How to Choose a Periodontist

Your criteria for choosing a periodontist should be as rigorous as your criteria for choosing a general dentist, doctor or surgeon. Like a general dentist, doctor, or surgeon, oftentimes a recommendation will be provided to you, either by your general dentist, a coworker, family member or friend. While your dentist can speak to the professional qualifications of a recommended periodontist, friends, family and coworkers are more likely to provide insight into other qualities, such as their demeanor, amenities and the décor of the office, and other small details that can make a big difference in your overall experience of receiving treatment. It may also be helpful to search online for reviews of local periodontists, but it is important to be aware that online reviews are likely not as reliable as feedback you receive from people you know.

If you trust and have a good relationship with your general dentist, it is likely that you will have a similar experience with their recommended periodontist. However, just because a periodontist is right for one person does not mean they are right for all people. To help ensure you receive the type of care you need and prefer, here are several things to consider when trying to choose a periodontist.

Personality

For some people, the personality of the person providing them care is inconsequential so long as they are good at what they do. For others, it is very important to receive care from someone who has a good personality and/or demeanor. If you do not trust or “click” with your periodontist (or dentist or doctor), this is a perfectly reasonable reason to seek care from someone else.

Technology

What type of equipment is used at a clinic? Is their equipment state-of-the-art, middle of the road, or older? The type of equipment available will also determine, in part, what type of procedures are available and/or how certain procedures are performed.

Office Amenities

For some people, this may not rank very highly, and for others, a periodontal office that is well designed and provides amenities to make their patients as comfortable as possible is incredibly important. Certain qualities you may look for include:

• Is the office aesthetically pleasing?
• Are refreshments provided while you are in the waiting room?
• Does the waiting room include free wi-fi and/or high definition televisions?
• Is the chair you are laying in while being treated comfortable?

Affordability

The cost of receiving periodontal care is often (though not always) informed by the professional reputation of your periodontist. For some people, paying extra to receive exceptional care is a top priority and something they can afford or budget for. For many others, the cost of receiving periodontal treatment, especially for more complicated and expensive procedures, is highly important. If you are concerned about being able to afford treatment, but want to receive care from a particular periodontist, see if the clinic offers payment plans. Or, if cost of treatment is less of an issue, see if your clinic offers a discount for paying in full at the time treatment is provided.

Insurance

Another important consideration when choosing your periodontist is what types of insurance they accept. Also, some clinics require payment up front, after which you can be reimbursed by your insurance company, while others do not.

Qualifications

Becoming a periodontist requires rigorous academic discipline, so anyone who is certified as a periodontist has already demonstrated that they are qualified to provide the services offered; however, as is the case with any profession, there are individuals who excel at their job and go above and beyond simply providing periodontal services. One indication that your periodontist is committed to excelling in their field is whether they are board certified. Another indication of their qualifications is how long they have been in practice. For some, receiving care from a professional who has been performing services for 20+ years is more important than receiving care from a Board-Certified periodontist who has been providing services for 5 or fewer years.

Geographic Proximity

Oftentimes the number one reason people choose their periodontist is because their office is at a convenient location. This can be especially important for people who do not have a vehicle or who have a hectic work/home life.

Hours of Business

Another important consideration in choosing your periodontist is what hours they provide service. Some clinics offer services at set hours on certain days of the week while others offer a fluctuating schedule to accommodate more clients needs. Make sure that the periodontist you choose can provide you with the services you need at a day and time that works with your schedule.

Treatment Philosophy

Although periodontists are trained to perform the same procedures, not all periodontists approach treatment the same. When trying to decide whether a periodontist is a good fit for you, it may be helpful to ask them what their philosophy is towards treating periodontal issues. Broadly speaking, periodontists can be divided into two primary categories: those who have a conservative treatment philosophy, which is largely focused on correcting and preventing periodontal disease or other periodontal issues through nonsurgical methods whenever possible, and periodontists who take a more aggressive, proactive approach to correcting periodontal disease through surgical methods if necessary in order to correct the problem as quickly as possible. Both approaches can be effective in dealing with periodontal issues, but it is important to have a clear understanding of what your periodontist’s approach is and that it aligns with your personal health goals.

Emergency Care

When choosing a periodontist, one of the most commonly overlooked aspects is what type of emergency care the clinic provides. Although no one wants to imagine they will need emergency dental or periodontal care, it is always better to be prepared. As you are deciding what periodontist is right for you, it is a good idea to choose a clinic that offers emergency care.

Pain Management and Anesthesia

Every clinic and periodontist have slightly different philosophies and capabilities when it comes to dental sedation offerings. Some clinics only offer mild to moderate dental sedation, whereas others can administer deep IV sedation. If you struggle with dental phobia and/or would prefer to be deeply sedated for any procedures you have performed, you should find a periodontist who can administer this level of sedation.

Available Treatment Options and Areas of Expertise

When choosing a periodontist, it is important to know what types of procedures they offer and/or specialize in. While all periodontists are trained to perform similar procedures, some clinics or periodontists may specialize in procedures that you are more likely to require, such as dental implants or cosmetic procedures. If you require special periodontal support, be sure you find a periodontist and/or clinic that specializes in that procedure.

Trust Your Instincts

While the aforementioned criteria are all helpful areas to consider when choosing your periodontist, the biggest indicator of whether a periodontist is right for you is what your experience is like during your first appointment.  If after this appointment you feel confident that your periodontist understands your needs and preferences, you have a good rapport with them and you feel confident that they can provide you with high quality care, then you have likely found a periodontist who is a good fit for you. If you do not feel this way, then it is perfectly fine to continue searching for other periodontists in your area until you find one that can provide you with the specialized care you need.