A general dentist can provide services ranging from routine cleanings and exams to the detection and diagnosis of periodontal disease. When patients have an oral health condition that requires surgery, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment. There are several reasons why it may be necessary to obtain a referral from a general dentist before making an appointment with an oral surgeon.
As part of an exam, a general dentist checks for oral health conditions that may require treatment by an oral surgeon. When the dentist determines that a patient needs a surgical procedure, the dentist may provide the patient with a referral.
When teeth do not have enough space in the mouth to develop normally, the teeth may become impacted. The removal of impacted teeth usually requires a surgeon to cut into the gums and jawbone to extract the affected teeth.
A dental implant is a metal post that is used to replace the root of a tooth that has been extracted or lost. An oral surgeon performs the procedure to implant the post in the jawbone.
When a tooth is lost because of blunt force trauma or an accident, there may be soft tissue damage. An oral surgeon can often restore the lost teeth and repair the tissue damage.
Problems with the jaw can be congenital disorders or can be caused by trauma, disease, or wear and tear over time. Oral surgeons can repair many types of jaw disorders.
Patients who suspect an oral surgeon is needed may wish to book an appointment directly with the surgeon, rather than visiting a general dentist. However, there are times when a referral may be required.
The oral surgeon the patient wants to go to may require all patients to obtain a referral either from a general dentist or a medical doctor. Some offices may make exceptions for a patient who needs emergency care. Even when a referral is not required, it can be beneficial to get one, because it helps the surgeon coordinate care with other dental and healthcare providers.
Many medical and dental insurance policies require a referral before they will pay for the services of an oral surgeon. If a patient is unsure whether a referral is needed by the insurance company, it is advisable to contact the insurance company or agent and ask before making an appointment.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist Referral in Atlanta, GA
Not all oral surgeons require referrals from a general dentist, but one can help coordinate patient care and may be required by the patient's insurance provider. Patients should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the surgeon and their insurance company before making an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Dr. Charles Arp, DDS & Dr. Smriti Bajaj, DMD at 404-682-2887 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
Every person should always schedule and keep routine appointments with their general dentist every six months. These visits are very important in determining the overall health of your teeth and gums. It is at your routine visits that your dentist is able to find and begin treating any type of oral health issue. You want…
Any general dentist knows that oral health is about more than just strong teeth. It is also a bellwether of overall physical health, which makes maintaining healthy teeth and gums a crucial part of any wellness routine. Showing up for cleanings twice a year is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy. Patients should…
Persistent oral pain or extensive decay may send a patient to a general dentist, who must then advise whether the patient should try to save the tooth or have it pulled. To save the tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp of the tooth and replacing it with…