Monday, December 10, 2012

Can a General dentist treat gum decease?

Q. My friend has periodontists, which is infection of the gums. His insurance does not cover specialist (periodontics in this case). Can a general dentist treat his problem?

A. General dentists can practice periodontics and treat gum disease. Depending on how difficult the case is, the general dentist should refer the patient to a specialist, a periodontist.


Should I go to a general dentist first or cosmetic dentist?
Q. I have an appointment for a general dentist in a week or so I'm wondering if some things are needed that a normal dentist can't do will they refer you to another type of dentist? Say if I needed dental implant(s)

A. You are perfectly fine to see a general dentist. There are no differences between someone who claims to be a cosmetic dentist from a general dentist. The only difference is skill/artistic ability, additional training (which may or may not make one dentist cosmetically better than another) and the dentist desire to do cosmetic dentistry.

Don't be fooled by someone who has a bunch of letters that act as credentials behind their title. They can be completely meaningless. "D.D.S. or D.M.D" are the only real ones that count. Go with your gut about how you feel during your visit, the perceived level of confidence your dentist has and one other VERY important thing: See if anyone you know recommends the person or if that dentist has patients of his who would be willing to talk to you about their experience and see pictures of that dentist's cosmetic work.

Be sure to verify that they are pictures of his/her work and not pictures of random people.

Today, most dentists are capable of doing most/all cosmetic and non-cosmetic procedures. However, there are also limitations and knowing those limitations is a good sign. If you go to a dentist who never refers you to any other dentist for anything...that would make me a little nervous. It is very difficult to find a dentist who is GREAT at ALL things...it's just not human nature. Most are GREAT at many things and just okay at other procedures. The importance comes in the honesty of the dentist to do what is best for the patient and not for his/her finances.

Hope that helps!


Can a dental specialist (for example orthodontic) open a practice and work as a general dentist?
Q. Lets just say a dentist worked as a general dentist for 3 years and than went to dental school again to study a speciality. Can he open a practice and work as a general dentist and as a specialist in his own practice?

A. Yes. His dental license allows him to practice any phase of dentistry that he is properly trained for. But, if he started doing a bunch of general dental procedures, many local dentists might choose not to send him any patients and he would have to build his specialty practice on his own.

I had a new periodontist do this to me. When I noticed that I was not getting my patients back from him for their routine care, I contacted him to see what was going on. He said, "I've got to build my practice, too, you know." I said, "Not by stealing my patients, you don't," and never sent him any more patients.


are you suppose to have an general dentist when you have braces?
Q. i have braces and an orthodontist obviously

but am i suppose to have a general dentist?

(im not sure if im suppose to because how are the general dentist gonna clean my teeth and stuff with my braces on)

can they take off my braces when their cleaning it or something?

A. It is strongly recommended to have a general dentist while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. It is very important to have your teeth cleaned regularly by the general dentist to prevent those white spots from developing on your teeth while in braces. The general dentist will also look for any cavities. Your wires and attachments (except rubber bands) will remain intact while your teeth are being cleaned. The only time wires are removed when cleaning is when the general dentist is also doing your orthodontics.





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