Referrals

WHAT ARE REFERRALS?

If your teeth require additional treatment that we cannot provide you in the office, we will provide you with a referral for a specialist.

WHAT ARE SPECIALISTS?

Specialists are dentists, who instead of practicing general dentistry, go through additional schooling in a particular area of dental health. They may be seen in general dental offices, but normally have a separate office of their own.

TYPES OF SPECIALISTS

Endodontist

Tooth nerve specialist

Pain or sensitivity may indicate the nerve of your tooth is being affected. Endodontists can diagnose and treat. They are often the ones that do root canals if the case is complex.

Periodontist

Gum specialist

Periodontal gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) is common and can become serious after time. Periodontist can diagnose and treat gum disease which may require surgery to correct.

Orthodontist

Teeth alignment specialist

Braces are placed, monitored, and removed by orthodontists. Orthodontists will also create retainers if the correction is severe enough.

Oral Surgery

Teeth extraction specialist

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common reason why people see oral surgeons. Their ability to use heavier anesthetics is generally more preferable for patients as the wisdom teeth are larger with bigger roots.

Oral Medicine

Oral disease specialist

Fungal growth, extreme and consistent pain, or inflammation are some reasons why people see an oral medicine specialist. They are able to diagnose oral pathological diseases and provide additional treatment.

I HAVE A REFERRAL. WHAT DO I DO?

Our doctors have local, trusted specialists whom we can recommend. We will provide you with a copy of the referral form with details about your case. The address and phone number of the specialist's office will be on the referral form. Call and schedule an appointment with the specialist with regards to your schedule.

If you have a particular specialist you would like to see, please let us know. If we do not have their referral form, we may ask you to bring one to our office for completion or contact the office to have one sent over.

Some specialists will ask if x-rays were recently taken at your dental office. We will email these x-rays to you to forward to their office or with your consent, send the x-rays directly to the office.

Some specialist offices may not schedule you an appointment without a referral form. Be sure to take your referral form with you to your appointment.

WILL MY REGULAR DENTIST KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SPECIALIST?

Yes! The specialists will send us reports, updates, and x-rays about your condition as you undergo treatment. If our office needs further clarification or the specialist would like to talk about a mutual patient, the two doctors will communicate.

DOES THE SPECIALIST TAKE MY INSURANCE?

Each specialist office has different insurance policies, like general dentists. Call the office before your appointment to make sure they accept your insurance. If you need further assistance, ask our front desk for help.

OH NO, I LOST MY REFERRAL FORM!

Call our office and let us know you cannot find your referral form. We always have a copy in your file and will scan and email you a copy upon request.