First Visit

Evaluations | Consultations

There are many reasons which might lead you to visit Dr. Dow and the Eugene Periodontics Team (Why Am I Being Referred?). Every patient has different needs, which determine if the evaluation is limited to a specific concern or comprehensive in nature to address multiple issues. Dr. Dow carefully assesses your mouth to address your concerns and develops recommendations. If treatment is recommended, it is most often scheduled for a later date, but may be done at the time of the consult in certain circumstances. Whatever the reason, we hope to make your experience great!

Please arrive at your first appointment at least 15 minutes early to complete New Patient Paperwork.  You are welcomed to our practice by a friendly smile. Our goal is to provide exceptional service. Much of what we do is new to patients, so being good listeners and communicators is critical. We aim to be concise and consistent with our discussion. This means taking complex, and sometimes confusing, problems and recommendations and making them clear.

Many times patients are most interested in the bottom line. We aim to set clear expectations by explaining your treatment plan,  estimated costs, estimated insurance benefits, and your appointment schedule. We collect whatever portion of our fees, that is not expected to be covered by insurance, on the day of service.  If you have any questions about what those fees may be, feel free to contact us prior to your appointment.

We look forward to meeting you!


Comprehensive Evaluations

This is an examination to determine your overall oral health. This includes data collection from throughout your mouth including radiographic (x-ray) assessment. This allows for development of comprehensive diagnoses, informing you of your oral health status. It also allows for development of a comprehensive treatment plan to establish and maintain stable oral health.

Limited Evaluations

Limited evaluations are focused on a single problem at a specific site in your mouth. This type of evaluation usually requires limited radiographic assessment and you may be a candidate for having treatment the same day as the evaluation.

3D Imaging

For procedures like dental implants and advanced bone grafting, it is important that we are able to visualize your bone anatomy prior to the surgery. We are able to do this using an innovative technology known as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This technology is able to use x-ray data to recreate a 3D image of your facial bones and sinuses, in a similar fashion to computed tomography (CT). The information is used to diagnose, make measurements and design surgical guides.

“Our use of dental technology and specifically computer generated surgical guides sets us apart from the rest.”
– Dr. Andrew Dow

3D Digital Radiograph (Cone Beam)

Digital Intraoral Scan

Dr. Dow’s use of surgical guides is unique to our area and allows us to take the guesswork out of your surgery.  The technique uses the cone beam image, in addition to the digital intraoral scan, to plan the crown and implant. This way we know exactly what your tooth and implant will look like before you ever step into our office for treatment. Your implants can be safely and accurately placed and your surgical time is cut. It is a win-win for everyone involved. Dr. Dow likes to say that, “surgical guides help him sleep well knowing that there will not be any unpleasant surprises when it comes time for your surgery.”