We all trust our healthcare providers to recommend and provide the best treatments for our various health conditions. However, you may feel uncomfortable when deciding whether or not to have serious dental work that is being recommended by your dentist.
It may be wise to seek a second opinion from another dentist. After all, dentists have varying specializations, experiences, and backgrounds, so hearing another perspective can help you to make an informed decision.
When to Seek a Second Opinion for a Dental Issue
If you answer “yes” to one or both of the following questions, it’s probably a good idea to get a second opinion about the dental work you’re considering:
Is the Initial Diagnosis Serious?
If the problem is complicated, such as a root canal or an oral cancer diagnosis, it can be beneficial to discuss treatment options with another dentist. After all, these tend to be highly invasive and costly.
Are You Being Referred to a Dental Specialist?
In cases such as impacted tooth extractions, soft-tissue removals, dental implants and implant alignments, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) corrections of the jaw area, and oral tumor removal, your dentist may refer you to another dental professional who has more experience with your condition. However, it would behoove you to get a second opinion from a dentist who performs these surgical procedures in addition to practicing the full spectrum of dentistry.
What to Ask When Getting a Second Opinion
Make all of your concerns known when you are getting a second opinion. Your primary dentist may know your dental health history, but the dentist who is giving you a second opinion doesn’t – so explain all of the issues involved.
Share the other dentist’s recommendations, and talk about any hesitations regarding your first diagnosis and the prescribed treatment plans. Ask whether the specialist agrees or disagrees with the first opinion.
Inquire about the various options for treating your condition. You will want to know the risks and expenses involved, and how the treatment will make a difference for you and improve your oral health.
What to Do After Receiving a Second Opinion
Go over all of the information you’ve gathered. If the second opinion differs from the first opinion, consider how they each arrived at their diagnosis and recommendations.
Dentists have various levels of training and have experience with treating different problems in their years of practice. Think about which dental professional has more experience with your condition and how confident they sounded in explaining the information to you.
Remember, the final choice is yours.
Trusted Dentist in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Whatever your dental concerns are, our team is here to offer you expert advice while providing you with a pleasant and comfortable experience. Dr. Steven Hagerman has decades of experience treating dental issues of all kinds, from root canals and endodontics to pediatric, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation or a second opinion with Dr. Hagerman, contact our friendly staff at Hagerman Dental Care today by calling (651) 646-2392 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you here.