PATIENT INFORMATION
Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu and his staff will take every effort to make your visits at our clinic as comfortable as possible. Your comfort, above all else, is our priority. We will use thorough communication to select the right treatment and discuss all aspects of it with you. In this way we strive to ensure a healthy balance between the treatment outcome, and your expectations.
We are extremely proud of our staff at Dabuleanu Dental, which is comprised of caring and dedicated professionals. Our staff is multi-talented. Their experiences in general dentistry, and the specialties of periodontics, endodontics, and orthodontics provides them with a unique skill set, which they apply on a daily basis to ensure that your surgical and administrative needs are met in a time-efficient manner.
We are always available to address your questions and concerns. As a team we strive to provide solutions to improve your health and function. Please don’t hesitate to call or email us with questions regarding your care.
Call us at (416) 222 – 5055
Email us at info@dabuleanu-dental.com
To see reviews from some of our patients:
Please perform a Google search for “Dabuleanu Dental” and then click on “Google reviews”
Please visit (www.ratemds.com) and search for Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu
What Is A Periodontist?
Periodontists are certified specialists who deal with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of all forms of periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and gingival recession. Through their advanced training, they are also able to manage peri-implant diseases. Periodontists are involved with the building and establishment of the hard and soft tissues and maintaining these as healthy foundations to support teeth and implants in the gums and bone.
Periodontists receive extensive and accredited training, including three years of additional education beyond dental school, and are continually upgrading their training to remain current with advancing technologies and best practices of care. They are therefore in a unique position to achieve and maintain optimal results esthetically and functionally, long-term.
For more information on our specialty and accreditation, please visit (http://www.cap-acp.ca/en/home.html) and (https://www.rcdc.ca/en/fellowship).
FIRST VISIT
What Will Happen On Your First Visit?
You will be introduced to our wonderful staff and office
You will receive a thorough examination and review of your oral health and dental status by Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu. All pertinent dental x-rays from your referring dentist will be sent to our office in advance. After review of these images, we may recommend taking additional ones
Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will provide you options and help you decide on the most satisfactory treatment plan that meets your oral health goals. This will ensure a healthy balance between the treatment outcome, and your expectations.
Please assist us at the time of your first visit by providing the following:
A list of medications you are currently taking
If you have dental insurance, please bring any forms or insurance cards with you to the appointment.
Please Note: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 years of age at the first visit
SCHEDULING
We work as efficiently as possible to ensure that you are seen in a timely manner. Our staff will process the referral from your dental office and contact you promptly to introduce ourselves and arrange your consultation with Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu.
As time approaches to your scheduled appointment, we will give you a friendly reminder and also confirm your day and time. As this is a surgical practice, please note that our schedule can often change slightly. We will be sure to keep you informed to avoid any necessary wait times.
You may prefer to receive text messages or emails over telephone calls. We will take note and adjust accordingly such that we may confirm your appointments in a manner that best suits your needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Would I need to have a referral to get a consultation?
Although most of our patients are referred by their dentist, an appointment can also be made without a referral. Feel free to email us (info@dabuleanu-dental.com) or call us at (416) 222 – 5055 for more information.
Does the exam hurt?
The periodontal exam will be done with little or no discomfort. Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will be as gentle as possible.
Do you have to take x-rays?
The clinical exam does not allow us to see what is happening underneath the gum line. In order to properly assess the presence of disease and its severity, a few select x-rays may be required. We will contact your referring dentist first however to see if they have already taken the required x-rays. If they have, we will receive a copy and nothing will need to be repeated.
Do I need to have surgery?
Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu practices in a conservative manner and will only recommended treatment that will significantly improve the long-term periodontal prognosis of your teeth. In the case of missing teeth, he will suggest an implant treatment plan that achieves the treatment goal and which is predictable and long lasting. The best treatment of all is prevention. If diagnosed and treated early, gum disease can be controlled without the need for surgery.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There is no age too old for implant treatment. Many patients who receive dental implants are of older age, as they are part of an earlier generation that generally experienced more tooth loss.
I’m nervous when it comes to dental treatment. Will I be able to manage?
Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu is well-trained in providing sedation dentistry, and can offer multiple sedation treatment options to help you feel more relaxed during your treatment. See our sedation section for more information.
How long would it take before I have my dental implant?
The time for implant treatment is highly variable. If bone grafting is not necessary, most dental implants will be fit to receive a final crown within 3 months. If bone grafting is necessary to replace lost jawbone, this will typically add 5-7 months to the overall treatment time.
Do you offer “Teeth In A Day”?
“Teeth in a Day” refers to the practice of placing dental implants, and then connecting teeth to them, in a single day. Although this is possible, it is most commonly done when a person is having all of their teeth replaced by implant bridges at one time. Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will assess your unique situation and help to create a plan that has both a high success rate, and an acceptable timeline.
