At IMPLANT PERIO INC, the first consultation is designed to get to know you as the patient and to gather information regarding your dental concerns, to evaluate your dentition, and to discuss the way forward with you so that you may make an informed decision regarding treatment and the options available for your unique case. Rest assured that you will not undergo any treatment on the day of your first consultation, unless it is an emergency.
The first consultation would generally consist of the following:
- Patient interview – during this phase Dr Stander will gather your medical history and any concerns you may have regarding your dentition. Your information is strictly confidential; thus, we invite you to be as open as possible regarding your medical history. Your medical history, regardless of how insignificant the information may seem, may have a direct link to your concern, or may play a role in the planning of your treatment. Please also bring a list of medication you are currently taking for record purposes. This will play a vital role when Dr Stander prescribes medication.
- Full Periodontal Examination – during this phase, Dr Stander will evaluate 6 sites around each tooth to check for infection and bone loss. She will also evaluate the soft tissue (gums) for defects or other concerning pathology.
At IMPLANT PERIO INC we make use of the Florida Probe which is the industry leading technology leader in Periodontal Probing and Charting. This incredible system offers our patents an interactive and educational experience. The Florida Probe not only takes accurate measurements, but also reads the measurements and warnings out to you during the examination.
The periodontal charting will indicate information on the following which will give vital information for your treatment plan:
- Infection: measurements of 1 – 3 mm is normal. Measurements of 4 mm may indicate that infection is in the beginning stages. Measurements of 5 or more is periodontitis and the deeper the pocketing is, the more advanced the infection is.
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession: where the gum pulls away from the teeth
- Mobility of teeth
- Cavities and fractures
- Amount of keratinised gingiva: thick tissue surrounding our teeth
- Furcation lesions: bone loss between the roots of the back teeth
- Abrasion lesions: areas where the tooth structure may be brushed away by incorrect brushing techniques
- Active frenums: a frenum is the thin tissue that connects the lips to the gum, usually between the front top and bottom teeth – easily visible when you pull the lip.
- Edentulous areas: where teeth are missing
Intra-oral Images and x-rays - During your consultation, Dr Stander may need to take intra-oral images or x-rays for record and reference purposes. The x-rays that may be required will vary depending on the requirements for your case:
- Periapical x-rays: these are small 2D x-rays taken in the chair and is area specific. These are useful when a closer look is needed of a specific tooth.
- Panoramic x-ray: this is a full mouth 2D x-ray. This is a common x-ray which may be taken to get a quick overview of your entire dentition.
- 3D CBCT Scan: this is the most advanced x-ray which could either be focussed on one or multiple teeth at the same time, depending on the requirement for your case. This scan is made up of thousand of slices, similar to a CAT scan, which allows us to evaluate every tooth inside and out, and also allow for accurate measurements to be taken of tooth and bone structures. It is a requirement for implant cases; and in cases where 2D x-rays do not suffice, Dr Stander may request a CBCT scan to be taken to make a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment Discussion – once Dr Stander has gained all the necessary information to make a diagnosis, she will propose and discuss the treatment options with you. We invite you to ask questions regarding the proposed treatment and raise any concerns you may have at this time. Our goal is to provide you with adequate information so that you may focus on the end result of a restored smile, instead of the problem at hand.
After your consultation with Dr Stander, the dental assistant and receptionist will assist in scheduling a tentative date for the proposed treatment to commence. Dr Stander and her team will then draw up your treatment plan and the cost estimate(s) for the proposed treatment. This will then be emailed to you along with all the necessary details of the appointment, and instruction on how to confirm the appointment.
Should you at any time have any queries regarding the appointment, we invite you to contact our rooms, and one of our friendly staff will assist you.
