Your first visit to a periodontal specialist: here is what to expect.
Whether you were referred by your dentist or are seeking care on your own, we make the first visit clear and straightforward. No surprises, no pressure.
A comprehensive evaluation, not a sales conversation.
Medical & dental history
We review your health history, current medications, and any concerns you or your referring dentist have noted. This shapes every clinical recommendation we make.
Periodontal examination
Full-mouth pocket-depth charting, assessment of gum attachment levels, recession measurement, and X-ray review. We stage your periodontal disease if disease is present.
Diagnosis & treatment plan
Dr. Engen or Dr. Pizzini explains your diagnosis in plain language and presents treatment options, including doing nothing, with honest information about the likely outcomes of each.
Insurance & fees
Our team reviews your insurance benefits and provides a written fee estimate before any treatment is scheduled. You decide what to proceed with and when.
What to bring and how to prepare.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your first appointment to complete intake paperwork. If you have completed forms online, you may arrive at the appointment time.
What to bring
- Insurance card(s)
- Photo ID
- List of current medications and supplements
- Recent dental X-rays (if available from your dentist)
- Referral information from your dentist (if you were referred)
How to prepare
Brush and floss before your visit if possible. If you are taking any medications that affect bleeding (aspirin, warfarin, other blood thinners), let us know when you schedule, as some procedures require coordination with your physician before we proceed.
If you have dental anxiety
Tell us when you call. Sedation options are available, and our team is experienced working with anxious patients. The first visit is an evaluation only; no procedure will be performed without your advance knowledge and consent.
We work with most major dental insurance carriers.
Periodontal services, including scaling and root planing, surgical procedures, and implants, are covered to varying degrees by most PPO dental plans. We verify your benefits before your first appointment and provide a written estimate of expected costs and insurance coverage before any treatment begins.
We file insurance claims on your behalf and communicate directly with your carrier. You are responsible for any amounts not covered by insurance, which our team will communicate clearly in advance.
For patients without insurance or with limited coverage, we offer information on third-party financing options. Please ask our front-office team.
What to expect
- Insurance benefits verified before your first visit
- Written treatment plan and fee estimate provided before scheduling any procedure
- Claims filed on your behalf
- Payment options discussed if coverage is limited
- No procedure performed without advance consent
Anxious patients are welcome here.
Periodontal procedures have a reputation that is largely outdated. Modern anesthetic techniques and sedation options mean that the majority of patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment.
If you are anxious about dental procedures, please tell us at the time you schedule. We will plan your care accordingly, take additional time to explain each step, and ensure you are comfortable before proceeding.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat we offer
- Local anesthesia: every surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia
- Sedation options: available for anxious patients or longer procedures
- Clear communication: we explain what we are doing and why at every step
- Post-procedure support: direct contact if questions arise during healing
Fast, clear communication back to your office.
We send a written consultation report to the referring dentist after every initial evaluation. Patients are returned to you for restorative care after the periodontal or surgical phase is complete. We do not compete with general dentists.
Refer a PatientReferral information
- Phone: (509) 326-4445
- 9911 N. Nevada St, Suite 110, Spokane, WA 99218
- Please send: recent X-rays, periodontal charting if available, and a brief note on the clinical concern
- We see most referred patients within two weeks
- Consultation report returned to your office after the first visit