Attention New Patients!
Save time by downloading the patient registration form and filling it out before your first appointment!  Just print out this form, fill it out, and bring it with you on your first visit.

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Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you have any questions. We would welcome any feedback, comments or questions you might have prior to making an appointment. To send us an e-mail, please click HERE.

What are the best things I should know?

• Treatment is affordable.
• We have great financial arrangements.
• We accept most insurances.
• Many patients need only minor procedures. The first step is an examination.
• We have many ways to make your experience comfortable for you.

What is a periodontist?

Dr. Mardirossian's dental care is limited to the treatment of periodontal diseases, the care of gums and supporting bone around the teeth. Our specialty also includes the placement of dental implants. Although periodontal disease appears most frequently in middle life, it can occur at any age. Treatment of this disease will allow you to retain your natural teeth longer. Without proper treatment, the destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth continues to the point where the teeth may loosen and have to be removed.
If you have been referred for dental implants, we can assure you that we have treated numerous patients with problems similar to yours. Our patients would be happy to share their experiences with you. Dr. Mardirossian’s practice focuses on reconstructive and cosmetic procedures to aesthetically enhance your smile and function.
Although no one really likes to go to the doctor or dentist, we strive to make your visits with us as comfortable and as pleasant as possible. We strongly believe that our patients' comfort is an important part of quality dental care. Our mission is to treat every patient as if they are our only patient.

Dr. Mardirossian believes that your right to choose a dentist is an important freedom. We work closely as a team with your referring dentists, but a referral by a dentist is not required for a visit to our office. We welcome referrals from patients, their friends, and family members to our practice.
We are extraordinarily proud of our staff, which is comprised of caring and dedicated professionals. They communicate well with our patients and their referring offices, the doctor, and each other, ensuring that the patient's clinical care and administrative needs are met as efficiently and as smoothly as possible.
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. We are here to listen to your questions and concerns and to help provide solutions leading to your better health. Please don't hesitate to call us at (909) 613-1366. Our fax number is (909) 613-1477 if you have any questions regarding your care.

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The word "periodontal" literally means around the tooth. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become infected.

In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (space between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

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What causes periodontal disease?

Plaque is the culprit, which means that without proper at -home oral hygiene and regular dental visits, your risk clearly increases. However, even perfect oral hygiene isn't enough to ward off periodental disease in everyone. Other risk factors that are thought to increase the risk, severity and speed of development of periodental disease include tobacco use, stress, genetics, hormonal changes and poor nutrition.

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Who is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontists are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. In addition, they can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire. Often, dentists refer their patients to a periodontist when their periodontal disease is advanced. However, you don't need a referral to see a periodontist. In fact, there are occasions when you may choose to go directly to a periodontist or to refer a family member or friend to your own periodontist. .

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When should I see a periodontist?

If you value your oral as well as overall health, anytime is a good time to see a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation. Sometimes the only way to detect periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. A periodontal evaluation may be especially important if you:

• notice any symptoms of periodontal disease, including:
  • gums that bleed easily, such as during brushing or flossing
  • red, swollen or tender gums
  • gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • persistent bad breath
  • pus between the teeth and gums
  • loose or separating teeth
  • a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• are thinking of becoming pregnant. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby born too early and too small. In addition, about half of women experience "pregnancy gingivitis." However, women who have good oral hygiene and have no gingivitis before pregnancy are very unlikely to experience this condition.
• have a family member with periodontal disease. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.
• have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis. Ongoing research is showing that periodontal disease may be linked to these conditions. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can travel into the blood stream and pose a threat to other parts of the body. Healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.
• feel that your teeth are too short or that your smile is too "gummy." Or, if you are missing one or more of your teeth and are interested in a long-lasting replacement option.
• are not satisfied with your current tooth replacement option, such as a bridge or dentures, and may be interested in dental implants.
• have a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks.

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Your teeth make a statement about you. A beautiful smile enhances your overall appearance and charisma, giving you added self-confidence and presence. The condition of your teeth can impact your overall health, because your ability to chew helps to determine your food choices. Your speech is also affected by the condition of your teeth. Healthy, attractive teeth contribute to a better quality of life.

Another important function of your teeth is to maintain the integrity of your facial structures. The tooth roots stimulates continuous regeneration of the bone that surrounds them (your upper and lower jaws). Therefore, the appearance of the lower one-third of your face is affected by the presence of strong, healthy teeth.

