What to Expect During Your First Visit With Dr. Amy Lacoste

Booking your first appointment with a periodontist can feel like a bigger deal than it needs to be. Maybe your general dentist referred you. Maybe you’ve been putting off gum issues for a while. Or maybe you’re exploring dental implants and aren’t sure what the process even looks like. Whatever brought you here, if your first visit is with Dr. Amy LaCoste, DMD, MS at Progressive Periodontics, Implants and Laser Therapy in Tigard, OR, here’s exactly what will happen — start to finish — so there are no surprises.

Before You Arrive: What to Bring

A little prep makes your first visit faster and more useful. Plan to bring:

• Photo ID and insurance information (if applicable)
• A list of current medications, including supplements
• Referral paperwork, if your general dentist sent you
• Any recent X-rays, if you have copies from another dental office
• A list of questions or concerns you want to make sure get addressed — it’s easy to forget them once you’re in the chair

If you have questions about cost or financing before you even walk in, our team can also point you to our financial information ahead of time so nothing feels like a surprise at checkout.

Step 1: Check-In and Getting to Know You

When you arrive, our front desk team will get you checked in and settled. At Progressive Periodontics, we consider our patients family, not a number — so before anything clinical happens, expect a genuinely welcoming, unhurried check-in. If it’s your first time in the office, you’ll fill out a bit of paperwork covering your health history, since periodontal health is closely tied to overall health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and more.

Step 2: Imaging and Evaluation

Once you’re back in the treatment room, Dr. LaCoste will start with a thorough evaluation. Depending on why you’re being seen, this typically includes:

• A visual and physical exam of your gums, teeth, and jaw structure
• Digital X-rays, if needed, to see below the gumline and assess bone levels
• Periodontal measurements (pocket depths) to check for signs of gum disease
• A review of any specific concerns — whether that’s a loose tooth, ongoing bleeding, sensitivity, or interest in dental implants

Dr. LaCoste’s approach here is thorough but not rushed. As a board-certified periodontist trained at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), she’s looking beyond just what’s happening at the surface — she’s evaluating the long-term health of the structures supporting your teeth.

Step 3: A Clear, Honest Conversation About What She Finds

This is where a lot of patients feel the most relief. Rather than handing you a diagnosis and rushing to the next step, Dr. LaCoste walks you through exactly what she’s seeing, in plain language — what’s healthy, what needs attention, and why. If you have periodontal disease, she’ll explain what stage it’s at and what that means for your teeth and gums long-term. If you’re being evaluated for implants, she’ll explain whether your gum and bone health can support the procedure right away, or if anything needs to be addressed first.

You’re encouraged to ask questions at every step. This isn’t a one-way exam — it’s a conversation.

Step 4: Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Every patient’s mouth and goals are different, which is why Dr. LaCoste doesn’t work off a one-size-fits-all playbook. Depending on your evaluation, your plan might involve:

• Periodontal disease treatment, ranging from deep cleaning to more advanced care
• LANAP laser gum surgery, a minimally invasive option Dr. LaCoste is specially certified in, often with less downtime than traditional gum surgery
• Dental implants, if you’re missing teeth or have a tooth that can’t be saved
• Gum grafting, if you’re dealing with gum recession
• Botox or dermal filler treatment, if you’re interested in the cosmetic side of care Dr. LaCoste also offers

If your treatment plan involves your general dentist, Dr. LaCoste will coordinate directly with them, so your care stays connected rather than siloed between offices.

Step 5: Understanding Cost and Scheduling Next Steps

Before you leave, our team will walk you through cost expectations and any financing or insurance questions, so you’re never left guessing. If treatment is needed, we’ll help you get the next appointment on the calendar right then, so momentum doesn’t stall.

Why Patients Choose Dr. LaCoste for This First Step

Your first periodontal visit sets the tone for every appointment after it. Dr. LaCoste’s combination of board certification, advanced LANAP training, and a genuinely collaborative approach means patients leave that first visit with clarity, not more questions. If you’d like to learn more about her background and credentials, you can read her full bio here: Meet Dr. Amy LaCoste.

Ready to Book Your First Visit?

Whether you were referred by your dentist, are dealing with gum concerns, or are exploring dental implants in the Tigard or Portland area, Dr. LaCoste and the team at Progressive Periodontics, Implants and Laser Therapy are ready to walk you through it, step by step.

Schedule your first consultation today and visit our office.