When your general dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, you’re experiencing a carefully coordinated system designed to give you the best possible care. This partnership ensures you receive expert attention at every stage of your dental health journey.
The relationship between your doctor referrals and our oral surgeons creates a smooth transition when specialized care is needed. At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, serving Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, this collaboration means your treatment plan is built on shared information and mutual expertise. Both providers work together to address your specific needs, from diagnosis through recovery.
Why Your Dentist Refers You to Our Practice
General dentists focus on preventive care and common dental procedures. When a situation requires surgical intervention, they refer you to our oral surgeons who have completed years of additional specialized training. This might include wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or treatment for oral pathology.
Your dentist recognizes when a case demands surgical expertise. They evaluate your condition through exams and imaging, then determine whether your needs fall within their capabilities or require a specialist’s skill set. This decision protects your health and ensures you receive appropriate care from the start.
The Referral Process and Information Sharing
When your dentist makes a referral, they send comprehensive documentation to our team. This includes your medical history, X-rays, treatment notes, and specific concerns about your condition. Our oral surgeons review this information before your first appointment, allowing them to prepare a focused evaluation.
This information exchange eliminates redundant testing and creates continuity in your care. According to research on endodontics, specialists who receive complete patient histories can make more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Our oral surgeons build on what your dentist has already discovered rather than starting from scratch.
Evaluation and Treatment Planning
During your consultation, our oral surgeons conduct their own examination and may use advanced diagnostic tools like cone beam CT imaging. They assess your condition from a surgical perspective and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan considers factors like your overall health, the complexity of the procedure, and your recovery timeline.
Our doctors communicate their findings and recommendations back to your referring dentist. This keeps your primary dental provider informed and involved in your care. If the treatment plan requires coordination, such as bone grafting before implant placement, both providers discuss the sequencing and timing of procedures.
During Treatment and Recovery
While our oral surgeons handle the surgical procedure, your general dentist remains part of your care team. They may manage any preparatory work needed before surgery or handle follow-up care once you’ve healed. For example, after an extraction, your dentist might place a temporary restoration while you heal before our team places an implant.
The surgical staff at Goodove Oral Surgery monitors your progress during and after the procedure. All staff members are CPR certified and trained to provide a caring environment throughout your treatment. Our team documents your recovery and shares relevant information with your referring dentist so both providers understand your healing progress.
Post-Treatment Coordination
After your surgical treatment, our oral surgeons send a detailed report to your general dentist. This report includes what was done during the procedure, any findings discovered during surgery, and specific instructions for ongoing care. Your dentist uses this information to provide appropriate follow-up treatment and monitor your long-term results.
This coordination ensures nothing falls through the cracks. If complications arise or if you need additional care related to the surgery, both providers have the information needed to address concerns quickly. Your dentist can contact our team with questions, and vice versa, creating a true partnership in your care.
The Benefits of Coordinated Care
This collaborative approach offers several advantages. You receive specialized care when needed while maintaining a relationship with your primary dentist for routine services. The shared information between providers reduces the risk of complications and ensures everyone understands your complete dental history. You also benefit from having two experts who can consult on complex cases and provide comprehensive solutions.
The partnership between general dentists and oral surgeons represents one of the strongest examples of coordinated healthcare. Each provider focuses on what they do best while communicating openly about your treatment and progress.
Experience Coordinated Care at Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Your dental health deserves the combined expertise of specialists who work together seamlessly. When your general dentist refers you to our practice, you’re accessing a proven system that puts your needs first. This coordination ensures you receive the right care at the right time from providers who communicate effectively about your treatment.
If you have questions about how your general dentist and our oral surgeons will work together on your treatment plan, the team at Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is ready to explain the process. Contact us to learn more about our collaborative approach to your specialized dental care needs.
