A general dentist is often the first point of contact for routine dental care and the ongoing management of oral health. Some conditions require advanced evaluation or treatment from an oral health specialist. Understanding how a dentist works with these specialists can help patients prepare for referrals and continuity of care. Here is an overview of the relationship between a dentist and oral health specialists:
Building Your Dental Foundation
A general dentist is the primary care provider for your oral health. They are usually the first professionals you see for checkups, cleanings, and basic treatments. The primary goal of a general dentist is to prevent disease and diagnose problems early. During routine visits, they examine teeth and gums for signs of decay, infection, or other abnormalities, and if they find a cavity or early gum disease, they treat it immediately. A dental doctor also plays a key role in identifying issues that require advanced care. They determine when a specific problem exceeds the scope of general practice and coordinate with specialists to make sure the patient receives expert care.
Exploring Oral Health Specialists
Oral health specialists are dentists who have completed further years of training in a specific area of dentistry. Here are some oral health specialists that general dentists may refer patients to for specialized care:
- Orthodontists: These specialists focus on correcting tooth and jaw alignment using braces, clear aligners, and retainers.
- Endodontists: They specialize in treating the inside of the tooth, primarily performing complex root canals to save diseased teeth.
- Periodontists: These doctors focus on the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, treating severe gum disease and placing dental implants.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: They perform surgery on the mouth, face, and jaws, including wisdom tooth extraction and corrective jaw surgery.
- Pediatric Dentists: These specialists are trained specifically to treat the unique dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
- Prosthodontists: They specialize in restoring and replacing teeth with complex crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore function and appearance.
Each specialist focuses on a specific area and stays up to date on the latest techniques and technologies for those treatments.
Understanding Dentist Referrals
A referral happens when a general dentist diagnoses a condition that requires specialized equipment or expertise. If a routine X-ray reveals an impacted wisdom tooth close to a nerve, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral surgeon. The dentist then sends the patient’s records and X-rays to the specialist to provide context for the case. A patient may request a referral sometimes if they have a specific concern, such as wanting to straighten their teeth. Once the referral is made, the specialist and the dentist communicate about the treatment plan. The specialist performs the specific procedure, then the patient returns to the dentist for ongoing maintenance.
Consult a General Dentist Today
Maintaining optimal oral health requires coordination and communication between patients and dentists. General dentists handle preventive care and refer you to specialized treatment when necessary. Contact a qualified dentist near you to schedule your consultation today.
