Many times, patients visit or call our office with similar questions, such as questions about fees, insurance, the treatment process, or post-op care. For our patient’s benefit, we have created a list of FAQs that come up often! If you have a question not included below, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Front of House FAQs
Geraldine FAQ
- Will my insurance cover for this treatment?
Most treatments are covered by dental insurance but not a guarantee. Our office provides financial arrangements to help patients proceed without depending on insurance benefits - What is the recovery time?
This depends on the treatment and patient’s overall health - Will this hurt?
Not during the procedure. There will be pain pills prescribed to maximize comfort as the anesthetics subsides - What can I eat?
Minimal changes will take place, we have a list of food to eat that will be provided. - Do I need a driver?
Only if sedated. Most patients don’t require a driver and will be back to normal function right away with minimal limitations.
Jennifer’s FAQ’s
- What is the fee for treatment (that they need)?
There are a lot of things entailed and our goal is to give our patients the best recommendation of treatment so we can then give the patient the accurate fees after they are seen for a comprehensive exam. - What will my insurance cover?
Every insurance is different, and we will verify with your insurance carrier for the recommended treatment.As a courtesy, we can send a predetermination of benefits or verify insurance coverage over the phone prior to treatment. - Do you have senior /professional discounts?
We have a variety of payment options for patients in order to provide multiple levels of support needed by patients. Dr Penhaskashi would like to help patients by applying savings or possible discount to recommended treatments. - Why doesn’t my insurance cover this?
Most insurance plans have time and/or treatment limits. In order to avoid confusion, our treatment coordinator will verify your insurance for you. - What happens if I wait to do treatment?
Prolonging treatment can make things worse and it can flare up at any given time making possibly making the treatment a little more complex and potentially more costly. There is also a high risk or spreading infection. - Can we do everything in shorter visits?
For all patients, if possible, we offer same day treatment for the best possible outcome of their care.
Hygiene FAQs
FAQ’s Mary:
- Will it Hurt?
Universal question from all😊) - When I come for cleaning what do you check in my mouth first?
We start your appointment with an oral cancer check - If I don’t floss what else can I use to remove food?
We suggest soft picks followed by the Water Pik but honestly flossing is the true secret to healthy teeth. - What other dental tools can I use at home to maintain my dental hygiene?
We are big on electric toothbrushes for 3-minute brushing sessions along with your floss & Water Pik, the perfect trio. - Top question… ”How are your grandchildren?”
Great how are yours? We truly become friends and family with our dear patients.
Erika FAQ
- Is this going to hurt?
We never want to hurt you. We can use a variety of topical anesthetics which will wear off in a few minutes or we can use local anesthetics which will wear off in several hours. We can also use nitrous oxide combined with a sedative, Triazolam, to reduce stress and anxiety. You will need a driver when you are orally sedated. - Why do I have to floss?
Flossing is necessary to remove food debris and bacteria from between the teeth where brushing cannot reach. This will truly save your teeth and keep your gums healthy. - Why do I need to brush in the morning I haven’t eaten all night?
Harmful bacteria in the mouth still exist even when we are not eating especially while we are sleeping. - Can my husband and I share the water pick?
Depends on how good you are at sharing lol - What do the probing numbers mean?
We probe to assess periodontal (gingival) health. Ideally 1-3 mm is healthy and anything above this is a concern. - If I get fluoride how long do I have to wait for oral sex? (No lie someone asked me this!!!)
Note to self…check for oral STDs at next visit !
Treatment FAQs
Vanessa: TA
- At what point will my bone be stable for implant placement?
It could be immediate or soon after the extraction which will depend on the degree of infection or damage. For some, the average is 2-3 weeks. - Why does it take 6 months for final restorative phase after implant placement?
For the best and most predictable outcome, we understand and allow the body to fully heal. - What foods am I not allowed to have during healing stage?
Mostly hard , spicy & hot foods such as soups & coffee or tea. - Why is it important to avoid rinsing with peridex after so many uses?
Peridex is an excellent antibacterial solution but it can lead to side effects such as darkening of the teeth if used for a long period of time. - Why do I have a drippy nose after a sinus augmentation? Should I not blow my nose?
This is due to the sinus going through a normal cycle of recovery. Try to avoid blowing your nose. - How long do gums take to finally be strong enough after STG surgery?
Biologically, gums need a natural period of healing usually 4 to 6 weeks - Why should I get a single implant vs having a 3-unit connective bridge?
Long-term success of implants is dependent on keeping them clean and bridges are more challenging to clean and have a higher risk for gum disease. In addition with single implants, the healthy teeth adjacent to it will not be affected unlike with the bridge that could possibly stress the healthy adjacent teeth - Do you see anything wrong with the tooth?
A comprehensive clinical exam is essential to identify what is wrong with the tooth. - What is the scanner for Medit used for?
Intra-oral imaging is a cutting-edge technology tool that assists the doctor in evaluating the patients bite and teeth relationship to guarantee long-term success of the treatment.
Lorena
- How much for an implant (when they call as new patients)
Every patient care is different. I highly suggest patients come in for a comprehensive exam. - Will this hurt?
Swelling and discomfort are normal. We usually prescribe Motrin or a pain pill of your choice. - How many of these (implants, tissue grafts or laser treatment) has doctor done?
Dr. P has been doing this for over 30 years and we do this daily as this is his specialty as your trusted periodontist.
Margaret & Lorena:
- Do I need someone to come with me? I know I will not be sedated – but would it be a good idea?
You don’t need somebody to accompany you as you will not be sedated. You will be fine to drive. Naturally, you are always welcome to bring someone for support. - Which foods are allowed and not?
We do want you to stay on a soft diet. Nothing crunchy, hard, spicy or chewy. Stay away from steaming hot coffee or soup. A lot of cold liquids like smoothies, cold water, or juices would be best but do not use a straw. - What is my level of pain?
You will have some discomfort, but the Motrin should take care of the pain. It really depends on each patient. We will make sure that you are comfortable and recover well. - Will there be swelling and bleeding?
Upon leaving the office, there may be some minimal bleeding or maybe none and as the days go by, you will notice pink saliva which is very normal. Swelling may start the following day or may take up to 2-3 days to happen and will go down gradually with the Motrin. Please avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities. - Will the flipper be comfortable to wear all day after surgery?
We will make sure it fits before you leave the office and make sure it does not cause pressure on that area, so it won’t be uncomfortable for you.
Louise FAQ’s
- Will it hurt?
It shouldn’t be too bad, just a little discomfort after numbness wears off. - Can I eat today? What should I eat?
You can eat softer foods, nothing too hot in temperature, chew on the other side. Don’t use a straw when drinking. There is a guide for healthy food to eat with your written instructions (soup, pasta, applesauce, fish, chicken, potatoes. Do not eat anything spicy, crunchy; No nuts, seeds, chips, steamy hot, allow food to cool to lukewarm. Avoid alcohol, citrus juices, carbonated drinks) - When can I exercise (after surgery); how many days until I can resume exercising?
You should wait a minimum of 5-7 days. You need to avoid aerobic exercise that raises heart rate & Blood pressure. No heavy lifting either. Be gentle with yourself, relax as much as possible. - Will I be able to go to work tomorrow?
Usually you can resume normal function right after…you should be fine and able to go to work (office work, low activity) if your work does not include a large amount of talking.