What does an ENT doctor do?

An ENT doctor focuses on the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and related structures of the head and neck:
  • Ear – conditions affecting the ears that cause hearing impairment, ear infections, disorders that affect balance, tinnitus, and ear pain.
  • Nose – conditions affecting the nose, nasal cavities, and sinuses that cause problems with the sense of smell, breathing, and physical appearance.
  • Throat – conditions affecting the throat that cause speech, singing, eating, and swallowing problems.
  • Head and Neck – addressing issues affecting the neck and head, including diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, neck, and face. This includes thyroid and salivary gland disorders.
Additionally, an ENT doctor can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to address issues in these areas.

What is ENT medicine?

ENT medicine includes the diagnosis and management of diseases of the nasal cavity, sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT doctors diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults

When should you see an ENT doctor?

You should see an ENT doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
  • Nasal Obstruction
  • Deviated Septum
  • Sinus Problems or Infections
  • Allergies
  • Sleep or Snoring Problems
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Ear infections
  • Tonsil Infections
  • Swimmer’s Ear
  • Pain in Your Ears, Nose, or Throat
  • Nerve Problems in Your Ears, Nose, or Throat
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Nose Bleeds
  • Breathing Problems
  • Growth or Tumor in Your Ears, Nose, Throat, Face, or Neck
  • Voice Problems
  • Hoarse Voice or Sore Throat
Facial Plastic Surgery services include rhinoplasty, cosmetic procedures, non-surgical procedures, skincare, and reconstructive surgery.

Do ENT doctors perform surgery?

Yes. Besides managing diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, neck, and face, ENT specialists can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in these areas as well.

How are ENTs trained?

ENT physicians complete 5 years of specialty training after medical school. The first year includes training across ENT, neurosurgery, critical care, anesthesia, and general surgery subspecialties. After that, 4 more years of ENT training include:
  • Nasal and Sinus Problems (Rhinology)
  • Ear Surgery (Neurotology)
  • Head and Neck Tumors and Cancers
  • Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Pediatric ENT Issues
  • Sleep Medicine and Sleep Apnea Treatments
  • Voice and Swallowing Disorders (Laryngology)
Otolaryngology has many subspecialties, and ENT physicians can choose to complete additional subspecialty training (fellowships) in such areas as head and neck oncology and microvascular surgery, otology/neurotology, pediatric otolaryngology, sleep medicine, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

What can you expect at your first ENT appointment?

During an initial consultation, the ENT doctor performs a physical and visual examination, looking in your ears, nose, and throat, and palpitating your neck, throat, cheekbones, and other areas of your face and neck.

What kinds of tests does an ENT do?

It often depends on the reason for your visit, but your ENT doctor may conduct one or more of the following tests:
  • Audiometric Testing
  • Nasal and Laryngeal Endoscopy
  • Allergy Testing
  • CT Scan
  • Cultures, Biopsies, and Blood Work
Audiometric testing is often performed for patients with complaints of hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or balance disorders. Nasal endoscopy is commonly performed for patients with complaints of nasal, sinus, or allergy issues. Allergy testing is commonly recommended for patients with allergies, asthma, or nasal polyps. CT Scans may be ordered for clearer images of your sinuses and middle ear. Cultures, biopsies, and blood work may be ordered to give your ENT doctor a better idea of any health issues you may be experiencing.

Do you need a referral to an ENT specialist?

A referral is not always needed to see an ENT physician. If your insurance plan requires a referral to see a specialist, your primary care doctor can refer you to an ENT specialist.

Is an ENT doctor the same as an otolaryngologist?

ENT doctor, ENT specialist, ENT, and otolaryngologist are interchangeable terms referring to the same thing–an ear, nose, and throat doctor.

What does a sleep medicine specialist do?

A sleep medicine specialist is a physician who has received subspecialty training in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea and snoring, parasomnias (sleepwalking), hypersomnias (excessive sleepiness), and sleep movement disorders.

Dr. Scalzitti at North Dallas ENT is a board-certified sleep specialist who completed a year of fellowship training in sleep medicine. He diagnoses and manages sleep disorders and prescribes therapies, including medication and medical device therapy (e.g., CPAP machines for sleep apnea) to help patients improve their quality of sleep and quality of life. He also offers alternative treatments such as dental devices and surgery to treat sleep apnea. This includes the Inspire neurostimulator implant to treat sleep apnea.

When should you see a sleep medicine specialist?

You may want to see a sleep medicine specialist if:
  • You have been having trouble sleeping for an extended period of time.
  • You are very tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep.
  • You are snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep.
  • You take frequent naps or fall asleep at work, in school, or when driving.
  • You wake up with a headache or don’t feel rested on awakening.
  • You have been trying to use CPAP for sleep apnea, but it is not working.
These are just a few reasons to see a sleep specialist.

Why is it important to see a sleep specialist?

Everyone understands the importance of good quality sleep. Poor sleep affects your everyday life and your ability to live to your full potential. Also, an undiagnosed sleep disorder can put you at risk for a number of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, depression, and weight gain. A sleep specialist can offer treatments to help maximize your sleep.

Why Choose North Dallas ENT?

Drs. Wyatt, Wyll, Pero, and Scalzitti are all board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. They are a dedicated team of physicians providing specialty care for ear, nose, and throat conditions to both pediatric and adult patients. They also maintain a full-service audiology department for hearing testing and hearing aid dispensing. Additionally, they provide allergy services, diagnosing and treating allergic conditions with allergy testing and allergy shots or drops that go under the tongue (sublingual).

Dr. Pero is also a fellowship-trained and board-certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, offering aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck. Check out his website at www.drpero.com to learn more about the Facial Plastic Surgery services he offers.

Dr. Scalzitti, our newest provider at North Dallas ENT, is also a fellowship-trained and board-certified sleep specialist, providing expert care to patients suffering from sleep disturbances/disorders.

Where is North Dallas ENT located?

North Dallas ENT has two locations, one on N. Central Expressway just south of 635 in North Dallas, and the other in Plano within the Legacy Medical Village on W. Spring Creek Parkway. Check out our Location pages for directions and office hours.

11970 N. Central Expressway
Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75243
214-382-5100
Legacy Medical Village
5425 W. Spring Creek Parkway
Suite 145
Plano, TX 75024
214-382-5100

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