Your First Visit Should Give You Clarity
Whether you were referred by your dentist or are contacting us on your own, you do not need a referral to schedule a consultation. Many patients come to Clear Lake Periodontics because they are facing gum disease, loose teeth, missing teeth, dental implant decisions, denture concerns, or a treatment plan they do not fully understand.
At your first visit, our goal is to help you understand what is happening, why it matters, what options are realistic, and what next step makes the most sense.
What to Expect
During your first visit, we will review your concerns, goals, medical history, and dental history. Dr. DeVoll will complete a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, bone, bite, and any existing implants or dentures. Necessary x-rays or diagnostic records may be taken or reviewed to help make an accurate diagnosis.
After the evaluation, we will discuss your findings, treatment options, risks and benefits, timing, estimated fees, and payment options. We encourage questions and want you to feel comfortable before making treatment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will the Visit Take?
Some evaluations are straightforward. Others require more time because the problems are complex or because the patient wants a more detailed explanation. New-patient visits may range from about one hour to as long as three hours depending on your needs.
We intentionally allow time for careful evaluation, explanation, and patient questions.
Comfort and Anxiety
It is normal to feel nervous about periodontal, implant, or oral surgical treatment. Please let us know if you are anxious, have had difficult dental experiences, or are concerned about discomfort. Dr. DeVoll and the team will discuss comfort options, including sedation when appropriate.
Cost and Payment Options
After your evaluation, we will review the recommended treatment, estimated fees, insurance considerations, and available payment options. Our team can help you understand your estimated dental insurance benefits and financing options before treatment begins.
Please note that a 3% service charge will be applied to all credit card purchases.
Dental Emergencies
During regular business hours, we make every reasonable effort to see urgent dental problems such as moderate to severe dental pain, jaw pain, swelling, or unexpected facial or jaw swelling.
If swelling, infection, or injury is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Dental Insurance
Out-of-Network Considerations
Our office is not contracted with dental insurance networks; however, we are able to file most dental PPO insurance plans for our patients. In our experience, many patients with PPO dental insurance receive out-of-network benefits that are similar to what they would receive at an in-network office.
Because every plan is different, we are happy to help review your benefits and provide an estimate before treatment begins. For many patients, seeing an out-of-network specialist does not necessarily result in a higher out-of-pocket cost.
We also offer several convenient financing options to help make care more manageable.
Concerned About Cost?
That is completely understandable. Many patients assume that “out of network” automatically means “more expensive,” but that is not always the case with PPO dental insurance.
In many situations, PPO plans still provide meaningful benefits for treatment in our office. Our team can help you understand your estimated insurance reimbursement, expected out-of-pocket portion, and available payment options before you make a decision.
If you are comparing treatment recommendations or fees, we encourage you to gather the information you need to feel confident. Some patients choose to first see an in-network provider for an opinion and cost estimate. After that visit, you may have your x-rays and written treatment plan sent to our office. Once we receive both, Dr. DeVoll can review them, and we may be able to schedule a complimentary second-opinion consultation.
Our goal is to help you understand your options clearly so you can choose the care that feels right for your health, comfort, and budget.
A Helpful Way to Compare Your Options
If you are unsure whether to choose an in-network provider or an out-of-network specialist, one helpful approach is to compare opinions.
You may wish to:
- See an in-network provider for their diagnosis, treatment plan, and cost estimate.
- Ask that office to provide you with a copy of your x-rays and written treatment plan.
- Send those records to our office for review.
- Schedule a complimentary second-opinion consultation if appropriate.
This allows you to compare the quality of care, treatment recommendations, experience level, and estimated cost before making a final decision.
Important Note About Insurance
Dental insurance benefits vary by plan. Estimated benefits are not a guarantee of payment by the insurance company. Our team will do our best to help you understand your likely benefits and out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.