Seeing a Dental Specialist 101

Chances are, you’re getting most of your dental care from your regular dentist. But there may come a day he or she will say, “You need to see a dental specialist.”

To help you make sense of the various –tists, here is a list of the most common types of dental specialists: 

Explanations of Dental Specialists and Their Focus

• An endodontist is a dental specialist for root canal procedures. Endodontists treat diseases and injuries of the dental pulp or the tooth nerves. After dental school, they undergo two or more years of endodontics training. On average, endodontists perform nearly 25 root canal treatments a week, while general dentists perform fewer than two.

How can you tell you might need a root canal? Only a dental exam can confirm for sure, so if you experience a consistent or recurring toothache, swelling or other symptoms, ask your dentist for a referral. 

• Do you need oral surgery? Then you’ll be seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Surgeons remove wisdom teeth and jaw tumors and repair facial injuries. Oral surgeons train train in a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of 4 years and may administer IV sedation.
• An orthodontist specializes in diagnosing, preventing and treating teeth and jaw irregularities. Orthodontists straighten teeth using bands, wires, braces and other corrective appliances. While wearing braces used to be a rite of passage for teenagers, it’s fairly common nowadays to see elementary school children and adults wear braces and retainers.
• A periodontist is trained to prevent, diagnose and treat gum disease and place dental implants. They receive extensive schooling of three years and more in both areas. Are you at risk for gum disease? Take this short quiz to find out. 

3 Steps Before You See a Dental Specialist

If your dentist refers you to a specialist,

1. Research the specialist(s) your dentist recommended.
2. Ensure he or she is a participating provider in your dental insurance network.
3. Make your appointment.

Does Dental Insurance Cover the Services of a Dental Specialist?

Most procedures performed by dental specialists are classified as “major services” and covered at 60 to 80%, depending on your insurance plan. A waiting period and a deductible may also apply.

Not all insurance plans cover braces and retainers, or they may have a lifetime maximum, such as $1,000 or $1,500.

Be sure to understand your insurance benefits and ask the specialist office for a “pre-treatment estimate” before you begin treatment to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.  

Cafeteria Plans Help Pay for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

If you have access to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) through your employer, take advantage of it.

These “cafeteria plans” allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified health and dental expenses. Examples include braces and retainers, prescription drugs and coinsurance for covered procedures.

Minimize the Costs of Major Dental Services with Dental Insurance

With dental insurance and network providers, you benefit from dental coverage and agreed-upon fees. Check out our various plans for individuals, families and groups that offer different levels of benefits depending on your needs and access to one of Arkansas’s largest networks of dental providers, including dental specialists.