Although all dentists are licensed to perform all dental procedures*, no dentist can be the best at everything.  Some problems are so involved that it requires the services of a general dentist and one or more specialists to achieve the best result. 

In these situations the general dentist usually acts as "Quarterback" - overseeing the progress of the treatment and enlisting the aid of the various specialists as needed. 

One example of a complex esthetic case would be one or more front teeth knocked out in an accident with a broken jaw and several other teeth displaced. 

An Oral Surgeon would set and oversee healing of the broken jaw.  A periodontist might be called on to graft connective tissue into the place where the tooth was knocked out to make the gums the right shape again.  An orthodontist might be called on to move the displaced teeth back into correct position. The Oral Surgeon or the Periodontist might place one or more implants so the tooth could be replaced, or the general dentist or a Prosthodontist might be called in to create the crown or bridge which replaces the missing teeth.

This team approach provides the most qualified person for each part of the treatment and provides the optimal result for the patient.

*(with certain exceptions like sedation and general anesthesia),

Last modified: 05/03/04