Why Do General Dentists Refer to Specialists?

Several general dentists treat a vast majority of treatments for patients; however there are some more complex procedures that will cause for a general dentist to refer out to a specialist. Whether or not a general dentists refers out to a specialist or not, normally depends on their own personal training and experience with particular procedures. In most cases, dentists who have had hospital or other residencies, and have taken many hours of continuing education are more likely to perform procedures that are sometimes referred to specialists. If not, they will refer out to a specialist that has more experience with such treatments and procedures.  Here is a list of the most common procedures that general dentists will refer to a specialist:

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Jaw and Gum Surgeries

Dental Implants

Braces (Orthodontics)

Complex Root Canals

Apicoectomies (surgical removal of the root tip)