10 Reasons You Need a Second Opinion on Dental Work (Dentist’s Thoughts)

Matt Hannan, DDS
Updated: January 16, 2024

When was the last time you went to the dentist?

Maybe you haven’t gone back because you thought you could brush and floss at home.

Then, the dentist informs you that you need thousands of dollars in dental work. Talk about deflating! Where do you go from here?

As a dentist, I’ll share when and why a second opinion is necessary to receive the best dental care. In addition, I’ll explain how My Dental Advocate can help ease your dental treatment concerns.

Do You Trust Your Dentist?

Trust is essential between you and your dentist.

Unfortunately, it takes years for many to solidify trust and rapport with their dentist. As a dentist, I understand the importance of treating patients with honest and healthy intentions, as you would treat family.

Unfortunately, a few bad actors take advantage of others in every industry.

For example, receiving dental care is similar to taking your car to the shop. After the technician examines your vehicle, they explain the problems and recommend solutions.

Without car knowledge, you accept the technician’s word for it before agreeing to thousands of dollars of repair. Dentistry is no different.

Most people have limited dental expertise on which to base their decisions. In addition, if the dentist cannot show you the problem via a picture or x-ray, you take their word for it.

My desire is not to smear dentistry or throw any clinician under the bus.

It’s quite the opposite, as it’s crucial to collaborate with fellow clinicians and discuss best practices to serve your community well. With that being said, when is it necessary to get a second opinion on dental work?

When to Get a Second Opinion on Dental Work (10 Reasons)

If you are visiting the dentist for the first time in years or are shocked to learn you need extensive treatment after years of health, it’s essential to understand when a second opinion on dental work is necessary.

1. Poor Communication

Does your dentist communicate with you about the necessary treatment and why?

There’s no reason you should be unable to visualize the problem or concern with technological advancement.

For example, dental x-rays have transitioned to digital x-rays for decreased radiation, instant imaging and ease of use.

In addition, intraoral cameras are available to snap high-definition images to visualize cracks, tooth decay, gum inflammation or any other dental concern. Do you feel rushed or welcome to talk about findings?

The dentist should be available and facilitate any questions or concerns about the proposed dental treatment.

Asking questions is essential to bridge the gap between confusion and clarity.

2. Feeling Intimidated

How does the dental team treat you?

Do they judge you if you have poor oral health? I’ve encountered many patients who felt intimidated and harassed during previous dental appointments.

There’s no room for condescending comments and negativity.

The dentist and supporting dental team should have every intention of caring for your oral health in a non-judgemental way.

3. Lack of Understanding

Do you know how much your treatment costs?

How much does your insurance cover? What is the difference between crowns and veneers?

Are you aware of the benefits of sealants versus fluoride treatments? These are just some things you may not know about dental procedures.

Therefore, educating yourself on these topics before undergoing any procedure is essential.

However, if you have questions about your dental treatment, the dentist should be able to explain why it’s needed clearly.

In addition, with technological advancements, the dentist should be able to show you the dental problem.

4. Replacing “Healthy” Fillings

Does the dentist want to replace your silver fillings simply because they are “old?”

Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, can last for 30+ years. Replacing healthy fillings is unnecessary if they’re not causing problems and there are no signs of failure.

Of course, older fillings can crack, chip, or otherwise deteriorate. However, a dentist should be capable of presenting intra-oral photos and radiographs to demonstrate the necessity for filling replacements.

For example, silver fillings are prone to act as a wedge over time, causing cracks in the tooth that require further treatment.

In addition, white and silver fillings expand and shrink with changes in temperature leading to “leakage.”

Filling leakage refers to cavity-causing bacteria localizing under a dental filling, potentially leading to replacement and further dental treatment.

Some people fear mercury in silver-colored (amalgam) fillings.

However, the American Dental Association (ADA) states in their popular informative guide to dental health, MouthHealthy, that countless research studies affirm dental amalgam is safe and effective for filling cavities.

According to research, dental amalgam forms a safe, stable filling material when combined with other metals.

5. Excessive Team Turnover

Hiring in the dental industry is especially difficult.

Dental assistants are desperately needed in many practices across the country.

However, it may be a red flag if your dental practice experiences excessive dental team turnover. Are great team members leaving? How do the other team members speak about that person?

High team turnover may indicate a poor workplace environment that could trickle into compromised patient care.

6. Unaddressed Concerns

Have you visited the dentist with a primary concern only to have it unaddressed?

In my experience, this is a common reason people look elsewhere for dental care. Trust is compromised if the dentist cannot listen to the patient’s chief complaints and address them promptly.

In addition, if your present with a chipped tooth but proposed Invisalign treatment, this is a red flag.

You may need Invisalign treatment, but not when your primary concern is a chipped tooth. You expect the dentist to address your concern before moving on to other recommendations.

7. Poor Time Management

Are you waiting in the waiting room for an extended period?

Or are you waiting for the doctor for what seems like an eternity? Poor time management comes across as not caring about the patient’s precious time. Dental appointments can be 2+ hours long. That’s a long time!

Is the office overbooking and not considering the patient time?

Understanding why they are delayed will help ease concerns. For example, the dentist may be tied up treating a dental emergency that requires immediate attention.

Consider how timely your appointment is and if the dental team is efficient with their time.

8. No Alternative Treatments

Is your dentist giving you more than one option?

There certainly are times when only one option is available. However, there are multiple treatment options the majority of the time.

Discuss the treatment alternatives with your dentist to fully understand the proposed treatment.

For example, perhaps implants are the best option for you.

But if you cannot pay for them, another option may be fixed bridges or partial dentures.

