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 Napa, CA
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 Valley Harvest Dental Care at 707-690-6090 for an appointment in our Napa office.
A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a primary care physician. A general dental professional is the person dental patients can go to for routine preventative care and diagnosis of any oral health problems. There are multiple benefits to establishing a relationship with a general dentist.Maintaining oral health is important for both the health…
A general dentist may recommend a mouthguard to protect the teeth from damage that can occur from teeth grinding, sports injuries, or physically strenuous jobs. Grinding can be difficult to treat, but a patient can be helped by a thin mouthguard on the upper or lower teeth to prevent friction from occurring. Other types of…
Braces come with many benefits for patients, but one disadvantage that a general dentist may point out is staining. Stains are not an unavoidable result of having braces on for long periods of time. However, braces can make it harder to thoroughly clean teeth on a regular basis, which can eventually lead to stains. Here…