Choosing a Periodontist
When choosing a periodontist, be sure to ask the following questions:
Is the periodontist Board Certified?
When selecting a periodontal practice, be sure that the periodontist is Board Certified. This means that the doctor has made a significant commitment to being an expert in their field and have passed extensive testing by their peers.
Always ask, because fewer than half of the periodontists are board certified. Hospitals require Board Certification for staffing. You should demand the same standards.
Can they provide a list of all continuing education they have had for the past year?
Dr. Weingarden is not only committed to continuing education, but is responsible for bringing more national and international educators to the Pittsburgh dental community than any other educational institution or university in the area.
Can they help you to avoid surgical treatment with:
- Extended Non-Surgical Treatment? - With extended non-surgical therapy, Dr. Weingarden is often able to eliminate the need for surgery and to decrease the overall cost of care.
- The Perioscope? - The Perioscope is the newest periodontal instrument that provides an alternative to periodontal surgery for many patients. How important is this? Important enough that you should never proceed with periodontal treatment without seeing a periodontist that has, and is experienced with, the Perioscope.
Do they use:
- The Piezo Electric? - The Piezo is the best instrument available for many surgical procedures, including extractions and sinus elevations. It is safer, gentler and bone friendly. Make sure your specialist offers the use of the Piezo.
- Cone Beam Imaging? - This type of digital x-ray allows for a 3-D view of the jawbone and is the standard of care in implant and bone grafting procedures.
Do they provide an extensive report to your general dentist for every cleaning in their office?
- Dr. Weingarden helped to develop a complete periodontal software package that gathers over 300 pieces of information at each visit. This information helps in early detection of problems and prevention of additional treatment needs. Prevention is the best way to save money and avoid re-treatment.