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Throughout the course of life, teeth are lost for many reasons, including cavities, gum disease, cracked roots and accidents. When a tooth is lost, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth root deteriorates, or melts away. This process is similar to the muscle atrophy that occurs from lack of use. Missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech and appearance.

Tooth loss in the front of your mouth can result in a visible defect in the bone that is difficult to camouflage, affecting the appearance of smile, and your self-confidence. Missing teeth in the back of your mouth lead to collapse of your bite, affecting the appearance of your face, your ability to eat, and the health of the remaining teeth. Complete tooth loss results in facial structure collapse as the jaw(s) deteriorate over time.

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Financial

At the time of your initial visit, your treatment plan will be established and an estimate of fees will be given to you. We will file your insurance paper work to help receive all entitled reimbursements. Please bring your insurance forms with you and have your portion filled out and signed to expedite the filing of your claim.

Filing your claim: Our insurance coordinator will be happy to discuss payment arrangements with you that will suit your needs. We accept cash, checks , all major credit cards and offer financing through CareCredit.

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How Easy Is It To Obtain Specialty Care? Can I Refer Myself To a Periodontist?

Under managed care, your ability to see a dental specialist usually will be limited. Most managed care plans are based on a "gatekeeper" model, meaning each patient has one dentist who is responsible for providing all of their basic dental care and for managing referrals. Patients enrolled in these plans must be referred by their dentist in order to receive coverage for specialty treatments.

Patients who have traditional dental insurance, on the other hand, usually have the freedom to see a dentist or specialist of their choice.

In some insurance plans, there may be economic drawbacks for the general dentist to refer patients to specialists. These drawbacks exist, for example, if the general dentist is responsible for specialist fees. It is extremely important for you as a patient to be assured that your access to specialty care will not be restricted under any plan you are considering.

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What Happens If My Dentist/Periodontist is Not Listed Under Any of the Plans I'm Considering?

If your dentist or periodontist is not listed as a participating provider, check the plan to see if there is a "freedom of choice" or "point-of-service" option. These enable you to seek care from a practitioner of your choice.

Under most plans, you will not receive full benefits if you select a practitioner who is not associated with the plan. In some plans, such as dental HMOs, your benefits may be reduced, and you may not be allowed to return to the HMO for at least one year.

If you are having difficulty financing the costs of periodontal treatment, you may want to talk with your periodontist about establishing a payment plan.

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What Types of Advanced Specialty Treatment Are Typically Covered Under These Plans?
What If I Need Treatment That Is Not Covered?

Specialty treatment under managed care is sometimes limited. Preventive services, however, are normally provided at no cost because they are seen as the most effective way to stop problems before they become more serious and expensive to treat. As a result, patients may be required to pay some or all of the costs associated with advanced specialty care.

Periodontal treatments that typically require patient copayments include guided tissue regeneration and splinting. Dental implants, as a general rule, are not a covered benefit under any dental insurance plan.

Again, if you require treatment that is not covered under your plan, ask your periodontist about financing options through CareCredit. The fact that your plan does not cover your treatment should not stop you from pursuing it, if you feel it is right for you.

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Will These Plans Have Any Impact On My Continuing Periodontal Care? If So, In What Way?

Yes. Managed care plans can impact the frequency of your periodontal maintenance visits. Under some plans, patients are allowed a certain number of recall appointments. Other plans may require periodontal patients to return to their general dentist immediately following advanced treatment, or upon plan enrollment.

It is important that you continue to see both your periodontist and general dentist following treatment. Periodontal disease is a chronic disease that must be monitored closely. Your periodontist will work in cooperation with your general dentist to treat your periodontal disease and help coordinate your dental care.

Although you may be required to share in the treatment costs, it is an important investment that will help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

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Scheduling

Our receptionist will assist you in making your appointments. Your initial appointment will be for a comprehensive examination with the doctor.

We do experience emergency scheduling of patients involved in accidents and other acute emergencies. We do try to keep the schedule on time; however, there are instances when even the best of planning cannot control your waiting room time. In case of a long wait or unanticipated emergency, we will be happy to reschedule you at a more convenient time for you. There are some acute emergencies and injuries that require cancellation of scheduled appointments until another day.

Treatment time is specifically reserved for each individual patient. In consideration for all our patients with serious needs for appointments, we request AT LEAST 2 BUSINESS DAYS notice if you are unable to keep your appointment. A missed appointment charge will be assessed to your account after the second missed or broken appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at this number: (909) 613-1366