Getting a Second Opinion on Dental Matters: What You Should Know

Hopefully you have a good relationship with your dentist. Dentist-patient relationships work best when built on a foundation of trust. That said, sometimes you just need to get a second opinion on something a dentist tells you. So what should you know about getting a second opinion on dental matters?

Why You Should Get One

There are no two ways around it: some dental procedures can be expensive, even if you have good dental insurance. Before shelling out the money for an expensive procedure, it may be worth seeking a second opinion. The same goes for some of the more complicated procedures as well. If you ever want to confirm a diagnosis or see if there are other treatment options out there that your dentist doesn’t offer, seeking a second opinion is often the best way to get that.

Second Opinions and Insurance

Of course, getting a second opinion may or may not be covered by your dental insurance plan. Some plans will cover them, but not all do. If you’re considering getting a second opinion, call your insurance provider to see if that’s something your plan covers. Get as many specific details about what your plan does and doesn’t cover as you can. That way, you can factor the financial cost of seeking a second opinion into your decision. 

Finding a Dentist for a Second Opinion

Once you’ve decided that you should seek a second opinion, it’s time to find a dentist to get it from. Talk to friends and family about who they recommend. Research different dentists online and check out their reviews. You could even consider talking to someone from a local dental school. It’s much the same process you’d go through to find a dentist in the first place. Incidentally, this is another reason why it’s important to know what your insurance covers. You may find it more cost-effective to go to an in-network dentist because of your insurance.

Just as you’ve probably heard that some people seek second opinions from different doctors, so too is it appropriate to seek a second opinion on dental matters from time to time. Your dentist should never be hurt or insulted if you suggest that you want a second opinion. After all, they should want what’s best for you. If that means getting a second opinion, that’s something they should be supportive of.

Need a second opinion? South Temple Dentistry is here for you! Click here to contact us to get your second opinion appointment scheduled today!