When you are referred to an oral surgeon, it isn’t just an appointment; it is a critical step in a coordinated plan for your health. At River Ridge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Center, we believe that the best results aren’t achieved in isolation. We utilize a dedicated oral surgery team approach, working in close partnership with your referring dentist in Sioux Falls or your orthodontist to ensure your care is seamless and successful.
From the moment we receive your information to the final stage of your recovery, you are supported by a network of professionals committed to your smile.
Why Collaboration Matters
Think of your general dentist as the quarterback of your dental health. They know your history, your habits, and your long-term goals. When they identify a need for specialized care—such as Wisdom Teeth removal or the placement of Dental Implants—they bring us in as the specialists to execute the surgical portion of that plan.
By working as a team, we ensure:
- Consistency: Your surgical treatment aligns perfectly with the restorative work (like crowns or bridges) your dentist will perform later.
- Accuracy: We share digital X-rays and notes to get a 360-degree view of your health before you even sit in our chair.
- Efficiency: Proper communication prevents redundant tests and helps us move you through the process faster.
Working with Your Orthodontist
For our younger patients or those undergoing smile corrections, our collaboration with orthodontists is key. Whether we are assisting with the Exposure of Impacted Teeth to help them be guided into place or performing corrective Jaw Surgery, we stay in constant contact with your orthodontist. This ensures that the surgical movements we make support the orthodontic movements they are planning.
The Referral Form
Our commitment to collaboration begins with our Referral Form. This is more than just a piece of paper; it is a communication tool used by your dentist to provide Dr. Brent J. Henriksen and Dr. Trevor B. Holleman with the specific details of your case.
When your dentist sends this form, they provide us with:
- The specific teeth or areas requiring attention.
- Your current medical history and any relevant X-rays.
- Their specific preferences for your final restorative outcome.
Because we have this information ahead of time, we can often streamline your visit. As a reminder, we make every effort to perform your procedure on your initial visit to lessen the burden of travel and time.
A Unified Team by Your Side
At River Ridge, the “team” also includes our 11 fully certified maxillofacial surgical assistants and our administrative staff. Every member of our office is trained to communicate effectively with your primary dental office. When your surgery is complete, we send a detailed report back to your referring dentist so they know exactly how the procedure went and what to expect during your follow-up care with them.
We are proud to be a referral-based practice. It is a testament to the trust that local dental professionals place in our surgeons. If you have been referred to us, know that you are in expert hands and that we are working closely with the doctors you already know and trust.
Ready to start your journey? If you have your referral ready, call us at 605-331-5059 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to being a part of your dental health team.
