Patients
Frequently Asked Questions

A periodontist is a dentist specializing in the treatment of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Training involves completion of a post-doctoral residency and/or a master’s degree.

Our purpose is to give personalized care in a relaxing atmosphere. We offer modern facilities, complimentary refreshments, music, private rooms, naturopathy as well as numerous other amenities.

Yes. We use special local anesthesia and sedation methods to make all procedures pain-free and comfortable for our patients. Most patients resume work and normal activities the day after treatment.

Yes. Team member Dr. Bill MacDonnell, a dentist-anesthesiologist, provides sleep dentistry (IV sedation).

Yes. Whether you are a new patient or an existing one, we will accommodate you as soon as possible.

Yes. We use special instruments and methods to remove teeth without trauma and preserve bone.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that replaces your natural root. It is an anchor for a artificial tooth (cap).

Yes. We place a very high volume of implants and specialize in replacing all teeth with them.

Dental implants are made of titanium. The body is titanium-loving, and there is no known rejection of dental implants from the body.

Yes. Our team includes highly-trained, specialty hygienists who not only clean teeth but also educate and motivate patients.

No. We concentrate on treatment of the gums and jawbone. A general dentist or prosthodontist will be able to take care of your other dental needs.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and jawbone. Moving teeth, pus, bleeding, swelling and tender gums are among its symptoms. Periodontal disease causes deep gum pockets, bone loss and subsequent tooth loss.

With treatment, it may be prevented or arrested.

We always first employ conservative, non-surgical treatment and suggest more involved therapy only if we feel it will significantly enhance long-term function and comfort.

Yes. There is evidence that links periodontitis to many other serious diseases. A periodontal infection may spread from the mouth into the rest of the body, causing complications.

Those with periodontal disease have up to:

• 2x the risk for heart disease and stroke


• 3x more deaths from diabetes


• 9x more nerve damage from diabetes


• 6x worse diabetic sugar control


• 2-3x risk of having premature babies


• 2x risk of osteoporosis


• 2-5x risk of some cancers


• 2-4x risk of pneumonia or bronchitis


• 2x risk of arthritis


• 2x risk of chronic kidney disease


• Increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Several habits and medical problems trigger periodontal disease.

• Smoking, which 2-5x risk


• Diabetes, which 3x risk


• Obesity, which 2x risk


• Stress, which 2x risk

Yes. Your hormones change when you are pregnant, and this may increase the likelihood of gum and bone infection. Untreated periodontal disease may lead to a preterm low birth weight delivery. Pregnant women should have a periodontal consult, any necessary treatment and frequent cleanings.

Deep cleaning, also known as “scaling and root planing,” is a non-surgical, painless treatment that removes bacterial deposits above and below the gumline. It is the first, very important step in treating periodontal disease.

Our hours do not regularly extend beyond 5 PM or include weekends with the exception of emergency care. We do our best, however, to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules.

We will get to know you as a person as well as a patient. You will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, which includes the following:

• Medical & dental history


• General clinical exam, including oral cancer screening


• Thorough periodontal evaluation


• Any necessary radiographs (x-rays)


• Diagnosis


• Prognosis


• Treatment options

Please call (203) 254-2006 or e-mail office@sonickdmd.com to make an appointment.

If you are a new patient, we ask you to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time to fill out forms. You may facilitate this process by completing the paperwork before your visit. We will send you a welcome package in the mail, email or you may download all forms from this website.

Yes. Depending on how comprehensive your dental plan is, there is often at least partial coverage. Some plans cover more than others.

We believe that doctors and patients alone should make health care decisions and maintain our practice as a private facility to support that principle.

In order to have the freedom to provide the highest-quality care possible and offer you state-of-the-art options, we do not participate in any third-party contracts.

For your convenience, we will be happy to submit electronic claims to both your dental and medical insurances so that you may maximize your benefits.

We accept cash, check and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover). Financial arrangements can be made with our treatment coordinators.