About Us

What should I expect?

Below is a general outline of the course your periodontal treatment will take. For further information click on the underlined text. Use your browser's "BACK" button to return to this page.

Your first appointment will last about 1 hour. First you will be asked to fill out your personal information and medical history on the computer. Our office is no longer using paper files so all your information is stored electronically. We will provide you with a copy our HIPAA privacy pratices so you need not be concerned about the safety of your personal data. You will then be introduced to our specially-trained dental assistant, Terry LaRock, who will be dedicated to your care whenever you visit our office. Dr. Richards will do a thorough examination of your mouth and gums. He will check the color and firmness of your gums, whether you have loose teeth and the depth of your periodontal pockets. After determining the extent of your periodontal disease he will talk with you about your periodontal health needs and treatment options and then help you decide which course of treatment is best for you.

For most patients he will recommend oral hygiene instruction - homecare instructions to help you maintain your gums and teeth in good health, very important for patients prone to periodontal disease.

The first phase of treatment for most patients with periodontal disease is the non-surgical procedure scaling and root planing (SCRP, also called deep cleaning).

Once the initial phase of therapy has been completed and an appropriate time of healing has elapsed (usually about one month), Dr. Richards will re-evaluate the health of your gums. Milder forms of periodontal disease may be completely resolved, but patients with moderate to advanced forms may require additional treatment. At the re-evaluation visit, Dr. Richards will discuss your treatment options which may include periodontal surgery.

For ALL patients with periodontal disease, whether mild, moderate or severe, regular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) visits with a dental hygienist are very important. These visits are generally a follow-up to periodontal treatment (either SCRP or surgery) and prevent periodontal disease from recurring. The frequency of these visits is dependent on the severity of your disease, but may range from every few weeks to four times per year. Dr. Richards and your general dentist will work together to tailor a schedule that will optimise your oral health.

All you need to know about our office!