I’ve lost a tooth in an accident. Can I get this tooth back right away?
There are a large number of temporary options available to replace your missing tooth quickly. Although temporary teeth usually look very good, they are not as functional as a normal implant crown. In certain situations the final tooth can be made very near to the time of implant placement, however in most cases it is better to allow the implant time to heal after it is placed.
How soon before I can go back to my family dentist?
We will be in constant close communication with your dentist to ensure that you achieve your treatment goal in as time efficient a manner as possible. If crown & bridgework, fillings, dentures, or night guards are needed your dentist will provide them. We will custom-tailor a dental cleaning schedule that can be done with your own dentist and dental hygienist. Your regular dental check-ups will also be done with your dentist as usual.
What if I decide not to go through with your gum treatment?
Periodontal disease is a usually a chronic slowly progressing infection that does not cause pain. The longer you wait before deciding to treat it, the harder it will be to treat later on. This is because the loss of gum and bone continues to progress. If your teeth become loose and start to fall out, your options for replacing them will be dental implants, fixed bridgework or removable dentures. None of these options are an exact replacement or are ever as good as your own natural teeth.
INSURANCE AND PAYMENT INFORMATION
What Will It Cost?
Every patient presents with a unique clinical situation. After completing the exam, Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will formulate a custom tailored treatment plan, with multiple options, that best suits your needs. Factors that affect the fee for treatment include the type of unique problems that exist, as well as the complexity and the total duration of treatment. We will do our best to give you an approximate estimate at the first visit, but sometimes we will need to refer you for advanced imaging, i.e. a Cone Beam CT scan before a final, comprehensive plan can be discussed with you. Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu works in a very conservative manner when trying to improve your oral health and satisfy your specific dental objectives.
Do I have coverage by insurance company for the work?
Your specific dental benefit coverage will be assessed by our staff. After we receive your authorization, a predetermination may be submitted. We will receive and process your dental benefit claims with your insurance company, which will pay you directly. The fees for treatment are due on the day of treatment, however. Your dental benefits are the result of an agreement between yourself, your employer and the insurance company. Many periodontal surgeries are covered by insurance. For implants, sometimes your dental benefits will allow the portion that is usually allotted to a bridge to be put forward to the cost of your implant crown. Insurance companies do not inform dental offices of changes to your policy. We recommend that you become aware of the details of your plan and keep us informed of any changes.
Why are your fees higher than the general dentist rate?
Our office generates fees for service directly as advised by the current Ontario Dental Association Periodontal Specialty fee guide. Many insurance policies base their benefits on past fee guides or the general practitioner fee guide, resulting in charges to the patient. Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will offer a treatment plan that will best suit your needs. Your insurance benefits may not cover the entire recommended treatment, however we will make sure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes, we offer payment plans to help you, so that you can still receive the highest level of treatment, while paying in a timeline that is manageable for you. If you have any questions, our highly qualified staff members can assist you.
PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Antibiotics
If Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu has prescribed you pre-operative antibiotics, please take them as directed before your surgery. It is recommended that you take the antibiotics with food to prevent nausea. For women taking birth control medication, please be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness. For more information, please consult with your pharmacist.
During the initial exam, any allergies to medications, including antibiotics will be reviewed with you. If you are unsure of a specific allergy to antibiotics, i.e. Penicillin, Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu may recommended that your physician refer you to an Allergist to definitively rule out or confirm the allergy. If after taking the prescribed antibiotics you start to experience an allergy or sensitivity, please alert our office right away (416 222 5055).
Herbal Supplements
The following herbal supplements are known to increase bleeding risk, and should be avoided starting 10-days prior to surgery.
Gingko biloba
Garlic
Ginseng
Dong quai
Feverfew
Anticoagulant agents (Aspirin, Plavix, Pradaxa, Xarelto)
Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will assess your case and discuss with you whether or not a drug holiday is indicated prior to surgery.
Food Suggestions
It is advisable that you take some time in advance to prepare for having a soft diet during the post-operative period. When preparing your menu, please consider the following options:
Ensure/Boost Meal Replacements – these should be considered as a baseline to help guarantee that you receive the daily recommended vitamin and mineral intake
Soft fruit
Well-cooked vegetables
Soups
Smoothies
Puddings
Yoghurt
Tender meat, poultry, fish – tender enough that it can be cut with a fork
Rice
Apple Sauce
Oatmeal
Mashed Potatoes
Pasta
Eggs
Cottage Cheese
We can always be reached at (416) 222 – 5055 should you have any questions
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
You should plan to take it easy for the rest of the day following surgery. If a sedative has been administered, you must follow the separate instructions given, and arrange to be accompanied to and from your surgery appointment. In many cases, you will be able to resume your normal activities the following day. However, if more than one implant has been placed, you may wish to slow down your activity level for a couple of days. You may be ready to return to work one to two days after the surgery.
