My Dentist Has Referred Me to a Specialist – What Happens Next?
If your dentist has told you that they would like to refer you to a specialist, it is completely understandable to have questions.
Why do I need to see a specialist? Is something seriously wrong? What will happen at the appointment? Will I need treatment?
The first thing to know is that being referred does not mean you are committing to treatment. Your dentist is asking for additional specialist expertise so that you can understand what is happening, explore your options and make an informed decision about what is right for you.
At Perio & Implants Dental Referral Centre, we work closely with dentists to provide specialist assessment and treatment for gum problems, dental implants and more complex cases.
Why has my dentist referred me?
Your dentist knows your dental history and is an important part of your ongoing care. Sometimes, however, they may identify a problem that would benefit from the additional experience and expertise of a specialist.
A referral can therefore be a very positive step.
It means your dentist has recognised that specialist assessment could help achieve the best possible long-term outcome for you.
You may have been referred because of:
- Gum disease or concerns about the health of the gums supporting your teeth
- Gum recession
- Bone loss around teeth
- A missing tooth or teeth and the possibility of dental implants
- A problem with an existing dental implant
- A more complex dental problem that would benefit from specialist assessment
You may have symptoms, or you may feel completely well. Some conditions, particularly gum disease, can progress without causing significant pain, which is why assessment can be important even when something isn’t bothering you day to day.
Why can’t my own dentist simply treat me?
In many cases they can, and your general dentist will continue to play an important part in your care.
However, just as in other areas of healthcare, there are occasions when additional specialist expertise can be beneficial.
Our team are all UK-accredited dental specialists with advanced postgraduate training and extensive experience in their particular fields.
Your dentist’s decision to refer you isn’t about passing your care elsewhere. It is about bringing additional expertise into your care when it may benefit you.
We work collaboratively with referring dentists, keep them informed and, where appropriate, return you to their care following specialist treatment.
What happens when Perio & Implants receives my referral?
Once we receive your dentist’s referral, a member of our team will contact you.
We appreciate that you may not have been expecting our call, so please don’t feel you need to make an immediate decision.
We can explain why you have been referred, answer initial questions and arrange a specialist consultation at a convenient time.
The consultation is the starting point – not a commitment to treatment.
What happens at my specialist consultation?
Your consultation gives your specialist time to understand both the clinical problem and what matters to you.
Depending on the reason for your referral, this may include:
- Discussing your concerns and dental history
- A detailed examination
- Assessment of your teeth, gums, bite and/or existing implants
- Appropriate X-rays or other investigations
- Explaining what we have found
- Discussing the different treatment options available
- Answering your questions
Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to understand your situation properly.
We don’t believe patients should make important treatment decisions without having the information they need.
Will I have treatment at my first appointment?
Usually, no.
The purpose of your first specialist consultation is to assess, diagnose and discuss.
If treatment is recommended, we will explain why, what it involves and the options available to you.
You will then receive a personalised treatment plan so that you can consider everything properly before deciding whether you would like to proceed.
What if I’m nervous?
Please tell us.
It is very common to feel anxious about seeing a dental specialist, particularly if you don’t know what to expect or have previously had a difficult dental experience.
Our team is used to caring for nervous patients. Your first appointment is an opportunity to talk, ask questions and understand your options – there is no pressure to make an immediate decision.
Sometimes simply understanding what is happening and what can be done about it can make the situation feel much more manageable.
What if I’m worried about the cost?
We understand that specialist dental treatment can be a significant financial decision.
Your consultation allows us to establish what you actually need before discussing treatment and associated fees.
If treatment is recommended, the options and costs will be clearly explained in your treatment plan so that you can consider them before making a decision.
For our current consultation and treatment fees, please visit our Fees page.
Do I have to go ahead with treatment?
No.
Coming for a specialist consultation does not commit you to having treatment with us.
Our role is to give you an expert diagnosis, explain your options and help you understand the potential benefits and implications of those choices.
What you decide to do with that information remains your decision.
What happens to my relationship with my own dentist?
Your dentist remains an important part of your long-term dental care.
Perio & Implants is a dental referral centre, which means we work alongside general dental practices rather than replacing them.
With your consent, we communicate with your dentist about our findings and treatment. Once the specialist stage of your care is complete, we will normally work with your dentist regarding your ongoing care and maintenance.
It’s a partnership between you, your dentist and our specialist team.
Your next step
If your dentist has referred you to Perio & Implants, the next step is simply to come and talk to us.
Your consultation will help you understand:
What is happening.
Why it matters.
What your options are.
And what – if anything – you would like to do next.
You don’t need to have made any decisions before you arrive.
Our job is to give you the specialist advice, information and reassurance you need to make the decision that feels right for you.
Already been referred?
If you’ve received a call, email or message from our team, please request a callback to arrange your specialist consultation or to ask any questions you may have.
Perio & Implants Dental Referral Centre
