When Should I Seek A Second Opinion?

In the age of price-shopping and showrooming, it’s no surprise that more and more people are seeking a second opinion when it comes to protecting and repairing their oral health. Medical matters are not excluded from the “best deal” mentality that is so prevalent among today’s consumers. We have found, however, it’s not always about the price in our field. In fact, more often than not, patients seeking a second opinion related to a recent dental diagnosis are more concerned with verifying the accuracy and urgency of the problem.

So, when should you seek council from a second dental professional? When you…

… Feel Like You Aren’t Being Heard

We’ve all heard the phrase “in one ear and out the other”. Usually, it’s in reference to a parenting predicament, but, sadly, it can apply to communication issues with the professionals in our lives as well. In the case of dentists and doctors, it can feel more like “in one room and out the other”. If your dentist isn’t spending an adequate amount of time with you in the chair during your appointment, isn’t asking you about your oral health goals or addressing your care or cost concerns directly, or if you feel rushed or interrupted during the conversation, it may be time to get a second opinion when he/she discovers a problem or decides to diagnose.

… Are Considering a Major Treatment or Procedure

If you’ve been given a devastating dental diagnosis, as the detection of oral cancer, or if you’re considering an elective cosmetic procedure, like dental veneers or implants, it’s a great idea to come to Modern Touch Dental for a second opinion. We work with you to analyze and minimize risk both in terms of your physical health and your financial well-being. Our patients consistently praise our team for keeping them well-informed and, when necessary, delivering tough news with tact. If your diagnosis or desired treatment is not an emergency, you have time. Make the most of it!

… Have Received Dental Work Previously That Didn’t Solve the Problem

It’s easy to stick with what – and who – you know. Fear of change can unintentionally cause a patient to become a “yes man”. If you’ve received dental care for years with a dentist who is just nice (or cheap!) enough, but never seems to get it quite right when it comes to treatment, you owe it to yourself to seek a second opinion the next time he/she flubs a fix. If you’re impressed by our service and space when you come in for that second opinion, our team will do the “transfer” work for you – we’ll work directly with your insurance and we’ll contact your former dentist for records and radiographs. You will finally get to sit back and relax… which is what you could have been doing at the dentist all along!

Of course, the best course of action is to go with your gut. If you feel like your dentist’s fees don’t match the level of care you are receiving, or if you’re just feeling uneasy – for whatever reason, we encourage you to communicate that to your dentist. If the discussion proves futile, give our practice a call. We offer complimentary consultations in one of our private treatment and financial planning rooms – NO CHARGE for a second opinion. Whether you’re already a patient of record, or just looking for professional advice, once you contact us, we are totally committed to your convenience, comfort, and confidence.