How Important Is A Second Opinion For A Dental Diagnosis?

You visit your dentist and learn that there is an issue or issues with your teeth or gums which requires dental work. The dentist has explained the diagnosis and why you must undergo the treatment, yet you wonder if it is the best advice.

Dental work is not just invasive, which can scare people off, but it is also costly, and one has to be sure of whether to go for it. You might feel that you are being over-diagnosed or over-treated with complicated procedures for something that looks trivial.

Dentists have your best interest in mind, but if patients are concerned about the treatment’s cost or intensity, they are always better off taking a second opinion. This way, they can compare the recommendations of two (or more) dentists and then make an informed decision.

Is It Fine If I Get a Second Opinion

Yes, it is okay to get a second opinion if there are doubts in your mind, especially if it involves major oral work.

• A good dentist is conscious of the fact that oral work is a crucial decision for your health, and they would want you to be confident enough to move forward with their recommended procedures.
• Second opinions help you confirm the previous diagnosis and learn about a different course or treatment plan.
• You can evaluate costs for expensive dental care such as implants, root canals, braces, veneers, etc.

When A Second Opinion Can Be Advantageous

Getting a second opinion for any and every dental work suggested by your dentist is unnecessary. For example, if you have a cavity, you need it filled, and most dentists would suggest you do the same. But if the procedure is extensive, lengthy, and costly, for instance, whether you should go for a tooth extraction or a root canal, you would benefit by getting opinions from a few professionals. Some situations where a second opinion is necessitated are:

• Recommended treatment or dental diagnosis is unclear- If you are confused about your diagnosis and the suggested treatment, you surely need a second opinion. If you and your dentist are not on the same page, it could be overwhelming, and you might want to speak to someone else to understand the situation better.
• If a myriad of dental work is thrown at you by your dentist- Most oral works are expensive, and if your dentist suggests a plethora of treatments, you might want to know what others say. You could even find alternative, cheaper treatments for your issue if you seek second opinions.
• If you are unsure if the dentist has the expertise to perform the suggested procedure- Some dentists specialize in specific procedures or come with years of experience in that field, such as placing porcelain veneers, replacing missing teeth, etc. So if your dentist suggests an approach you suspect he does not specialize in, do not hesitate to get opinions from experts in that field. You can still have faith in your original dentist but get an opinion from a different dental professional with expertise or experience in the suggested treatment. 
• If the patient is your child – When it comes to getting oral work done for your child, it is always best to get a second opinion. Children have unique dental needs, and some dentists specialize in working with kids. One should look at all options and weigh when your child is the one who is going to be treated.
• Look at all available options if you need oral cosmetic services- Cosmetic dentistry deals with how your teeth look in shape, size, color, and alignment. So, various treatments are available if you’re looking to beautify your smile. The remedy encompasses braces, Invisalign, veneers, dental implants, tooth-colored fillings, teeth whitening, and more. You need to consult a few orthodontists to determine which of these is best suited for your oral setup.
• If the cost is inappropriate- Do not go for dental bargains. The price tag could sometimes hurt, but it should not be the deciding factor when caring for your teeth. When you look at the quote given, consider all aspects, including the dentist’s experience, location, etc. It would be good to ask for a detailed cost breakdown to compare different dentists’ charges.

How To Find a Trustable Second Opinion

Not all dentists are equally trained or operate similarly, and all oral professionals have unique backgrounds and levels of experience to offer their patients. When you are looking to get a second opinion, some of the best ways to find it are:

• Ask friends and family for their opinion based on their experience with different dentists.
• Browse online for reviews of dentists that you are planning to visit.
• You could also contact a local or national dental society for recommendations.
• You could also ask your current dentist to suggest a different dentist for a second opinion.
• You could contact the local dental school and check their recommended offices.
• Checking with your insurance provider is another option to get a second opinion. Many dental plans cover a second opinion, but you need to go through specific steps so that your insurance provider covers the cost of a second opinion. Calling your provider beforehand saves you time, and you also get a list of dental offices covered by your provider.

Getting a second opinion on invasive or costly dental work is not wrong. Instead, many dentists suggest you get a second opinion so that you are confident if you follow their recommendations.