Pocket Reduction Surgery FAQs

1. WHY DO I NEED POCKET REDUCTION SURGERY?
2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS PROCEDURE?
3. WILL IT HURT?
4. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAL
5. WILL INSURANCE COVER THESE PROCEDURES?

1. WHY DO I NEED POCKET REDUCTION SURGERY?

You need periodontal surgery because your Periodontist has determined that the tissues around your teeth are unhealthy, and cannot be repaired by non-surgical treatment. Surgery allows him to limit further damage from occurring around your remaining healthy teeth, and provides the opportunity to surgically stimulate your body to repair some of the damage that has been caused by the loss of the supporting bone around your teeth. Left untreated, the infection will continue to progress, ultimately causing you to ruin the remaining teeth, or contribute to the loss of all of your teeth.

2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS PROCEDURE?

Reducing pocket depths and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to maintain a healthy smile. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent disease recurrence.

Deeper pockets are more difficult for you and your dental care professional to clean, so it’s important for you to reduce them. Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease your chances of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.

3. WILL IT HURT?

New treatment options using refined techniques can be performed comfortably as office procedures. Improvements in medications, local anesthesia, anxiety and pain control, and in some cases, conscious sedation, are available to make your treatment more pleasant and comfortable.

4. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAL?

It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions. Patients generally can expect to enjoy their normal routine the following day. Talk with your doctor and our staff about any special post-surgery considerations you may have, such as diet, exercise or follow-up medications. This will help to minimize disruption of your daily activities.

5. WILL INSURANCE COVER THESE PROCEDURES?

We work with most major Insurance Carriers, and our electronically-filed claims receive priority processing from them. When you come in for your first visit to our office, we will be happy to do a complimentary Benefits Check for you. Again, please remember to bring all medical and dental benefit information and cards to your Examination appointment.

The term “Dental Insurance” is really a misnomer. Periodontal treatment is typically covered by Dental Insurance Plans at 80% of the total cost (leaving a 20% balance), and a “cap” or limit on the amount that will be paid per fiscal year. A more accurate description of this type of compensation agreement would be “Dental Supplement” because, unlike Health Insurance plans, most Dental Insurance Carriers have an annual “cap” or limit on how much they will pay toward your dental needs—even though they are aware that Periodontal Disease has a very direct and negative impact on your overall health. For example, the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association have both issued statements concerning the negative impact of active infection on your organs and their function.

To further complicate the matter, if you’ve already had other treatment that year with your General Dentist or another Dental Specialist, you will need to deduct the amount of that prior treatment from your anticipated supplemental reimbursement. If that treatment has exhausted your annual allowed limit, then you will receive no supplemental help with treatment. This harsh reality is why most of our patients appreciate the broad spectrum of payment arrangements made available by Drs. Caldwell and Dimmitt. Our staff will work with you to ensure maximum benefits. Your periodontal health is important; don’t leave treatment decisions in the hands of an impersonal insurance carrier.