What to Expect at Your Initial Appointment

Your First Visit

Welcome to Mason Periodontics and Dental Implants! 

The initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss issues of concern and time for the patient and Dr. Mason to become acquainted. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have. We welcome and encourage our patients to take an active role in their dental health and we will make every attempt to keep you fully informed throughout the course of your treatment.

For your appointment, please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you are not able to make your appointment on time, please call our office and we can reschedule.

What to Expect When You Arrive

• A comfortable, inviting environment.
• As little stress and/or anxiety as possible.
• A well-prepared periodontal team.
• Humor and lightheartedness.
• Developing lasting relationships with our patients.
• The best equipment and resources.
• Up-to-date dental and periodontal knowledge.

Comprehensive Periodontal Examination

At your initial exam appointment, Dr. Mason will perform a comprehensive periodontal examination to evaluate your periodontal (bone and gum) health by assessing the following:

• Your risk factors for periodontal disease.
• Your teeth and the way they bite together.
• The bone structure surrounding your teeth.
• Your overall gingival health.
• Your level of plaque and calculus (bacterial film that attaches to teeth at the gumline).
• A full set of radiographs.
• Your overall medical health and medications you are currently taking.

Several measurements are taken during a periodontal examination, and those can be performed by a dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist. It is common for these measurements to be repeated if you visit a different office and throughout your course of treatment to evaluate your response to periodontal treatment. These measurements include:

1. Pocket depth: A small ruler is used to measure the depth of the natural pocket around your tooth at six sites. Healthy pocket depths are generally 1-3 mm. Pockets that are 5 mm or greater may be cause for concern and treatment will generally be recommended. Pocket depths around dental implants can fluctuate and may measure deeper than around natural teeth.
2. Recession: A small ruler is used to measure the amount of root exposure around your teeth. Exposed roots are an indication of bone loss and can be related to your overall periodontal condition. 
3. Mobility: Tooth mobility is evaluated by placing 2 instruments on opposite sides of the tooth and gently attempting to move the tooth. Mild mobility in front teeth can be normal, however, severe mobility and mobility in the back teeth can be a cause for concern and may be indicative of periodontal disease.
4. Furcation involvement: Some of the back teeth in your mouth can have more than one root. Periodontal (gum) disease can cause bone loss that opens up this space between the roots. Checking for furcation involvement is a process very similar to checking pocket depth.

Contact us today at 231-932-4223 to get started.

Getting Started

After we have a treatment plan, our benefits coordinator will consult with you to review your benefit plan/treatment cost and financial agreement options. We also offer third-party financing and payment plans to help make treatments affordable. Then we’ll be ready to get started and schedule your next visit to get you on the road to better oral health.

Start your journey to better health today!

Please assist us at the time of your initial visit by providing the following:

1. Radiographs (x-rays) and prior records from your referring dentist.
2. A list of medications you are currently taking.
3. If you have dental insurance, bring your insurance card to allow us to help you process your claim. Additionally, please review our financial policy.
4. To save you time, please complete the Patient Registration form on this website and submit it online.

All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation appointment.

The first step towards a healthy, beautiful smile is to schedule an appointment at Mason Periodontics and Dental Implants. Please contact our office by phone at 231-932-4223 or complete the appointment request form.