Wellness

[SilleeMee]

Many dentists, dental surgeons and other dental pros have left the practice of treating patients and have taken the teaching route. That really started happening when the pandemic hit. That is what I've been hearing at all three of the dental offices where I've been going for my dental needs. I'm not surprised. 

[frenchie]

Yes they refer you to an oral surgeon. Last tooth I had extracted 2 or 3 years ago cost $600. I have a cracked tooth right now that is loosening. I'm hoping it pops out on its own. I hate being fleeced. I also had a tooth that got reinfected under a crown. No guarantees on those. 

[ECBG]

DH does the computer systems for dentists, so I hear it all the time.

The services depend on how much they are willing to spend on the equipment and time on the training.

Our dentist loves advanced machines, gives excellent service, and can make your crown in 3 hours while you wait.

As far as I know, a root canal needs a specialist as does gum work.

[Icegoddess]

Mine does fillings and crowns.  He contracts out the acutal making of the crown so it takes 2 weeks between visits.  I'm not sure about root canals.  I know they called me to see about scheduling one, but I don't know if it was going to be with him or someone else.  I declined.  I didn't think a root canal was warranted and we went with plan B, braces.  After the braces I did need an implant and that was done by a specialist except the visible part which is basically a crown.

[gertrudecloset]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

Years ago, I went to a good dentist and there were several in the practice.  I got my cleanings, fillings and even crowns done with the same office.  Easy peasy, and very competent people worked there.  

Fast forward to now ... 

I now have new dental insurance and have been looking for another "full service" practice in my area.   The previous dentist I had a couple years ago (with different insurance) did the cleanings etc, but for any root canals, crowns, etc, we'd be referred to another practice at another location.   

I am wondering if this is now how things are done these days ...  Obviously I will call my insurance company to verify, but am curious if this is common in other parts of the country.  

Do you have a "full service" dentist, or do they refer some procedures to specialists?   

What's your experience with this?  TIA 

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Years and years ago, I had a regular dentist for me and my children.  My ex chose another dentist.  We all saw the General Dentist.  We went for check ups, cleanings and x rays.  One time I had a nasty infection with one in the back that needed to be pulled.  He would not do it.  He sent me to an oral surgeon.  So many subspecialties under dentistry.  Here are are some @Tinkrbl44 

General Dentistry

Endontontist

Orthodontist

Periodontist

Prosthodontist

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist

Dentist Anesthesiologists

Pediatric Dentist or Pedodontist

Orofacial Pain (OFP)

General Dentistry

A general dentist is your primary care dental provider. A dentist has many responsibilities including the diagnosis, treatment, care, and management of your overall oral health. Non-metal fillings, periodontal (gum) care, root canal surgeries, crowns, bridges, and preventive education are some of the services a general dentist provides, among several others.  Some dentists prefer to refer you out for some things that they don't want to handle.  Their continuing education might not be up to date or they are not board certified.

This isn't new.  It just depends on your needs now based on your needs in the past.  Even if you went to a full service dentist doesn't mean you'll see the same dentist for every issue.

[deepwaterdotter]

I am referred to a specialist for extractions.

[Nonametoday]

Money is a probably a big issue.  When my brother finished dental school, my daddy who had just bought him and his wife (not my mother, a new beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood.  He told us that my brother's education (he is a little bit younger) and the equipment to start his practice cost him 3 times what the home cost.  Brother had gone to a private college where tuition is high.  The students had to buy a lot of the products they practice with in school. I cannot speak to what it costs now but with the equipment and so forth so high-tech, it must be more than most coming out of college or even those in practice for a while can afford.

[Eileen in Virginia]

My previous dentist did crowns and "simple" root canals, but not implants. He sent me to an endodontist for a root canal on a molar and when I needed an apioectomy after a root canal had failed. My current dentist does everything from fillings to implants. There are 2 other dentists in the practice, as well as a large dental support staff. I really like this because I can schedule all aspects of my treatment at the same practice. 

[Flopsy]

Interesting topic.  I really think it can depend on the dentist and where you live.  I have moved a few times to different states.  When I lived in St. Louis I was referred to a specialist who did an excellent route canal (if that's the right words lol).  My last dentist in PA was very experienced in all aspects and did everything in house, I miss her work.  Last year I moved to NC and just had my cleaning but I did notice my XRays were done standing, never had that before.

My new doctor recommended my new dentist so hopefully I will have continued good experiences with them as I intend to stay here permanently.  

Thank you for raising this, I'm interested to here all the input.  I came to live in the US a few years ago from the UK.  I think we are famous for poor dentistry and I can testify to a few horror stories from my younger years!

[shy bobcat]

My guess is that most dentists refer out.  That is what I am experiencing right now.  I was having a problem with a tooth that had a root canal and a crown.  My dentist examined my tooth and took xrays.  He then referred me to an Endodontist.  The endodontist said, I only do root canals and you already have one in that tooth. He referred me to a Maxillofacial Surgeon who I'm seeing today ... ugh!