First, dental offices may have varying degrees of conservativeness/aggressiveness in diagnosing dental problems. Second, perhaps the dental office is managed or is owned by an entity that is motivated more so by profits. These offices may have owners or share-holders who expect a certain return on their money. This can pressure the dentists in the office to be more aggressive.
In many cases, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Even among skilled, ethical dentists, there can be discrepancies in treatment plans. But other influences might sometimes play a role, too. For example, corporate or private-equity-owned dental service organizations may encourage some dentists to sell people unnecessary treatments to maximize profits. Lastly, perhaps the dentists in the office are not owners. Instead, they may be employees or independent contractors who make most of their money on a commissioned basis. For some, this can cloud their diagnostic judgments to make them more aggressive. Because of this, people should ask about the benefits, risks, and alternatives of any proposed treatment.
We trust our healthcare providers to recommend and provide the best treatments to help our bodies stay as healthy as possible. However, if a recent trip to the dentist left you with a long list of pressing issues with a significant estimate attached, you may be starting to second guess your dentist. As a patient, how do you know if you can trust what treatments your dentist recommends, what is urgent, and what could wait?
In these cases, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another dentist. After all, dentists have varying specializations, experiences, and backgrounds. Hearing from another perspective can help you make an informed decision.
- You have had previous dental work completed, and the issue is still present
- Are there any other treatment options you should consider other than the recommended treatment?
- Your dentist doesn’t listen to you
- You want to weigh the pros and cons of the advice already have received
- your dental diagnosis or suggested treatment is unclear
- You’re unsure if the recommended treatment is necessary
- You’re concerned about the estimated costs of the recommended treatments
- You feel that your dentist is pressuring you into undergoing treatment
- You do not understand the proposed treatment options from your dentist
- You’re unhappy with your current dentist for any reason
- What are the risks of each treatment option and the long term prognosis?
- The recommended treatment or treatment plan is not within your budget and you want an alternative
- Your dentist says you have extensive decay or infection, despite your lack of symptoms
- Do you agree with the diagnosis the general dentist has made?
- What treatment options do you have for the problem?
- How much will each option cost you?
- What will happen if the problem is not treated?
- What are the risks of each treatment option?
- How long will the treatment benefits last? Will you need future treatments?
- Is this something that requires immediate attention?
- A procedure was provided however you are still having clinical symptoms and unsure what your options are
It depends on the insurance provider and plan as some insurance companies will contribute. Contact your insurance provider directly to find out if they will reimburse you for a second opinion.
Don’t feel awkward expressing to your dentist that you will be seeking a second opinion regarding your dentistry; a thoughtful professional will want you to do what you need to in order to feel comfortable and confident with your decision. Be honest about needing more time to consider their assessment.
