Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your initial appointment time so we can verify any information.
Your initial exam will last approximately thirty minutes to one hour. We will review your medical and dental history and perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums.
In most cases during this initial consultation, we will be able to provide a diagnosis of your periodontal condition and propose a treatment plan to improve your dental health.
Because we know your time is important, we try to stay on schedule to minimize waiting. Prior to your appointment, please download, print, and complete the new patient forms below and bring them with you
to your appointment.
IMPORTANT NOTE! If you pre-medicate with antibiotics for dental appointments due to an artificial heart valve or joint replacement, do so for this first appointment. A parent or guardian must accompany patients under 18 to this consultation appointment.
Please assist us at the time of your first visit to our office by providing the following information:
- Your referral slip, health history and registration forms
- Any x-rays from your referring dentist (if given)
- A list of medications you are currently taking
- Your dental insurance card, if insured
Download New Patient Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be referred by a dentist to see a periodontist?
No, you do not need to be referred to have an examination or therapy in our office. We are always happy to accept new patients to our practice. If you do not have a general dentist and we feel you would benefit from seeing one, we can refer you to a restorative dentist who would meet your needs and personality.
Why is my dentist referring me to a periodontist?
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 training that a specialist receives. Feel fortunate that your dentist is able to make the diagnosis since periodontal disease usually causes no symptoms or discomfort.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive, cost effective manner. It is most commonly treated through a non-surgical periodontal procedure called scaling and root planing. The aim of treatment is setting your body up to heal itself.
How painful is periodontal treatment?
Everyone at our office is committed to making your treatment as comfortable as possible. A numbing agent is used for all procedures so that dull pressure is the only sensation you are aware of. At no time will there be any pain associated with your treatment. There are also means by which any anxiety can be easily controlled with oral medication. This will be addressed at your first visit as well.
What happens on my first visit?
During your first visit, your medical and dental history will be reviewed and then you will be given a thorough periodontal examination. Any additional x-rays will be taken, if needed, for an accurate diagnosis to be made. After the examination has been completed we will explain our findings and treatment recommendations. All questions that you may have will be answered before you leave the office that day. Our goal is to help you understand your condition, its severity and what you can expect from your treatment.
How much will my treatment cost and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and extensiveness of your treatment.
Each patient is evaluated and a treatment plan developed on an individual basis. Therefore, it is not possible to give an average cost.
If you have dental insurance, it can help cover some of the cost of your treatment. Your dental insurance benefit will be affected by the deductible,
plan limitations, total amount of benefit available per year, and how much of your benefit has already been used.
Our staff will be in contact with your dental insurance carrier to clarify your coverage and review this with you at your initial visit.
For treatment procedures, which involve more than your insurance provides, payment options are available.
What is the role of my general dentist?
Your general dentist is the most important member of your dental health care team. He/she is still in charge of your overall treatment. Your general dentist is made aware of our initial findings and treatment plan and is kept informed as to your progress through your treatment here. We will work closely together to ensure the best possible result for your treatment.
What happens after my periodontal treatment is complete?
After your initial scaling and root planing, Dr. Barnes will reevaluate your condition. Most patients do not require further active treatment, only continued, routine cleanings. If scaling and root planing does not result in healthy gums, then surgical options are available.
Financial Matters
Our Financial Policy
Dr. Barnes believes that financial concerns should never stand in the way of excellent periodontal and implant care. For your convenience, we welcome MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. We can even arrange interest-free financing for qualified patients through CareCredit. Together, we’ll make state-of-the-art periodontal and implant therapy surprisingly affordable for you.
Emergency/Single Visit Payments
For single-visit procedures, our policy is that payment is due in full at the time of service.
Insurance
Our office is a fee for service practice. We work with multiple PPO insurance companies as an “Out of network” provider and will gladly file to your dental insurance company with all necessary information needed to process your claim. Insurance benefits are sent directly to the insured as reimbursement. Please update your dental insurance with our office should you have any changes.