Spending extra money for a second or even third dentist appointment might be worthwhile to get an additional perspective on whether you’re receiving the best care.

9. Lacking Modern Technology

Dental technology has dramatically advanced over the years.

Did you know you can have same-day crowns? Dental crowns can be prepared, fabricated and delivered within 2 hours.

That’s mind-blowing. Dental practices lacking modern technology are not a deal-breaker; however, you may question their dental skills.

For example, are their dental skills up-to-date?

If they don’t upgrade their equipment, does it mean they don’t care about their dental treatment? Technology improvements such as digital x-rays are critical to minimize dental radiation exposure.

10. Poor Experience

How do you feel when you see a dental hygienist?

Does she seem happy to be there? Is she smiling or frowning?

Most people would rather be at home than the dentist; I don’t blame them.

Who wants to take off work and pay money to have a shot in your gums before listening to a noisy handpiece cut away at your tooth?

Although the dental office is scary, many clinicians and team members work hard to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment.

In addition, the clinician will be careful to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure.

If your dental experience is different, it may be necessary to get a second opinion and visit another dental practice.

Finding a Dentist for a Second Opinion

Talking to your dentist before getting a second (or third) professional’s advice might be helpful if you want to avoid a potential misalignment between you and them.

For example, if a dentist suggests something outside your budget, ask if there’s another solution.

Or discuss payment options over an extended period. If there’s no other option, it may be time to find a second opinion.

According to a 2011 Journal of Marketing Research study, patients are unlikely to challenge a dentist they’ve seen for many years.

However, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), if you’re uncertain about your dental treatment, seek a second opinion.

Legally, you can view, review and request copies of your dental x-rays, pertinent notes, and other dental records.

However, if you want a second opinion from a different dentist, they may want to take their x-rays for verification.

Most dentists will not charge you if re-taking them is necessary.

An honest and ethical dentist will not discourage you from getting a second opinion; they might even suggest it.

MDA Verification Report

What is the My Dental Verification Report, and why is it important?

Our board-certified dentists will review your case and provide an unbiased second opinion on how you should move forward with your proposed dental treatment.

We respect all dentists suggested treatment; however, we desire clarity for your dental needs.

You should understand what dental work is necessary to move forward with treatment confidently.

How We Help

• Avoid unnecessary dental treatment
• Potentially save you thousands of dollars
• Information reviewed privately and securely
• Unbiased assessment that brings you peace of mind
• Quick response time to review the report at your convenience
• Clarity and confidence moving forward with dental treatment
• Completed from the comfort of your own home

What’s Involved?

With My Dental Advocate, patients of all ages now have an unbiased, expert second opinion to securely review their proposed dental treatment and learn to improve their oral health.

Step 1: Complete Questionnaire

The questionnaire includes a brief medical history, oral hygiene habits, and an opportunity to explain your dental concerns.

Step 2: Upload X-rays

Contact your provider to request your x-rays or take a photo of them at the office. You can also upload dental photos, current treatment plans, periodontal probings, and other supporting documents.

Step 3: Submit Payment

We will privately send your information to a board-certified dentist who will securely assess your case and provide a detailed second opinion for your proposed dental work.

Step 4: Receive MDA Verification Report

We will email your MDA Verification Report second opinion within hours for review at your convenience and from the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What can I do if I am not happy with my dental treatment?

If you are not happy with your dental treatment, there are a few steps you can take. The first thing you should do is try to talk to your dentist and explain why you are not satisfied with the treatment. Your dentist may be able to offer you additional treatment or refer you to another dentist for a second opinion.

How do I ask my dentist for a second opinion?

If you would like to ask your dentist for a second opinion, the best way to do so is to simply talk to your dentist and explain that you are not happy with the treatment you have received and would like to get another opinion. It is important to approach the conversation in a respectful and non-confrontational way. You can say something like, “I’m not sure I understand the treatment plan you have recommended, and I want to make sure I’m making the best decision for my oral health. Can you recommend another dentist for me to talk to, or can you explain the treatment in more detail?”

Can I get a second opinion on my teeth?

Yes, you can definitely get a second opinion on your teeth. If you are not happy with the treatment plan recommended by your dentist, or if you have concerns about your oral health, it is perfectly reasonable to ask for a second opinion. In fact, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion before starting any major dental treatment.

Why is it sometimes necessary to get a second opinion from a dentist?

There are several reasons why it may be necessary to get a second opinion from a dentist. Here are a few common examples:

• You are not satisfied with the treatment plan recommended by your current dentist. You may have concerns about the proposed treatment, or you may want to explore other options before making a decision.
• Your dentist is not able to provide the treatment you need. For example, if you require specialized treatment such as a root canal or dental implant, your dentist may refer you to a specialist for a second opinion.
• You are unsure of the diagnosis or treatment plan provided by your dentist. If you have questions or doubts about your oral health, getting a second opinion can help you better understand your condition and make an informed decision about your treatment.
• You want to confirm that the proposed treatment is necessary and will be effective. Getting a second opinion can provide you with additional information and help you make the best decision for your oral health.

My Experience & Expertise

Seeking a dental second opinion is important in ensuring that you receive the best care for your oral health.

By consulting with another dentist, you can gain a fresh perspective on your treatment options and potentially uncover new information that may impact your decision.

It is always better to be safe than sorry about your dental health, so don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you have any doubts or concerns.

Always remember to research, choose a reputable dentist for your second opinion, and never be afraid to ask questions or voice your concerns. Your oral health is important, and getting a second opinion can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!

Sources

• Feder S. The Paper Gown. Zocdoc, 2021.
• Watson S. Should you seek a second opinion for dental work? Verywell health, 2021.