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 Belleville, NJ
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 Keep Smiling Dental PC at 908-425-4051 for an appointment in our Belleville office.
A general dentist can help you to get past any toothache. Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator there is something wrong with that specific tooth.Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma. It can also be a symptom of an…
General dentists offer a wide range of dental services to patients of all ages, which is why it is beneficial to have regular appointments with them. Maintaining regular appointments is in everyone's best interest, regardless of age! In this article, we discuss a few benefits of having one dentist to visit on a regular basis.The…
It is not unusual to feel scared or intimidated when visiting your general dentist. The various sounds can all be a lot to handle. People stare into your mouth, and it feels like you are under a microscope. When you add the bright lights, it can be downright scary.Sometimes, it helps to know the typical…