Welcome.
We congratulate you on taking the first step toward better periodontal health.
At Steel City Implants & Periodontics your smile is our first priority. Please utilize this website as a resource. It will help you better understand your course of treatment and answer any questions related to periodontal and implant therapy.
What Will Happen On My First Visit?
Please assist us at the time of your initial visit to the office by providing the following information:
1
Your referral slip and x-rays from your referring dentist.
This information is often emailed from your dental office but if any information is given to you, please bring this with you.
2
A list of medications you are currently taking.
Please note that you can fill out your patient registration and medical history form on our website.
3
If possible, proof of dental insurance.
If you have dental insurance, please bring any forms or insurance cards with you to the appointment.
Before your first visit please complete our online forms at the link provided below
Patient Forms
Insurance Information
Our insurance coordinators deal with many different insurance companies. Some companies offer many different dental and medical plans. These companies can change benefits, co-pays, and deductibles many times throughout the year. We do our best to provide you with accurate coverage estimates based on information available to us. At times, it is almost impossible to accurately estimate a patient’s insurance co-payment. Many insurance companies will not give out fees until after the treatment is completed. Dealing with these companies can be difficult and time consuming. As a courtesy, we ask that you keep us informed of any change to your insurance. It is important that all information about you and your insurance is current.
Although we will gladly file a claim on your behalf, you may also request to file the claim yourself.
Further, most dental insurance policies are limited and often only pay for a portion of the procedure(s) that may need to be done.
Co-Payment
The majority of dental plans reimburse approximately 30-80 percent of treatment costs. With this in mind, we ask co-pays be paid at the time of treatment.
As a curtesy we will file all dental insurances but we are only in network with the ones listed below
Aetna
Cigna
Delta
Southland
Financial Policy
Financial Information
Our doctor and staff are proud to be a team whose primary mission is to deliver the finest and most comprehensive periodontal services available today. We are concerned about your dental care and want to ensure you that it is performed in the most responsible manner. In order to assist you with the investment in your dental health, we have outlined our payment policy.
General Payment Policy
Payment in full is expected at the time of each service. We accept cash, personal check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and AMEX.
Financing Options
For patients preferring more extended payment options, our office works with CareCredit Financing. Please refer to their website for more information.
Dental Insurance Filing Disclaimer
Dental insurance is checked for patients as a courtesy. We are happy to file your claims and will pend payment for 30 days. If an insurance carrier will not processes a claim timely, payment may be requested from the patient. Any treatment cost incurred is ultimately the responsibility of the patient. We do not represent your carrier and can not guarantee payment. As your insurance contract is between you and your carrier, you are highly encouraged to confirm your benefits. Any remaining balance after insurance has remitted is the responsibility of the patient. Every effort will be made to correctly estimate benefits, however contract limitations, deductibles or other pending claims may affect the actual payment made.
Pre & Post Operative Instructions for extraction
We have provided below our general pre-operative instructions regarding IV sedation, oral sedation, blood thinners and antibiotics to help prepare for your surgical visit. Additionally, please follow any specific instructions that Dr. Kivus has already discussed. Please do not hesitate to call the office with any questions. We can be reached at (205) 823-3461 during regular business hours.
You may bring music to listen to with headphones during your procedure.
We want to monitor your healing. Your first post-operative check will normally be scheduled 7-14 days from your surgical appointment. At that time, we will determine your next post-operative visit. If you do not have a return visit, please call our office to schedule.
IV Sedation
For patients being IV sedated, please do not eat or drink 8 hours prior to your surgical appointment. If you routinely take medications in the morning, please take as prescribed with a small amount of water, or as we discussed in your pre-operative visit.
Please wear a short sleeved shirt and comfortable/loose pants.
You must have an adult driver that will remain at the office during the procedure and drive you home after your procedure. We will review all your post-operative instructions with your driver.
Nitrous Oxide
If you elect to receive nitrous oxide during your procedure we encourage you to eat lightly prior to your surgery. Patients receiving nitrous are safe to drive themselves to and from their appointment.
Antibiotics
If you routinely take an antibiotic pre-medication, please take it as directed before your surgical appointment. If you need a refill, please contact the office.
Please inform our office of any allergies or sensitivities that you have to antibiotics. You may be prescribed a systemic antibiotics if we feel it to be necessary. Please take the antibiotic as directed and until it is gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as you may experience nausea. For women taking oral contraceptives, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.
If you feel you are having an adverse reaction to the prescribed antibiotic, please discontinue immediately and contact our office. If symptoms worsen quickly, contact 911.
Blood Thinners
If you are currently taking blood thinners, please ensure that we are aware. We want to discuss your regimen with your prescribing doctor prior to your surgical appointment, as adjustments may need to be made.
Food Suggestions
We advise that you prepare your snacks and meals prior to surgery, to help ensure you follow our recommendations for healing. We encourage soft foods. A good rule of thumb is “anything that can be mashed with a fork.” Also, consider foods that are cool or room temperature and not spicy.
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Bananas
Applesauce
Ripe Fruits
Yogurt
Eggs
Nut Butters
Oatmeal
Steamed Vegetables
Mashed Potatoes or sweet potatoes
Avocado
Grilled or Broiled Fish
Ground or tender meat
Cottage or soft cheese
Beans
Hummus
Protein Shakes or Smoothies
Pudding
Ice Cream
"I love going here to get my teeth clean. The hygienist is so so sweet! She makes me feel comfortable every visit."
— INEZ GIBBS