As I have mentioned many times before, the profession of dentistry is changing at an incredibly rapid pace.  Dentists must continually update their skills with continuing education or they will quickly fall behind.  Most dentists recognize that with such advancements, it is difficult to be competent in all areas of advanced dentistry.  Because of this, it is sometimes necessary to involve specialists in a patient’s oral health evaluation and care. 

For example a patient may be referred to an:

• Endodontist – a dentist specializing in diseases that affect the inside of the teeth (the dental pulp and nerve).  This is the specialist that primarily does root canal therapy.
• Periodontist – a dentist who specialized in the care and prevention of gum-related diseases, bone regeneration and dental implants.
• Orthodontist – a dentist who specializes in the prevention or correction of irregular positioning and alignment of the teeth.  This is the specialist who places braces.
• Oral surgeon – a dentist specializing in surgery of the mouth and jaws.  They are involved in the removal of teeth, pathology of the mouth and jaws and in many instances dental implants.
• Prosthodontist – a dentist who specializes in the replacement of teeth and related mouth of jaw structures with prosthetic devices (for example - dentures, etc.)
• Pedodontist – a dentist who specializes in the oral health care of infants and children.  (They are such brave souls!)

The above specialists are all dentists that have elected to take additional two to five years of specialty training in their specific field after the normal dental school curriculum.  All dentists are trained to perform treatment in any of the above specialties, but will typically provide the procedures they enjoy the most and feel comfortable with.

Involving a specialist requires significant levels of communication on the part of your dentist and the specialist.  It often times means the specialist and dentist meet to discuss their respective findings and thoughts before developing a treatment plan that meets your goals and objectives.  This is especially common when periodontal surgery, implants and orthodontics are involved.

The role of your dentist is to coordinate the team, making sure everyone knows where you are in the process at all times.  Dentists realize that you are an important part of the process and that you should know at every juncture what to expect, what will happen, and what will be involved.

By involving a group of dentists, who are all expert at what they do, you are ensured of having the best possible result, especially when treatment involves extensive rehabilitation. 

Many patients don’t realize the extra value of time your dentists and specialist spend on your behalf when you are not in the dental office.  The times when they confer and discuss your treatment are an important part of the quality care you are receiving.  If you ever have any questions concerning your treatment and care, just ask your dentist for further explanations - they are there to serve you in the best way possible.