Why Your Prosthodontist Might Send You to a Different Specialist for Part of Your Treatment

September 23, 2026
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Posted By: Dr. Jennifer Still

If your prosthodontist in Aurora, CO refers you to another specialist, it is not because they cannot help you. It is because they want to make sure every part of your treatment is handled by the best-qualified professional.

What a Prosthodontist Does

A prosthodontist specializes in restoring and replacing teeth. Dr. John Chen at Uptown Prosthodontics focuses on crowns, bridges, dentures, implant restorations, and full mouth reconstruction. He creates your overall treatment plan and designs the final result. In some cases, the work involved falls outside his area of expertise.

When a Referral May Be Part of Your Plan

Depending on your needs, Dr. Chen may coordinate with other specialists during your treatment. Common examples include:

  • Oral surgeons to place dental implants, extract teeth, or perform bone grafting before a restoration can begin
  • Periodontists to treat gum disease or reshape gum tissue so a crown or bridge fits properly
  • Endodontists to perform a root canal on a tooth that will later receive a crown or other restoration
  • Orthodontists to move teeth into a better position before beginning restorative work

In each case, the specialist handles their part of the treatment, and Dr. Chen oversees the bigger picture to make sure everything comes together as planned.

Why This Approach Leads to the Best Results

No single dentist does everything at the highest level. A prosthodontist who refers when appropriate is simply putting your outcome first. Dr. Chen works with a trusted network of specialists in the Aurora area and stays involved throughout your care. You are not being passed off. You are getting the benefit of a team approach.

If you have questions about your treatment plan or want to understand why a referral was recommended, call Uptown Prosthodontics. Dr. Chen is happy to walk you through every step.