Please assist us at the time of your initial visit to the office by providing the following information:
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 which we should know before your first appointment (e.g. artificial heart valves or joints requiring antibiotic pre-medication or an advanced medical condition for which we will need to prepare).
We will complete an in-depth medical and dental health history and a thorough dental examination to include assessment of periodontal disease, your teeth function and esthetics, your bite and oral cancer screening. If diagnostc films are needed to properly diagnose your condition, these may be taken on your first visit. If your condition is complex, especially if multiple teeth are missing, study models may be made by making molds of your upper and lower teeth. If your treatment needs are straightforward, a treatment plan may be presented at your first visit. If consultation is needed with your referring dentist or if Dr. Stewart needs time to study you case before making recommendations, you may be appointed to return for a treatment conference.
We will need current periodontal films in order to see disease not otherwise visible. If your referring dentist has taken films, wemay request that they be forwarded to us or you may go by their office and pick up a copy to bring with you.
Since all patients have different goals and needs, Dr. Stewart must complete your examination before establishing your treatment plan and the fee for care. The fee for periodontal and implant treatment can vary considerably depending on the type of problems and the complexity and length of treatment as well as what you, the patient, would like to achieve. An approximate fee can often be determined at the initial visit; but on occasion, further diagnostic material or consultation with your referring dentist, your physician or other dental specialist must be completed before the final treatment plan can be established. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as efficiently and conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals. Once a treatment plan has been established, all fees will be given to you in writing in advance and financial arrangement and insurance concerns can be addressed.
Dental insurance policies often partially reimburse you for periodontal/implant treatment. We are committed to help you gain maximum benefit from you dental insurance. We are happy for file your claims, write narratives, make calls on your behalf.
If you have been referred for assessment of gum disease, keep in mind that not everyone needs periodontal surgery. If treated early, periodontal disease can often be controlled without surgery. However, periodontal surgery will usually be recommended if your periodontal condition is advanced or complex. Our goal is to attain optimum periodontal health and for you to save your teeth to provide the best comfort, function and esthetics possible. We will make recommendations based on your individual situation. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.
The recent advances in periodontal treatment and a team effort from the patient, our office and your referring dentist office allow us to successfully save most teeth. If you have teeth that cannot be helped, we will discuss the best possible methods of replacing these teeth to return you to the best function, comfort and appearance possible.
Our office and your dentist will work closely together. If restorations such as crowns and fillings are needed, your dentist will provide them. Regular visits to your dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance. Once initial periodontal treatment is completed, we will recommend a schedule for periodontal maintenance appointment, which are often scheduled on an alternating basis between our two offices.
Periodontal disease is a progressive, painless infection. Delay can cause you further bone loss leading to tooth loss and more difficult and extensive restorative treatment. Untreated periodontal disease may negatively affect your overall health, possibly increasing your risk for cardiovascular disease, for example.
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Address: 1001 E. Buckingham Road • Richardson, TX 75081 • Phone: (972) 680-1606
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