1. DAY OF SURGERY Physical exercise (running, aerobics, biking, weight‑lifting etc.) increases blood flow to the surgical site and promotes post‑operative bleeding. Therefore you should avoid all unnecessary physical activity for the remainder of the day of surgery. On the second day you may resume your normal activities with the exception of heavy exercise. Heavy exercise should be avoided for at least 5-6 days.
2. PERIODONTAL DRESSING (PACK) Periodontal dressing is sometimes used after surgery to cover the surgical site and keep the gum tissue down for healing. The material that you feel around your teeth is the dressing. It will become firm in about an hour and should not be disturbed while it is setting. It should remain in place until your next appointment when it will be removed. Part or all of the dressing may come loose before your first scheduled post-operative check, but this is of no consequence unless it causes discomfort. Please, do not brush the area with the dressing.
3. PAIN You may have moderate discomfort after the anesthesia disappears. This discomfort may last for a day or two. Ibuprofen (such as Advil) or other anti-inflammatory or pain medication may provide adequate control of the remaining pain. Aspirin and aspirin compounds interfere with blood clotting and are often associated with bleeding problems, and therefore are not recommended. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed after surgery to avoid post‑surgical infections. Please take all medications as prescribed and follow exactly the instructions given on the label.
4. SWELLING In some cases, swelling is to be expected. To help alleviate this, ice packs may be applied to the outside of the face over the area of surgery 1/2 hour on, 1/2 hour off, for the rest of the day of surgery, and as needed on the following day. Ice cubes in a plastic bag work nicely as an ice pack. If the swelling continues for more than 2 days after surgery, it may be an indication of bleeding or infection at the wounded area, in which case you should call your surgeon.
5. BLEEDING Do not be concerned if traces of blood are noted, or if your saliva is pink, in the hours after the operation. Pressure can be maintained on the wound with damp gauze, for at least an hour. This can be repeated as necessary throughout the day. Rest with your back reclined at a 45° angle (i.e. in a sofa chair) for the remainder of the day. Place an extra pillow under your head and sleep with your head elevated. Avoid:
Rinsing your mouth vigorously for the first few hours. This will disrupt the clot
Spitting. If you feel you need to spit, lean over a sink and allow the saliva to fall out. If your saliva is more than pink, and you are concerned about bleeding, do the following:
Apply pressure on the wound with a fresh damp gauze (no stripe). Wait 1 hour. If persisting
Apply pressure on the wound with a moist tea bag (i.e. chamomile). Wait 1 hour. If persisting
Apply pressure on the wound with Quik Clot Gauze (blue stripe). Call Dr. Dabuleanu
6. ORAL HYGIENE Meticulous oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc.) should be continued in all areas of the mouth except in the area of surgery. Dr. Dabuleanu will prescribe either of the following rinses. Both are to be used gently without vigorous swishing:
Chlorhexidine rinse. Use 1 tablespoon 2x per day, morning and evening for 2 weeks, starting the morning after surgery
Warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon table salt in 8 ounces warm water) 2x during the day, starting 48 hours after the surgery
7. NUTRITION Softer foods are advised during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Ensure or Boost meal replacements are helpful during this period. Try having soft fruit, well-cooked vegetables, soups, smoothies, puddings, yoghurt, and tender meat, poultry, or fish. Avoid:
Crunchy, chewy, sticky, and spicy foods
Hot liquids like coffee and tea. Let them cool first before drinking
Using a straw when drinking. Drink normally out of a glass instead
Chewing at all on the surgery site. You can chew on the opposite side of the mouth
If you are wearing a denture that sits over the area of surgery, it is best to avoid wearing it during the first 2 weeks after the surgery, unless advised otherwise.
8. SUTURES Dr. Dabuleanu will advise you what kind of sutures will be used, and what to expect:
Self-dissolving tan-brown sutures were used. These will dissolve within 7 days
Non-dissolving white sutures were used. These will be removed 4 weeks after surgery
Non-dissolving blue sutures were used. These will be removed 2 weeks after surgery
9. SMOKING. Smoking has a very bad effect on healing after gum surgery. Please consider quitting smoking completely. It will improve your prospects of long-term success. After the following types of surgery, avoid smoking for:
Periodontal surgery / Extractions - 2 weeks
Bone graft - 1 month
Implant placement - 2 months
10. ALCOHOL Alcoholic beverages should be avoided for the first 72 hours after surgery, so as not to slow the initial healing process. If antibiotics are prescribed, avoid alcohol until 2 days after your last dose.
We can always be reached at (416) 222 – 5055 should you have any questions
SEDATION
Patients receiving sedation will benefit from having their periodontal and implant treatment done while feeling comfortable and relaxed.
Every case is unique. For this reason we provide several different sedation options, including oral sedation, nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas), and IV conscious sedation.
Sedation options will be thoroughly discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu. Online copies of the sedation instructions are available below:
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