Referring a Patient

When to Refer to a Periodontist

Specialist referral may be appropriate in cases such as those listed below. Not every patient presenting with these findings will require specialist treatment; an assessment helps determine whether, and what, further management is indicated.

• Moderate to advanced periodontitis
• Progressive periodontal attachment or bone loss
• Deep periodontal pockets that persist after initial therapy
• Persistent bleeding or gingival inflammation
• Tooth mobility associated with periodontal disease
• Significant gum recession
• Cases that may benefit from gum grafting
• Periodontal regenerative procedures
• Bone grafting
• Complex dental implant planning
• Peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis
• Periodontal maintenance in complex or high-risk patients
• Crown lengthening
• Complex periodontal surgical management

Oral Medicine Referrals

The following presentations may warrant specialist oral medicine assessment, particularly where they persist, recur or lack a clear explanation.

• Persistent oral ulceration
• Unexplained oral lesions
• White or red mucosal changes
• Recurrent oral mucosal conditions
• Suspected immune-mediated oral disease
• Persistent oral discomfort without an obvious dental cause
• Lesions where a specialist opinion is required
• Oral tissue changes that raise concern

Helpful Information to Include

Where available, the following information is helpful, and most of it can be noted on the referral form. A referral should not be delayed simply because some of these items are not at hand.

• Patient's name and contact details
• Reason for referral
• Relevant medical and dental history
• Current medications, where clinically relevant
• Periodontal charting
• Recent radiographs
• Relevant clinical photographs
• Previous periodontal or implant treatment history
• Specific concerns or questions from the referring practitioner

Working With the Referring Practitioner

Specialist treatment is intended to support the patient’s broader dental care. Dr Blignaut values collaborative care with referring practitioners. Following specialist assessment, relevant findings and treatment recommendations can be communicated back to the referring dentist so that ongoing care can be coordinated appropriately.

Refer a Patient

Please ensure that patient information is shared in accordance with applicable privacy requirements and with appropriate patient consent. Avoid sending unnecessary confidential information through unsecured communication channels.