subject: Visiting The Dentist And Getting A Second Opinion [print this page] Some people get surprising news about their teeth or gums from their dentist. If you have been told that you have a condition or if your practitioner has suggested you get an expensive procedure, you may want to get a second opinion before you make any major decisions. This is especially the case if you do not fully trust your practitioner.
You may go to a routine cleaning or checkup, only to get some bad news about your teeth. Perhaps you were told that you have several cavities or maybe you were diagnosed with gum disease. If you have never had another dentist mention these potential issues to you and you have been taking good care of your teeth, you are right to be unsure. Many dentists are well trained and trustworthy, but it is possible that you are going to one whose advice should be ignored. If you are simply not sure if you need the suggested treatment, you should get a second opinion.
Many dentists are happy to take a look at your teeth and gums to make sure your initial diagnosis was correct before you get any treatment. Otherwise, you could end up paying for a procedure that you do not really need, and this could even negatively affect your teeth if you don't really have the condition the original practitioner told you about. Look for a practitioner who has a reputation for being honest and giving reliable second opinions to new patients.
If it turns out that you actually do need the treatment suggested by your dentist, you then need to decide whether to return to get the procedure or stick with the practitioner you saw for your second opinion. If you did not trust the first one for any reason, you might want to choose someone else. Of course, if you simply wanted to ask another practitioner for advice before spending any money, you may want to return to the original one as long you trust him or her. Either way, it is important to get the treatment you need soon.
Whether you are just not ready to spend much money on improving your teeth if it's not necessary or if you simply don't believe your practitioner's diagnosis, you should ask for opinions from other dentists for some peace of mind. This way, you will feel more comfortable when you get the treatment you actually need. Plus, you will know you are not overpaying since the health of your teeth is worth spending some money on.
