Why We Refer to Dental Specialists

The teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues are intricately designed with multiple blood vessels and nerves. Taking care of the jawbone is different from the gums, root canals need to be managed differently than an impacted tooth, and children need to be treated differently from adults. 

At Tots N Teens Pediatrics in Plano, Mesquite, and Forney, Texas, we are always happy to assist you and your child and always refer our patients to specialists as required.

Common Issues We Refer Patients to Dental Specialists For 

We may refer you to a dental specialist in the following situations:

• Complicated Root Canal Treatments

For complicated root canal infections and proper treatment, we may refer you to an endodontist. Root canals measure less than a millimeter, and endodontists are trained to clean, shape, and fill these canals properly.

• Gum Surgery and Flaps

While regular scaling and root planing can be performed by a general dentist, when there is a need to deep clean the gums (flap procedure) or to place a graft to treat the effects of gum disease, you may be referred to a periodontist.

• Teeth Straightening 

If your child needs braces or other orthodontic treatments, you may be referred to an orthodontist. The orthodontist will determine the best solution for realigning the teeth and, if required, they may also suggest the extraction of one or two teeth to make space for repositioning the crooked teeth.

• Oral Surgeries

Surgical procedures for oral trauma, jaw fractures, impacted teeth, or jaw corrections, cleft lip or palate corrections, require a dental specialist. You will be referred to an oral surgeon for these procedures.

• Specialized Pediatric Care

When a child requires additional dental care or is not very cooperative, a pediatric dentist is the best solution. They are trained to handle children’s dental needs but also their emotions.

• Dentures and Bridges

Whether removable or fixed, partial or complete, a bridge or denture requires a completely different set of skills, and so you may be referred to a prosthodontist for this.

To schedule an appointment with our specialists at Tots N Teens Pediatrics in Plano, Mesquite, and Forney, Texas, call (972) 867-6880, (972) 285-0838, or (469) 290-4592.