If your family doctor had concerns about your heart health and referred you to a cardiologist, you wouldn’t think twice. Your family doctor treats routine issues, but the cardiologist focuses on a specific area or issue—the heart.
Similarly, your general dentist evaluates and treats routine oral health issues which is why it’s important that you attend regular appointments with your dentist so that you can stay on top of your dental hygiene. If you have conditions that require advanced care, your dentist will refer you to a specialist who focuses on treating your condition.
There are dozens of dental sub-specialties, but here are the specialists you’re most likely to see:
- Endodontists – These dental specialists focus on treating diseases and injuries of the soft inner tissue of the teeth (called pulp) or the tooth nerves. In addition to dental school, they have at least 2 years of specialized training in root canal treatment and saving teeth. According to the American Association of Endodontists, these specialists perform an average of 25 root canals each week. In comparison, general dentists perform less than two.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – Oral surgeons treat patients for a variety of reasons, including wisdom teeth removal, tumors and cysts in jaws, and facial injuries. They are trained in a hospital-based residency program for at least four years and their training focuses on the bone, skin and muscles of the face, mouth and jaw.
- Orthodontists – Orthodontists are the experts when it comes to straightening teeth and aligning jaws, and you’ll definitely be referred to one if you need braces. In addition to dental school, these “bite doctors” have an additional 2-3 years of specialized study in orthodontics.
- Periodontists – These specialists focus on treating gums and the supporting bones—your teeth—so they’re experts in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.
If you’re referred to a specialist, don’t panic. A referral is the general dentist’s way of saying, “Your health and well-being are more important to me, so I’m putting you in the best hands possible to handle this procedure. Here’s who I trust and think would do the best job for you.”
Here are the next steps if you’re referred to a specialist:
- First, research the specialist you were referred to. The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners can give you general information regarding a dentist’s license and education.
- Next, make sure they’re a participating Delta Dental dentist, and in the same network as your general dentist. You can look that up here.
- Then, log in to the Member Connection to verify your plan benefits.
- Finally, call and make an appointment.
