Common Questions - about your periodontal surgery
Q: How long is the initial consultation?
The consultation can last from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your individual situation. During the consultation, we perform a physical examination of the mouth and teeth, may take x-rays, explain the necessary proceedures, talk about the risks/benefits of treatment, discuss pre- and post-op patient care, choices for pain management, cost of treatment(s), and book your treatment date(s).
Q: I'm from out of town. Do I still have to travel for the consultation?
Yes. It's necessary for us to assess the condition of the mouth first-hand in order to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Q: How much will my treatment(s) cost?
Payment for your treatment is discussed during your consultation and will vary depending on your needs and wishes.
Q: Does Dr. Tillmanns use 3-D x-ray imaging in his diagnoses?
Yes. Dr. Tillmanns' is one of two offices north of Kamloops to use 3-D imaging. Our state-of-the-art Sirona Galileos x-ray machine provides patients extremely detailed 3-dimensional imaging, low radiation dosage, and is routinely used for complex situations and advanced diagnosing requirements.
Q: How long will my surgery take?
The duration of the surgery varies for each patient and is dependent on their severity of the disease.
Q: Does Dr. Tillmanns use lasers to treat periodontal disease?
Since Dr. Tillmanns only uses clinically proven treatment methods, he does not use lasers at this time. Despite the hype by many laser manufacturers, none have demonstrated clinically significant benefits in the treatment of periodontal disease over traditional methods. Such laser treatments include PDT (photo-dynamic therapy, i.e. Periowave®). If the current situation changes and reliable, research based clinical evidence supporting the use of lasers in the treatment of periodontal disease becomes available, Dr. Tillmanns will re-evaluate his position. For further information see the Position Statement of the American Academy of Periodontology.
Q: What sedation techniques does Dr. Tillmanns use?
There are many different levels of conscious sedation available in dentistry, ranging from inhalation of nitrious oxide (laughing gas), to oral sedation, to IV (intravenous) sedation. Dr. Tillmanns is qualified to perform each of these. IV sedations are usually administered with the help of our registered nurse for added safety and convenience. Dr. Tillmanns and his staff are also certified in basic life support (BLS), and he and his nurse have completed the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course numerous times.
Q: Will I be able to drive myself home after surgery?
In most cases, our patients can drive themselves home. However, if you were sedated, you will be considered legally impaired for 24 hours and will not be able to operate a vehicle. We ask that you have someone who can care for you after surgery. If you're from out-of-town, please consult with our office staff when you're making your travel arrangements.
The consultation can last from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your individual situation. During the consultation, we perform a physical examination of the mouth and teeth, may take x-rays, explain the necessary proceedures, talk about the risks/benefits of treatment, discuss pre- and post-op patient care, choices for pain management, cost of treatment(s), and book your treatment date(s).
Q: I'm from out of town. Do I still have to travel for the consultation?
Yes. It's necessary for us to assess the condition of the mouth first-hand in order to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Q: How much will my treatment(s) cost?
Payment for your treatment is discussed during your consultation and will vary depending on your needs and wishes.
Q: Does Dr. Tillmanns use 3-D x-ray imaging in his diagnoses?
Yes. Dr. Tillmanns' is one of two offices north of Kamloops to use 3-D imaging. Our state-of-the-art Sirona Galileos x-ray machine provides patients extremely detailed 3-dimensional imaging, low radiation dosage, and is routinely used for complex situations and advanced diagnosing requirements.
Q: How long will my surgery take?
The duration of the surgery varies for each patient and is dependent on their severity of the disease.
Q: Does Dr. Tillmanns use lasers to treat periodontal disease?
Since Dr. Tillmanns only uses clinically proven treatment methods, he does not use lasers at this time. Despite the hype by many laser manufacturers, none have demonstrated clinically significant benefits in the treatment of periodontal disease over traditional methods. Such laser treatments include PDT (photo-dynamic therapy, i.e. Periowave®). If the current situation changes and reliable, research based clinical evidence supporting the use of lasers in the treatment of periodontal disease becomes available, Dr. Tillmanns will re-evaluate his position. For further information see the Position Statement of the American Academy of Periodontology.
Q: What sedation techniques does Dr. Tillmanns use?
There are many different levels of conscious sedation available in dentistry, ranging from inhalation of nitrious oxide (laughing gas), to oral sedation, to IV (intravenous) sedation. Dr. Tillmanns is qualified to perform each of these. IV sedations are usually administered with the help of our registered nurse for added safety and convenience. Dr. Tillmanns and his staff are also certified in basic life support (BLS), and he and his nurse have completed the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course numerous times.
Q: Will I be able to drive myself home after surgery?
In most cases, our patients can drive themselves home. However, if you were sedated, you will be considered legally impaired for 24 hours and will not be able to operate a vehicle. We ask that you have someone who can care for you after surgery. If you're from out-of-town, please consult with our office staff when you're making your travel arrangements.
Q: What kind of after-care does the office provide?
All of our patients are contacted within two days of surgery to see how their recovery is progressing. Dr. Tillmanns also provides his home phone number to patients and encourages them to call if there are any complications or concerns. Patients are usually booked for a post-operation visit 7-10 days after surgery. For out-of-town patients, we are usually able to arrange for your regular dentist to perform the post-op procedures.
All of our patients are contacted within two days of surgery to see how their recovery is progressing. Dr. Tillmanns also provides his home phone number to patients and encourages them to call if there are any complications or concerns. Patients are usually booked for a post-operation visit 7-10 days after surgery. For out-of-town patients, we are usually able to arrange for your regular dentist to perform the post-op procedures.
