Why a Periodontist is a Great Source for Good Dentist Referrals

Let’s say you have just moved to a new town or have not seen a dentist for a long time, what’s the best way to find a good dentist?

You could ask people around you and they might have a good recommendation. Of course if they are not dentists they can only really tell you if the dentist and the office team are friendly and helpful. They may also be able to tell you if the dentist is gentle with injections, and whether or not the dentist is a patient and clear communicator. I don’t discount the recommendations of friends and neighbors as good advisers in the least.Here’s a different approach, however.

Periodontists work with many general dentists in the community and usually the dentists who refer to them are very good at what they do. This is why they have no problem referring patients to other dentists who will see their work. Also the general dentists who refer to specialists, as a group are very open to team-care. This means they understand how best to treat the most complicated dental problems with other dental and medical providers.

Because periodontal disease is the most common oral condition in adults, it makes sense to ask a periodontist for an examination if you have not seen a dentist for more than two years. Until the periodontal health (gums and bone around teeth) is established, it is too early to look at fixing teeth anyway. Making sure the foundation is healthy and strong before restoring the teeth makes a lot of sense.

Ben Young