Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

Will It Hurt?
Do I Need X-Rays?
What Will It Cost?
Will My Insurance Cover The Cost?
Will I Need Surgery?
Can My Teeth Be Saved?
When Will I Go Back To My General Dentist?
What If I Don’t Have Gum Treatment?

Will It Hurt?

We will be as gentle as possible. Dr. Wetzler is the first periodontist in Westchester to follow the LANAP protocol for laser periodontal treatment.  Hands down, patients report that LANAP is much more comfortable than traditional periodontal surgery.

Do I Need X-Rays?

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. Dr. Wetzler may need to supplement these x-rays with our digital xrays or 3D cone beam scan in order to view all of the necessary periodontal and jaw structures. We will only take what is necessary for a proper diagnosis and we would be happy to share these digital images with your general dentist.

What Will It Cost?

Since all patients are different, Dr. Wetzler 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 procedure(s) needed. 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 planning can be established. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.

Will My Insurance Cover The Cost?

Dental insurance benefit policies often provide benefits for periodontal treatment. Please bring all dental benefit information and cards to your examination appointment. We would be happy to  submit a  Pre-Determination to try to estimate your coverage benefits.

Will I Need Surgery?

Not everyone needs surgical treatment. If treated early, gum disease can be controlled without surgery. Dr. Wetzler will make recommendations based on your individual situation. Our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to attain treatment goals.

Can My Teeth Be Saved?

The recent advances in periodontal treatment (LANAP) allow us to successfully treat teeth that in the past have been given a hopeless prognosis.  Please visit www.lanap.com for more information.

When Will I Go Back To My General Dentist?

Our office and your general dentist will work closely together. Our office will send updates to your general dental office to advise them of your visits to our office. If crowns and fillings are needed, your dentist will provide them. Oftentimes, periodontal maintenance appointments are shared between our office and your general dental office.  Regular visits to your dentist are an important part of periodontal maintenance.

What If I Don’t Have Gum Treatment?

Periodontal disease is a progressive, painless infection. Delay can cause you further bone loss, pain and more expense. If your teeth are lost, dentures are never as effective as your own natural teeth.

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