Kona Periodontics and Implants Big Island Periodontics & Implants
Kailua Kona, Hawaii (808) 329-7246 Honoka'a, Hawaii : (808) 775-7294
Patient Information & Forms
Congratulations on taking the first step to improving your oral health!
Please use this website as a resource to understand more about how Big Island Periodontics & Implants (BIPI) can help you to improve your smile and quality of life. It will help you answer questions related to your oral health and learn more about periodontal and implant solutions.
Dr. Oakley is a specialist in periodontics and dental implantology.
We specialize in:
• Conservative gum surgery to eradicate gum disease and establish a solid foundation for your teeth.
• Cosmetic gum surgery to enhance your smile.
• Dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth and allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods again.
We work closely with your dentist to achieve quality and predictable treatment outcomes.
Your First Visit
Each patient is an individual with specific needs and desires and we will take this opportunity to get to know you. During your first visit with us, Dr. Oakley will introduce himself, find out about you, why you came to see us, and what we need to accomplish.
Dr. Oakley will perform a detailed medical and dental health history and a thorough oral exam. He will measure gum pockets, bone loss, perform a oral cancer screening, evaluate your bite, look for loose teeth and other signs of periodontal disease. You will learn about your dental condition and what we can do to help.
Please bring with you to your appointment:
• A list of medications you are currently taking
• Your Medical and Dental Insurance information
Please notify the office if you have any medical condition or concern prior to surgery, examples:
• Artificial Heart Valves
• Artificial Joints
• Endocarditis
• Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath
• Organ Transplants
• Uncontrolled Medical Conditions
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Taking Blood Thinners
• Cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Auto-Immune Disease
Please note: All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the appointment.
When Should I See a Periodontist?
Periodontal treatment may be sought in many ways. A consultation may be recommended by your dentist or hygienist at a checkup or other dental appointment if signs of periodontal disease are found.
You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own. If you experience any of the following we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us right away:
• Bleeding gums while brushing or eating
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Gum recession
• Missing teeth (Periodontists are experts with dental implants)
• Systemic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis (If you have one or more of these conditions you are at a higher risk for periodontal infections, the bacteria involved can travel through the blood stream to affect other areas of the body.)
• Oral pathology - the skin inside the mouth is normally pinkish with a smooth appearance. Any alteration of this could be a warning sign for an abnormal process. The most serious of which is cancer. The following are common signs which warrant a consultation with an oral medicine professional, such as a periodontist.
• Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth.
• A sore that does not heal within two weeks and bleeds easily.
• A lump, bump, or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth.
• Sore throat or hoarseness which does not resolve.
• Difficulty eating or swallowing.
Patient Instructions
Click to download.
Read and follow these instructions BEFORE your Dental Implant or Periodontal Surgery procedures.
Consent Forms
Click to download & bring with you to your appointment.
Use this form if the recommended treatment is:
Osseous Surgery
Crown Lengthening
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
Canine Exposure
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Use this form if the recommended treatment is:
Connective Tissue Graft
Gingival Graft
Root Coverage
Keratinized Mucosa Augmentation
Use this form if the recommended treatment involves replacing missing teeth with dental implants.
Use this form if it was recommended to remove a small sample of tissue for microscopic evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm coming in for a periodontal exam, will it hurt?
We will be as gentle as possible. You can expect little to no discomfort.
Do I need X-Rays?
Yes, X-rays are critical in determining the extent and severity of periodontal disease, in addition to other pathology that may not be visible in your mouth. If you have X-rays that were taken at another dental office, please bring them with you or request that they be forwarded to us.
What will it cost?
All patients are different and have individualized needs. Dr. Oakley must complete a thorough exam and establish a treatment plan prior to providing you a cost estimate. After the initial visit an estimate can usually be determined but on occasion further diagnostics or an initial treatment may be necessary prior to finalizing your treatment plan. The fees for periodontal treatment can vary considerably depending on the condition and complexity of treatment. Our philosophy is to treat as conservatively as possible to achieve our treatment goals.
Will my insurance cover the cost of care?
Dental insurance companies often cover a portion of the recommended treatment. Please bring your Medical and Dental Insurance information with you to your initial visit. Upon request, we will submit a claim to your insurance provider to pre-determine your benefits.
Can you save my teeth?
Modern Periodontal Therapy is successful in maintaining compromised teeth for long periods of time. In most cases, yes we can.
Will I need surgery?
If treated early, gum disease can be treated without surgery. We will make a treatment plan specific to your needs. Our practice philosophy is to treat as conservatively as possible to achieve our treatment goals.
What if I decide not to proceed with recommended treatments?
Periodontal disease is a progressing infection of the gums and bone that supports the teeth. It is painless. Delay in treatment will cause further destruction of the foundation of your teeth, jaw bone loss, and eventual loss of your teeth. If you lose your teeth, dentures are never as effective as your natural teeth.