Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most commonly asked questions we receive at Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery. Reviewing these items below can give you more insight into our practice and what we do.We hope these help you better understand who we are, and how we will take care of you. We encourage you to call us if you have any questions that are not covered here. We will be happy to address any concerns you might have.
Oral/Medical Health
Q: How important is oral health?
A: Oral health is a significant link to your overall health.According to the Mayo Clinic, diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pre-term birth, osteoporosis and several types of cancers are linked to poor oral health. Read the full article from the Mayo Clinic here: Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health
Q: I am concerned about getting treatment because I have some other medical issues going on already.
A: Talk with your doctor. It is critical that you alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e. heart medications, blood pressure medication, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.). Many of our patients have other medical concerns or conditions – the important thing is that you discuss your concerns and state of health completely with your doctor during your consultation.
Insurance & Billing
Q: What are my options for payment of my procedure? How can I pay, and do I have to pay for the entire procedure at once?
A: We do give you options at Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery. We are committed to the best result for your investment. Be assured that is the policy of this office to make definite financial arrangements with you before any treatment is done.View our Financial Information page to learn more.
Q: I’m worried that my insurance won’t cover my procedure and I need help talking to my insurance company. What can I do?
A: As a courtesy to you, we will help you communicate with your dental insurance provider to ensure that you receive the maximum insurance benefits allowed by your insurance carrier. Learn more about how we can help on our Insurance page.
Surgical Preparation
Q: I have so many questions about how to prepare for my surgery.How do I know I’m doing everything I need to do?
A: Dr. Eklund and our staff will provide you with extensive pre-operative instructions.We will go over how to prepare for your procedure in person, and give you take-home pre-op instructions that you can also view anytime online. If you still have questions, please feel free to call our office. If it is after hours, Dr. Eklund can be paged.
Q: I’m nervous about the procedure and feeling pain. What kind of anesthesia options do I have?
A: The kind of anesthesia that you receive during your procedure is an important and personal decision that is made between you and Dr. Eklund. We want you to be as comfortable as possible and have the appropriate pain management plan for your treatment. You have choices. To get an idea of what types of anesthesia options we offer, visit our Anesthesia page.
Procedures
Q: What is a Dental Implant?
A: With dental implants a titanium post is inserted into the jawbone, creating an artificial root.The bone bonds with the titanium and creates a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Dental implants can be used to provide secure and comfortable denture support; to replace a single missing tooth without relying on neighboring teeth for support; and to support bridgework and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
Q: I’ve heard that dental implants can be placed in an hour.Is this true?
A: Dental implants normally require four months of healing time before a crown can be placed. In some cases, Dr. Eklund can extract the tooth, place the implant and coordinate with your dentist for fabrication of a temporary crown -- all in the same day.This procedure still necessitates several months of healing before fabrication of the permanent crown. For more information, visit our Dental Implants page.
General
Q: What if I need to reach Dr. Eklund on the weekend?
A: Our office has an answering service which can get a hold of Dr. Eklund or a nurse at any time. Our trained staff takes great care to prepare you for what to expect after your surgery. Dr. Eklund or a member of his team will check in with you to see how you are recovering. If you still have questions or concerns on a weekend, please call our office at 713.439.7575 and the appropriate person will be contacted to respond to you.
Q: Is there anything I can do to speed up my waiting time in the office?
A: Yes! All of our patient forms are available online and can be filled out before you even set foot in our office.Take a minute to print out these forms and bring them with you – it will save you waiting time in the office. We also encourage you to visit the Your First Visit page on our website for more information.
Additionally, you will spend even less time in the office if you bring your insurance information with you to your initial consultation. Before you leave our offices, you will know exactly what your insurance plan will cover and what your portion of the payment will be.
