Patient Information
Periodontics and Dental Implants in Rockville, MD
First visit
What Will Happen On My First Visit?
Please assist us at the time of your initial visit to the office by providing the following information:
- Your referral slip and x-rays from your referring dentist.
- A list of medications you are currently taking (please note that you can fill out your patient registration and medical history form on our website.)
- If you have dental insurance, please bring any forms or insurance cards with you to the appointment.
Please Note: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation appointment.
Please notify the office if you have a medical condition requiring antibiotic pre-medication (artificial heart valve, prosthetic joint or heart murmur).
We will complete an in-depth medical and dental health history and a thorough examination to measure for bone loss, loose teeth, bite, oral cancer screening, TMJ, and other signs of periodontal disease.
Schedule your First visit at Shady Grove
Patient Registration
You may preregister with our office by filling out our secure online Patient Registration Form. After you have completed the form, please make sure to press the Complete and Send button at the bottom to automatically send us your information. The security and privacy of your personal data is one of our primary concerns and we have taken every precaution to protect it.
Featured Services
PRE-OP
Antibiotics
Blood thinner medication
Oral Or IV Sedation
- Advise us of any medications that you are taking, even supplements or over-the-counter drugs. Please do not take any medicines without your surgeon's knowledge and approval.
- Please do not have anything to eat for at least six (6) hours prior to your appointment. It is okay to have small amounts of clear liquids (water) up to two (2) hours before, but refrain from drinks with sugar or cream.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages the day of your appointment or for twenty-four (24) hours after your sedation.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can easily be drawn up above your elbow. If you wear nail polish or acrylic nails, please remove the nail polish from at least two fingers on your right hand. If you wear contact lenses, please be prepared to remove and store them when you arrive at our office or wear prescription glasses in place of the contacts on the day of your surgery. Do not wear your contact lenses for the remainder of the day of your sedation.
- Please arrive promptly for your appointment so that our staff has time to go through our pre-operative questionnaire with you to ensure your safety. Late arrival may necessitate rescheduling of your surgery. Allow for the usual heavy traffic in planning your departure from home or work so that you can arrive on time. If you are early, the staff will welcome the opportunity to help you relax before your surgery.
- You MUST be accompanied home by an adult who will drive and arrange for responsible supervision for the remainder of the day. We are sorry, but we cannot allow you to take a public conveyance or drive yourself home.
- Full mental alertness will not return for several hours after your sedation. Therefore, for the remainder of the day you should limit activity. You will not be able to safely or prudently: a) drive an automobile or operate machinery, b) undertake legal business or financial matters, or c) drink alcoholic beverages the day of your sedation. Remaining sedentary as well as the use of a small ice pack on your face can significantly enhance your comfort. Heavy physical activity (running/exercising, strenuous household errands, or heavy lifting) shortly after surgery can cause complications and pain.
- Please notify your surgeon if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose or fever or any other illness during the days prior to your surgical appointment. If rescheduling your appointment becomes necessary, we would like to have as much advance notice as possible.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
Oral Health
Begin brushing and flossing your other teeth the day following surgery. AVOID THE SURGICAL SITES until given specific instructions at your postoperative visit. No pulling or tugging on the lip or mouth. Do not smoke, vape or use other forms of smokeless tobacco.
Use the prescribed mouthwash twice daily beginning the morning after surgery until instructed to discontinue (typically 5-7 days). Warm salt water rinses can be used as needed, beginning the morning after surgery. No over-the-counter mouthwash until sutures are out.
Swelling and bleeding
Some swelling is normal, and an ice pack held on the cheek or lip over the surgical site for intermittent periods (10-20 minutes on and 10-20 minutes off) during the first 24-48 hours may help reduce swelling and will relieve some discomfort. For any residual swelling after the first 48 hours, heat is encouraged (hot water bottle, heating pad, etc.) to increase circulation and promote healing. If the swelling becomes progressively more severe after 2-3 days, please let us know.
For gum grafts procedures, some oozing of blood is expected from the donor site (usually the roof of the mouth). Please avoid hot and spicy foods or beverages for 24-hours, as these may dilate blood vessels and aggravate bleeding. If possible, stay off your feet and rest with your head slightly elevated. If heavy bleeding occurs, please call the office during normal business hours or the emergency number if after hours.
Medications
Pain Medications: Take pain medication with milk, fruit juice, or a full glass of water. Never take pain medication on an empty stomach. Ibuprofen OR Acetaminophen can be taken every three to four hours as needed for discomfort or combined every 6 hours.
Antibiotics: Take prescribed antibiotics as directed until gone with probiotic or dietary supplement to avoid stomach upset. Please note that antibiotics can make oral birth control less effective.
Important: If you have been taken off blood thinners, or if your current medications have been altered due to your dental surgery, contact your physician as soon as possible to determine when you should resume your medications. Delaying this telephone call could have potential life-threatening or other serious consequences.
Diet
Adequate nutrition is essential for healing. Following surgery, your diet should be restricted as follows:
- DAY 1: cold/soft foods such as healthy smoothies (seedless) & protein shakes.
- DAY 2/3: room temp/soft foods such as eggs, puddings, yogurts, soups ,etc…
- DAY 4: and for the next 72 hours gradually progress to room temp/soft foods such as cooked vegetables, baked fish, tuna, pasta, and beans, which are easily chewed and swallowed.
Avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, and drinking through a straw for at least one week. Avoid crunchy, sharp foods including seeds until your sutures are gone. DO NOT SKIP MEALS.
Activities
Rest: Plan to rest at home the remainder of the day of surgery and avoid strenuous activity during your immediate recovery period, usually 2-3 days. When sleeping, elevate your head for the first two nights to decrease swelling.
After 24 Hours: You may return to a normal daily routine, but for one week following surgery, avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or exercise programs which elevate your heart rate.
For sinus grafting procedures, Bone graft was placed into the maxillary sinus in preparation for implant placement. It is very important that you follow these instructions so the bone graft heals properly.
- Take the full course of antibiotics until they are gone. If you develop any reactions to the antibiotic, please call the office.
- Take a decongestant (Zyrtec) once a day. The best time to take this medication is before bedtime.
- Do not blow your nose for two weeks, as this will damage the bone grafts.
- If you need to sneeze, please do so with your mouth open. This will cause less pressure in your sinuses.
- You may have slight bleeding in the nostril or back of the throat. This is normal.
- If you use dentures, please leave them out of your mouth as much as possible.
- Do not smoke or vape.
Our Memberships & Affiliations
Financing Your Care
Our office routinely submits pre-determination for major services. Below you will find a list of dental PPO plans that we participate. If you don’t see your preferred method on our list, please call our office to find out what other options may be available to you.
Dental Insurance Plans We Accept
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Guardian
- MetLife
- Principal Life
- United Healthcare
Payment options:
- Flexible Payment Plan
- Cash Discount
- Check or Credit Card
Other options
CareCredit: Apply online or in our office.
Estimated co-payment is due at the time of service.
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