What Should I do if I am Referred to a Specialist Dentist?

Being referred to a specialist dentist can feel daunting—but it’s actually a positive step towards getting the expert care your smile needs. At tooth, we have two branches - our main branch at 45-46 Lower Marsh, Waterloo in London for all your day to day and cosmetic dental needs, including Invisalign and facial aesthetics, and we also have our specialist dental centre at our branch at 26 Lower Marsh in Waterloo, London.

At our tooth specialist dental centre, our team of Specialist and Special Interest Dentists in London provide advanced care in Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, and Dental Implants. Whether you’re dealing with complex gum issues, a problematic root canal, or even impacted wisdom teeth, we’re here to help.

In this blog, I’ll explain why referrals happen, what to expect during your visit, and how you can prepare for your appointment with a dental specialist at tooth dental care in London.

Why Have I Been Referred to a Specialist Dentist?

Your general Dentist may refer you to a Specialist dentist when your treatment requires advanced expertise or technology beyond everyday routine dental care. This ensures you get the highest standard of treatment for more complex or specialised dental conditions.

At tooth specialist dental centre in London, our expert Dentists have undergone years of additional training and hold advanced and recognised qualifications in their specific fields, including even PhDs in some cases! Many are currently, or have previously been, lecturers in their fields of expertise at leading dental universities, so you know you’ll be in safe hands. Here are some of the areas of dentistry we cover at our specialist dental centre:

Periodontics – Focuses on the health of your gums and supporting structures.

Endodontics – Specialises in root canal treatment and managing tooth pain linked to this issue. 

Oral Surgery – this is a broader field and covers surgical extractions and complex tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth, biopsies, and soft tissue procedures. 

Dental Implants – dental implants are a common, yet complex procedure that requires experts in their fields to deliver safely and effectively. Dental implants replaces missing teeth with permanent, natural-looking solutions and can also be used for dental implant bridges and more. 

Digital Scanning (OPGs and CBCTs) - using special equipment we can provide special dental scans known as OPGs and CBCTs. OPGs are 2D panoramic x-rays which give your Dentist a much more detailed picture of your mouth compared to a normal x-ray, and CBCTs (which stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography) give a dynamic and detailed 3D radiographic image of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. These images can be used to better see nerve positioning and bone structures and condition around your teeth and jaws. 

What Happens After a Referral?

At tooth specialist dental centre, we can accept referrals from your own Dentist or self-referrals (if you have been told by your Dentist that you need to see a Specialist Dentist). Once your referral or enquiry is sent to us, one team will contact you to schedule a consultation.

We will work closely with your own Dentist to understand your needs and ensure a smooth transition of care.

During your initial visit, your specialist will:

  1. Review your dental and medical history

  2. Examine the affected area

  3. Take necessary scans or x-rays

  4. Discuss diagnosis and treatment options

  5. Create a personalised treatment plan

At tooth, we make every effort to ensure your visit is easy to book, stress-free and fully informed. You’ll have time to ask questions, and we’ll always provide clear guidance on costs, timings, and what to expect.

Preparing for Your Specialist Dental Appointment

To get the most out of your visit, it helps to come prepared, so here are a few tips:

Send any referral letters or x-rays from your general dentist in advance of your visit wherever possible. 

  • Make a list of questions you’d like to ask

  • Tell us about any medications or health conditions you have

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete any necessary forms

If you’re anxious about treatment, let us know. All of our team at tooth are highly experienced in caring for nervous patients, and naturally local anaesthetic is used for procedures like tooth extractions and dental implant surgery.

What Treatments Might Be Recommended?

In dentistry, each case is unique, but here are some examples of what our London dental specialists may recommend:

  • Gum Disease Treatment – Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), gum grafts for advanced periodontal disease

  • Root Canal Treatments/Endodontics – Cleaning and sealing infected or damaged tooth pulp to save your natural tooth, including re-root canal treatment. Learn more

  • Wisdom Tooth Removal – Surgical extraction of impacted or infected wisdom teeth. Learn more

  • Dental Implants – Permanent replacement for missing teeth, often completed in stages over a few months. Learn more

All our treatments are performed using the latest techniques and technology in our state-of-the-art specialist dental practice in London.

Why Choose tooth London for Specialist Dental Care?

At tooth, we’re proud to be a trusted specialist dental practice serving London and the surrounding areas. Our collaborative approach with referring dentists ensures continuity of care and the best possible outcomes for our patients.

With our team of highly qualified Specialists and Special Interest Dentists in Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, and Dental Implants, you can feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands.

How do I book to see a Dentist at tooth specialist dental centre?

If you’ve been referred to a Special Dentist for specialist dental treatment, don’t delay. Early intervention often leads to better results and less invasive treatments and will always cost less!

It’s easy to get in touch with the team here at tooth dentists in London - just click here or press one of the buttons below and we’ll get back to you very quickly!

Tooth – London’s Trusted Specialist Dental Practice:

Your smile deserves expert care. We’re here to deliver it for you! Until next time….

Dr. Anna x