Just as a general physician might refer you to various medical specialists such as cardiologists, gynecologists and neurologists among others, your family dentist may also refer you to a Dental Specialist in order to treat certain problems which could be out of their range of expertise.
Here are a few reasons why your general dentist might advise you to see a specialist:
1- Not All Dentists are Created Equal:
While general dentists have only completed the requisite 5 years of BDS (Bachelors of Dental Studies), a Dental Specialist studies for an additional 2-3 years in order to specialize in a particular field of dentistry, making them more knowledgeable on the factors and modern practices correlated with a specific dental field.
2- Your Dentist Wants the Best for You:
You might think your dentist is shirking their responsibilities or is incompetent, when in fact they simply want to make sure that you receive the best oral care possible. A good dentist would know when a particular treatment or diagnosis is beyond their capabilities and refer you to a relevant specialist.
3- The Big Picture Matters:
Most people want a one-size-fits-all solution and expect their usual dentist to treat the entirety of their oral issues, which is not possible. While loss of familiarity, discomfort in adjusting to a new doctor and clinical environment and the usually higher fee of a dental specialist might be valid concerns, your own health matters in the long run. Even if your own dentist agrees on a particular treatment, the results will most likely not be as effective as expected, resulting in multiple appointments-a waste of valuable time and money. Trust that your dentist is referring you to a trusted source, and refrain from self-referrals.
4- Different Types of Dental Specialists:
6 different dental specialisms are recognized in Pakistan, with a comparatively vastly growing number of specialists for every field:
Orthodontist:
An Orthodontist is concerned with teeth alignment, most commonly through the application of braces.
Endodontist:
Endodontists are root canal specialists and deal with problems related to the nerve of the tooth.
Periodontist:
Periodontists are essentially ‘gum specialists’, that is they diagnose and treat problems related to soft tissues of the mouth and supporting structures of the teeth.
Oral Surgeon:
Also known as Maxillofacial surgeons, oral surgeons specialize in the repair of various mouth and jaw conditions.
Pediatric Dentist:
These particular specialists deal with the dental care and oral hygiene of children ranging from infants and toddlers to adolescents (teenagers).
Prosthodontist:
A Prosthodontist is tasked with the complex repair and restoration of teeth, along with cosmetic dental surgery. Do not hesitate to book an appointment with a top Dental Specialist in Peshawar, Multan and Islamabad through Oladoc.com. Or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your dental needs.
