FAQ
Here are some of the questions we hear most frequently from our patients. If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact us.
Our Practice
Our Services
- Do you offer painless dentistry?
- Is sleep dentistry possible?
- My gums or teeth hurt. Can I be seen today?
- Do you remove teeth?
- What is a dental implant?
- Do you provide implants to replace missing teeth?
- What material are dental implants made of?
- Do you clean teeth?
- Do you perform fillings, caps or other restorations?
Periodontal Disease
- What is periodontal disease?
- Is periodontal surgery necessary?
- What if I don’t treat my periodontal disease, does periodontal disease cause medical problems?
- I’m pregnant. Should I receive periodontal care?
- I have a heart condition. Should I receive periodontal care?
- I have diabetes. Should I receive periodontal care?
- What is deep cleaning?
Appointments
Our Practice
Why do I need to see a periodontist?
You have been referred to the office of Dr. Fagan and Dr. Zalewsky because your
dentist believes you may have a periodontal concern. The dental specialty of
Periodontics focuses on the health, maintenance and treatment of gums and bone
supporting the teeth, and the replacement of teeth with dental implants.
As specialty trained Periodontists, Dr. Fagan and Dr. Zalewsky are skilled at the
diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease), cosmetic periodontal
procedures to aesthetically enhance your smile and the placement of dental
implants that can replace single or multiple missing teeth.
Are you a boutique practice or dental spa?
Our purpose is to give personalized care in a relaxing atmosphere. We offer modern
facilities, complimentary refreshments, music, private rooms, naturopathy as well as
numerous other amenities.
Our Services
Do you offer painless dentistry?
Yes. We use special local anesthesia and sedation methods to make all procedures
pain-free and comfortable for our patients. Most patients resume work and normal
activities the day after treatment.
Yes. A range of sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral
sedation and IV sedation are available at our office. Please talk to one of the doctors
to find out what option is right for you.
My gums or teeth hurt. Can I be seen today?
Yes. Whether you are a new patient or an existing one, we will accommodate you in the event of a periodontal dental emergency as soon as possible, usually the same day.
Yes. We use special instruments and methods to remove teeth without trauma and preserve bone.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that replaces your natural root. It is an anchor for an artificial tooth (cap).
Do you provide implants to replace missing teeth?
Yes. We specialize in replacing any teeth with dental implants and place a very high volume of implants each year.
What material are dental implants made of?
Dental implants are made of titanium. The body is titanium-loving, and there is no known rejection of dental implants from the body.
Yes. Our team includes highly trained specialty hygienists who clean teeth and educate and motivate our patients on how to maintain their oral health between periodontal cleanings.
Do you perform fillings, caps or other restorations?
No. We concentrate on treatment of the gums and jawbone. A general dentist or prosthodontist will take care of your other dental needs.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and jawbone. Moving teeth, pus, bleeding, swelling and tender gums are among its symptoms. Periodontal disease causes deep gum pockets, bone loss and subsequent tooth loss. Left untreated this disease can spread to adjacent teeth causing them to be lost as well.
Periodontal disease may be prevented or arrested with proper treatment.
Is periodontal surgery necessary?
We will work with you to understand your periodontal concerns, working with you and your general dentist to agree a treatment plan that is right for you. We employ both surgical and non-surgical treatment. We suggest more involved therapy only if we feel it will significantly enhance long-term function and comfort.
What if I don’t treat my periodontal disease, does periodontal disease cause medical problems?
Yes. A periodontal infection may spread from the mouth into the rest of the body, causing complications. There is evidence that links periodontitis to many other serious diseases.
Those with periodontal disease have up to:
- 2x the risk for heart disease and stroke
- 3x more deaths from diabetes
- 9x more nerve damage from diabetes
- 6x worse diabetic sugar control
- 2-3x risk of having premature babies
- 2x risk of osteoporosis
- 2-5x risk of some cancers
- 2-4x risk of pneumonia or bronchitis
- 2x risk of arthritis
- 2x risk of chronic kidney disease
- Increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Several habits and medical problems trigger periodontal disease.
- Smoking, which causes a 2-5x increase in the risk of periodontal disease
- Diabetes, which causes a 3x increase in the risk of periodontal disease
- Obesity, which causes a 2x increase in the risk of periodontal disease
- Stress, which causes a 2x increase in the risk of periodontal disease
I’m pregnant. Should I receive periodontal care?
Yes. Your hormones change when you are pregnant, and this may increase the likelihood of gum and bone infection. Untreated periodontal disease may lead to a preterm low birth weight delivery. Pregnant women should have a periodontal consult, any necessary treatment and frequent cleanings.
I have a heart condition. Should I receive periodontal care?
Yes. Studies have shown a direct association between periodontal disease and heart disease. Untreated periodontal disease can negatively impact your overall health, including any heart condition. Talk to your periodontist and cardiologist to determine the best treatment plan for your oral health.
I have diabetes. Should I receive periodontal care?
Yes. Studies have shown that treating your periodontal condition can directly effect and lower your blood sugar levels. Diabetes suffers should have a periodontal consult, any necessary treatment and frequent cleanings.
Deep cleaning, also known as “scaling and root planing,” is a non-surgical, painless treatment that removes bacterial deposits above and below the gumline. It is the first, very important step in treating periodontal disease.
Appointments
Are you open on weekends or after 5 pm?
Our hours do not regularly extend beyond 5 pm or include weekends with the exception of emergency care. We do our best, however, to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules.
What happens at the initial visit?
We will get to know you as a person and as a patient. You will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, which includes the following:
- Medical & dental history
- General clinical exam, including oral cancer screening
- Thorough periodontal evaluation
- Any necessary radiographs (x-rays)
- DiagnosisPrognosis
- Treatment options
Learn more about your first visit.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please call (703) 823-2422 or e-mail info@periodds.com to make an appointment.
If you are a new patient, please allow an additional 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to fill out forms. Alternatively, you may complete the forms online or download and fax or email them to our office before your visit. Once you schedule your appointment we will also send you a welcome package via mail or email with additional details and copies of all forms.
Is my treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. Depending on how comprehensive your dental plan is there is often at least partial coverage. Some plans cover more than others.
In order to have the freedom to provide the highest-quality care possible and offer you state-of-the-art options we believe that doctors and patients alone should make health care decisions. We maintain our practice as a private facility to support that principle.
Dr. Zalewsky is a register provider with Delta Dental Care Company.
For your convenience, we are happy to submit electronic claims to both your dental and medical insurances.
What types of payments are accepted?
We accept cash, check and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover). Financial arrangements can be made with our treatment coordinators.