Have you wondered when it’s the right time to see a dentist or dental specialist? When it comes to oral health care, understanding these interchangeable terms is important. Let’s take a look at some of the key differences on our latest My Denstist Canberra Blog on who you should see for different treatments.
What Is a Dentist?
A dentist is a qualified professional who treats diseases and other conditions of the teeth, gums and mouth. They are sometimes referred to as general dentist and specialise in the management of everyday dental needs including routine scale and cleans, fluoride treatments, check-ups, cosmetic dentistry, tooth extractions, treatment gum disease, fillings, crowns and basic surgical procedures.
Australian dentists must also complete a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree (BDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in order to diagnose, treat and provide preventive dental care for patients.
Click on the link below to learn more.
https://www.dentalboard.gov.au
What is a Dental Specialist?
A dental specialist has undertaken more intensive training, (usually a post-graduate degree, with an additional 3 or 4 years of extra study) -combined with advanced clinical expertise and specialty practice.
Dental specialists work in tandem with general dentists to meet the diverse needs of patients.
A dentist is usually the first point of contact before a specialist dentist is seen. If patient concerns go beyond general care, this is where you may be referred to dental specialist.
The most common specialists include the following:
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- Orthodontics: Alignment of teeth and jaws using braces or aligners
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- Periodontics: Treatment of advanced gum disease and gum surgery
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- Endodontics: Root canal therapy and treatment of infected tooth pulp
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- Paediatric Dentistry: Dental care tailored to children and adolescents
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- Prosthodontics: Replacement of missing teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants
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- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: Complex surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face
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- Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology: Diagnosis and management of oral diseases and lesions
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- Special Needs Dentistry: Care for patients with physical, medical, or developmental conditions
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/dentists/about
The Most Common Reasons to Visit a General Dentist
When something goes wrong with your mouth, teeth or gums, the first thing we do is visit a local dentist. If you’re committed to looking after your oral health over the long-term, a dentist should be your ‘go to’ partner who is passionate about maintaining the best in your oral health. This means managing, monitoring and tracking changes that may progressively get worse over time.
A general dentist is often seen for the following reasons:
Teeth Extractions: Removing loose teeth
Routine Check-Ups & Cleans: Ongoing visits to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy
Cosmetic Dentistry: This covers services such as teeth whitening and veneers to improve your smile
Fillings: Repairing cavities and weak teeth
Gum Disease: Preventive measures to help treat gingivitis and sensitive gum issues
Preventive Advice: Dentists provide professional advice and education on flossing, brushing and general oral health habits
The Most Common Reasons to Visit a Dental Specialist
A dental specialist may be recommended for more complex issues, particularly when it comes to oral concerns requiring advanced knowledge, techniques and an extra level of expertise.
If you’re experiencing something severe that may be beyond the capabilities of a general dentist, a dental specialist is highly equipped to treat your oral problems efficiently.
Oral Surgery: This can include wisdom teeth removal and facial surgery
Periodontics: If you’re showing signs of progressive gum disease and bone loss, a periodontist is recommended
Orthodontics: An orthodontics specialist is often referred when you have crooked teeth or your bite is incorrect
Endodontics: Nerve damage and root canal treatments
Prosthodontics: Dentures, implants, or bridges
Paediatrics: Specialist dentists managing children’s dental and developmental issues
How Dentists & Specialists Work Together
Dentists and dental specialists work in conjunction together, both playing important roles in managing your oral health. Your dentist looks after your everyday dental care, while a specialist dentist applies more advanced techniques and treatments to restore oral function.
Many patients will need to make an informed decision at some point along their dental journey.
Whether you’re after a routine scale and clean, tooth extraction or advanced dental work such jaw surgery or urgent treatment for gum recession, it’s important to have access to a dentist who can refer you to a specialist when needed.
For example: a dentist who is assessing, treating and diagnosing gum recession may refer you to a periodontist for more complex treatment.
If you’re at the dentist for a temporary tooth filling, you may be referred to an endodontist for further root canal dental work. It’s the perfect symbiosis between dentist and dental specialist, providing integrated dental solutions that work seamlessly together.
One of the biggest differences you will notice is the cost of service and availability. A dentist is usually less expensive than a specialist, which can be a key reason why many patients avoid going to see a specialist in the first place. Although, its more cost-effective seeing a general dentist, a specialty dentist is not seen as regularly; so it’s worth paying that little extra to ensure you get the correct treatment.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9381364
Dentists & Dental Specialists Both Play Important Roles in Keeping Your Mouth Healthy
In summary, visiting either a general dentist or specialist depends on your unique needs. If you’re after general care for early prevention or more complex dentistry such as oral surgery, both play an important role in your overall oral health journey.
Your local dentist is the first place to call on when you experience any kind of dental problem. Specialists are usually the next step, and are recommended for more pressing issues: mainly for restoring mouth function, appearance and improving oral health.
At My Canberra Dentist, we strive to provide our patients with the best in dental technology – offering preventive advice, trust and guidance along your oral health journey.
Common Questions We Get Asked
What type of dentist should I see for treatment?
Both dentists and dental specialists are needed at different times in life and for very specific reasons. Visting a specialist for a specific issue is usually for a short period of time until the problem is fixed. A general dentist is someone you see on a continual and ongoing basis for good oral health and hygien
General Dentist
- Daily care, prevention & maintenance.
- Annual check-ups and cleans.
- Fillings, tooth extractions, cavities & gum disease.
- Treat minor dental problems & less costly than a specialist
Dental Specialist
- Focus on more specialised & complex treatments that goes beyond general dentistry.
- Extra training in orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics & oral surgery.
- Longer wait times & limited availability for appointments.
- More expensive due to undergoing years of additional training
How Will I Know When to See a specialist For My Oral Condition?
- Your general dentist is the one that will refer you for advanced care. They know your dental history best.
- If you’re showing signs of progressive gum disease, tooth ache and pain or crooked teeth, a specialist is better equipped to help with more complex conditions.
- A dental specialist has the extra training and skills to treat more serious concerns.
- If a dental problem persists, without getting better, it’s often a sign that it’s time to visit a specialist to help treat the issue.
How Often Should I See a General Dentist?
You should see a general dentist once every six months or twice yearly for regular check-ups, cleans and preventive services. This ensures all your dental concerns can be treated and diagnosed early, and if required, a referral to a specialist.
When do I need to See a Dental Specialist?
A referral to a dental specialist is recommended when you’re experiencing complex dental issues – this may include problems such as progressive gum recession (periodontist), root canal (endodontist) or straightening crooked teeth (orthodontist). Your personal dentist will guide you in the right direction and refer to the right specialist for your needs.
Why Does Visiting a Dental Specialist Cost More?
A specialist commands higher fees because of their more advanced training, education and specialist knowledge. They also use state of the art equipment and techniques to treat complex dental problems.
