preoperative prescriptions with this instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery, unless they have been previously phoned into the pharmacy of your choice. Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.
    • It may be important to stop taking Aspirin, and other blood, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin, Warfarin or another blood thinner, remember to inform us and discontinue them as directed. If you normally take antibiotic premedication, please take it as directed before your surgery. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. If you have elected to have oral sedation prior to the procedure it is important to arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
    • We will give you written and verbal post-operative instructions as well as analgesics and antibacterial mouth washes and Antibiotic prescriptions if required. You will also be given Dr. Camargo contact phone numbers in case of emergency.
    • In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will normally see you after 1 or 2 weeks for post-operative checks. In most cases, after surgery we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. A loading dose of antibiotics is often given prior to your surgical procedure. You may also be prescribed an antibiotic after the procedure if Dr. Camargo determines it to be necessary. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Sedatives

Sedatives are sometimes prescribed prior to surgical procedures. If you elect to have an oral sedative you should attend at least 30 minutes before the procedure and it will be given to you. As you cannot drive for the rest of the day it is important that you have someone accompany you home following the procedure. Remember, we encourage you to eat prior to your surgery.

Fee guide

    • Examination, diagnostics, treatment planning and reporting to general dentist – €150
    • Non-surgical periodontal treatment – €300-€1500
    • Surgical periodontal treatment – from €650 per quadrant
    • Root coverage – from €1000
    • Gingivectomy – from €350
    • Crown lengthening – from €500
    • Frenectomy – from €350
    • Implant placement – from €1500
    • Surgical extraction – from €300
    • Tissue preserving extraction with bone graft – €500
    • Bone augmentation – from €800
    • Periodontal re-evaluation and reporting to general dentist – €100
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