Frequently Asked Questions - Cook Periodontics

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

During your first visit, your periodontist will review your complete medical and dental history with you. It’s extremely important for your periodontist to know if you are taking any medications or being treated for any condition that can affect your periodontal care.

You will be given a complete oral and periodontal exam. Your periodontist will examine your gums, check to see if there is any gum line recession, assess how your teeth fit together when you bite and check your teeth to see if any are loose. Your periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument and place it between your teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets. This helps your periodontist assess the health of your gums. Radiographs (x-rays) may be used to show bone levels between teeth and check for bone loss and cavities.

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. Of course, we always welcome self-referrals!

A list of medications you are currently taking (please note that you can fill out your patient registration and medical history form on our website.) If you have dental insurance, please bring any forms or insurance cards with you to the 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). 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.

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

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.

Our periodontist of Cook Periodontics will do an oral cancer screening and check your blood pressure and pulse at your initial visit. Since all patients are different, the doctor 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.

Periodontal procedures and implants may be covered, the insurance company will determine coverage according to your policy guidelines/limitations. As a courtesy to our patients with dental insurance, we will be happy to file your insurance if we are supplied with the necessary information for your plan.

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.

The recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to successfully treat most teeth.

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.

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.

We are accepting new patients in both our Wilmington and Leland offices!

Dr. Deana Cook, located in Wilmington and Leland, NC, is an experienced periodontist who serves patients from Castle Hayne, Porters Neck, Ogden, Leland, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Southport, and Hampstead. Dr. Cook, along with our entire team, is looking forward to welcoming you to our office and encourage you to schedule your appointment today!