Should You Get an Oral Surgeon Referral From a General Dentist

Should You Get an Oral Surgeon Referral From a General Dentist from Stone Canyon Dental in Sunnyvale, TXShould You Get an Oral Surgeon Referral From a General Dentist from Stone Canyon Dental in Sunnyvale, TXA 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.

Health reasons a referral may be required

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.

Tooth extractions

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.

Dental implants

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.

Replacing teeth lost due to trauma

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.

Correction of jaw disorders

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.

Administrative reasons a referral may be required

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 surgeon only accepts patients with a referral

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.

A referral is required by the patient’s insurance company

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 Sunnyvale, TX

Conclusion

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 Stone Canyon Dental at 972-996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.

Recent Posts

What A General Dentist Can Tell You About The Importance Of Oral Hygiene

Wondering whether it is OK to skip oral hygiene from time to time? Read on to learn from a general dentist why that is not a good idea. All general dentists preach the importance of good oral hygiene between dental cleaning visits for a reason. The long-term focus for general dentists is on helping their…

General Dentistry: Give Your Dental Health A Boost By Visiting A Dentist

You might think that if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home, you can visit a dentist's office less often. However, general dentistry professionals agree that regularly visiting a dentist is important for your dental and overall health, even with good oral hygiene. In addition, there are numerous reasons it is a good…

A General Dentist Discusses Cavity Treatment

Your experienced general dentist can repair your cavities. Assessing your teeth will come first. Then, the dentist will discuss the treatment options with you. Knowing which option can help you the most can prepare you for the visit. Here are the details about the different cavity treatments that your general dentist can discuss with you.The…

Jordan Luna

Share
Published by
Jordan Luna

Recent Posts

Dental Bonding: A Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Treatment

Dental bonding aims to protect as much of the natural teeth structure as possible while…

2 days ago

Dental Bridge vs. Dental Crowns: What is the difference?

Dental bridges and dental crowns are wonderful, durable options to restore a smile. However, they…

5 days ago

How Long Do All-on-4 Implants Last?

Like traditional titanium post implants, the four-implant system are designed to be permanent.

1 week ago

Caring for Your Dental Bridge: Maintenance Tips for a Lasting Smile

Are you considering getting a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth? This prosthetic can…

2 weeks ago

Dental Bridge vs. Implants: Choosing the Right Tooth Replacement Option

A dental bridge is one of the most common ways to replace a missing tooth…

3 weeks ago

Consider a Dental Bridge for Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth

Getting a dental bridge for many missing teeth can renew your dental functions and oral…

4 weeks ago