Your general dentist is trained to provide a wide variety of oral health procedures. However, sometimes a patient’s particular issue goes beyond the scope of their expertise, and in that situation, they may refer you to a dental specialist. This is not done to make you lose confidence in your regular practitioner; rather, it is meant to help you get the best care possible for your smile. Here’s a closer look at some of the oral health experts I as your dentist might refer you to, and which problems they’ve been specially trained to address.
General Dentists
Your general dentist is the doctor you go to for everyday oral health procedures like checkups and cleanings, restorations such as fillings and crowns, and even certain orthodontic treatments like Invisalign or ClearCorrect. They also keep detailed records to track how your smile changes over time.
Periodontists
Periodontists are specialists in the areas of your jawbone and periodontal tissues, aka your gums. They have received advanced training in the treatment of periodontal disease, gum grafts, and in many cases the placement of dental implants.
If you are exhibiting signs of severe periodontitis (gum disease), I may refer you to a periodontist to ensure your smile gets the most effective treatment possible, as gum disease could result in tooth and bone loss if not addressed promptly.
Oral Surgeons
An oral surgeon is trained to operate on the teeth and jaw and can often be the best choice for removing impacted wisdom or other teeth, or for placing dental implants. They may also treat facial injuries, TMJ disorders, and may hold additional certification to provide deeper levels of dental sedation than a general dentist.
Endodontists
An endodontist is an excellent choice for treating issues involving the sensitive nerves and inner pulp of your teeth. Whether you need a root canal, an apicoectomy (a treatment for the tip of a tooth root), or even pulp therapy, they are adept at caring for it all. Because each of these procedures requires a great deal of expertise, complex cases may require a specialist to prevent the need for an extraction.
Your Dental Team: Working Together for Your Oral Health
The good news is that your dentist wants what’s best for your oral health, which is why these specialists are proud to work together to help you get the care you need. In fact, the biggest hassle you’re likely to experience when dealing with a specialist is having to go to a different office and fill out new forms! It’s really that easy.
At AV Dental Associates of New Jersey, we took the initiative to make your oral health treatment even easier by assembling our own, in-house team of dental specialists, so our patients never have to deal with finding a new doctor to restore their smile.
While we understand that not every patient will have this luxury, locating a specialist on your own should be relatively easy. If you need suggestions, you can always ask your general dentist, or you can even contact your dental insurance providers for a list of in-network doctors.
Remember, if your dentist refers you to an outside specialist, there’s no need to worry about their skill level or commitment to your smile. They are likely looking out for what’s best for you and your oral health. In the meantime, if you’re in Jersey City and in need of someone to assist with a complex dental issue, give us a call and we’ll be happy to welcome you in for a consultation.
About Dr. Vahid
Dr. Arash Vahid received his dental doctorate from University of Michigan Ann Arbor and his general dentistry residency at the NYU College of Dentistry where he also completed a two-year dental implant maxi course. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. To schedule a consultation with the team at AV Dental Associates of New Jersey, visit our website or call us today at 201-484-7759.
