Getting a second dental opinion

[SirDuff]

How do you do this? Do you need to tell you current dentist (to get x-rays or whatever)?

I just moved (to US from Canada) and went to the dentist. She suggested a lot of work (big one being a likely root canal and an onlay on another tooth). Apparently, my dental coverage stinks and I'd be looking at over $1,000 OOP. I'm checking with my old dentist to see if, based on x-rays etc. it is reasonable that I might need this now (last visit with them was 6 months ago with x-rays 12 months ago). I am really prone to cavities (genetic - I brush/floss) so it isn't totally surprising.

Anyway, because this is the first time that I've seen this dentist (so don't have a sense of how "treatment happy" they are), I am thinking about looking for a second opinion, but I don't really know how to go about it. And I hate conflict (i.e. cannot imagine asking the current dentist that I'm doing this (I know, I know)). I know that people here have talked about doing this, so any advice?

Thanks

 

[verleniahall]

dentists for the most part will give it to you straight - if things are left too long, you can get infections in your gums. etc...

 

[Pooh2]

After we moved to a new state, I had a dentist tell me I needed thousands of dollars worth of work after years of no cavities or any problems. I got a second opinion and the 4 cavities and cracked tooth mysteriously cleared up!

So while it was probably a fluke, glad we got a second opinion and we are still with the second dentist. The second opinion doc offered a new patient deal with xrays for about $50 for first visit.

 

[Sandi]

How do you do this? Do you need to tell you current dentist (to get x-rays or whatever)?

I just moved (to US from Canada) and went to the dentist. She suggested a lot of work (big one being a likely root canal and an onlay on another tooth). Apparently, my dental coverage stinks and I'd be looking at over $1,000 OOP. I'm checking with my old dentist to see if, based on x-rays etc. it is reasonable that I might need this now (last visit with them was 6 months ago with x-rays 12 months ago). I am really prone to cavities (genetic - I brush/floss) so it isn't totally surprising.

Anyway, because this is the first time that I've seen this dentist (so don't have a sense of how "treatment happy" they are), I am thinking about looking for a second opinion, but I don't really know how to go about it. And I hate conflict (i.e. cannot imagine asking the current dentist that I'm doing this (I know, I know)). I know that people here have talked about doing this, so any advice?

Thanks

This happened to me last year after my dentist of 20+ years retired. I went to my DH's dentist's office and the dentist I saw was an arrogant jerk who was recommending lots of work that had to be done immediately or I'd be in a world of hurt. It just sounded wrong based on my history. I called another dentist's office that was recommended by my retired dentist and explained that I needed a second opinion and I wasn't sure what my dental insurance would cover. They checked it out and then scheduled me for an appointment. The second dentist was a much better human being and also seemed to know what she was doing. She did identify a couple of problems, but afterward, when she asked if I had any questions, I went over the list of problems the first dentist identified. She didn't bad mouth him, and said that there were a couple of things they'd be watching for, but nothing that needed to be done immediately. She suggested coming back in 6 months for a regular check up and we'd see how things had progressed.

If you're uncomfortable with the dentist's recommendation, there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. It's just good to know what it will cost (if anything) before you go in. The insurers usually want to rein in the "treatment happy" providers since they cost money, so they should be okay with getting a second opinion.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

How do you do this? Do you need to tell you current dentist (to get x-rays or whatever)?

I just moved (to US from Canada) and went to the dentist. She suggested a lot of work (big one being a likely root canal and an onlay on another tooth). Apparently, my dental coverage stinks and I'd be looking at over $1,000 OOP. I'm checking with my old dentist to see if, based on x-rays etc. it is reasonable that I might need this now (last visit with them was 6 months ago with x-rays 12 months ago). I am really prone to cavities (genetic - I brush/floss) so it isn't totally surprising.

Anyway, because this is the first time that I've seen this dentist (so don't have a sense of how "treatment happy" they are), I am thinking about looking for a second opinion, but I don't really know how to go about it. And I hate conflict (i.e. cannot imagine asking the current dentist that I'm doing this (I know, I know)). I know that people here have talked about doing this, so any advice?

Thanks

dentists for the most part will give it to you straight - if things are left too long, you can get infections in your gums. etc...

Not always, I had the same mess as the OP. Dentist came up with literally thousands of dollars of stuff to be done. (I am also prone to cavities I was given meds as child that weakened the enamel on my teeth!) As I walked out in shock I noticed the Porshe he drove. I went to another dentist for a 2nd view.... None of that stuff was suggested and over 20 years later I still haven't needed most of it!

I just went to the 2nd dentist and let them do the xrays etc again. It cost a little, but I was much happier with dentist two and wound up using him for years until I moved.

 

[verleniahall]

I guess im used to small towns

 

[SirDuff]

I actually emailed my previous dentist and they suggested that I ask for x-rays and send them to them (assuming that they are electronic). So, I emailed the dentist and asked for them. I also called another dentist here and they said that they'd do a consult but to bring the x-rays. If the current dentist gives me a hard time over the x-rays, I'll do as a PP said just get them to re-do them (looking at my claim, the full series was less than $100).
Thanks.

 

[Alesia]

dentists for the most part will give it to you straight - if things are left too long, you can get infections in your gums. etc...

That's not always the case, though. There are charlatans in every profession. If something doesn't seem right, get a second opinion.

Years ago, my father-in-law went to a dentist who, over the years, filled quite a few cavities. As it turns out, he had never actually had a single cavity. The dentist had been drilling (very shallowly) into perfectly good teeth and charging a fortune for it.

ETA: This was in a small Midwestern town.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

do get a 2nd opinion. I went in to a new dentist (we had moved and it had been a few years since I had gone in - bad I know). They did xrays and told me I had gum problems and needed $10 worth of work. I left in tears. Did not go back. Went into another dentist 6 months later - they got the xrays from the other dentist. Lo and behold I do not have gum disease, nor do I have the 4 cavities the other dentist said I had - I got a cleaning and I have a cracked tooth (had it for years) that I need to deal with and a crown that should be replaced sooner or later. Not $10k not even close.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I'd also ask to see the Xrays yourself and have them explain them to you. I don't trust any medical advice unless I can see it as they explain it to me and my dentist actually appreciates this fact (b/c he/she knows if they convince me it matters, I will pay for the work). Heck, when my husband needed a tooth extracted (that had rotted from the inside out - yes, he was a lucky one there - his immune system attacked it and attacked it quickly), we got to see the x-rays, and then see the rotted tooth after it came out (verified work on both ends)...now we're working on the implant and they are letting us take our time to research options...

 

[SirDuff]

I'd also ask to see the Xrays yourself and have them explain them to you. I don't trust any medical advice unless I can see it as they explain it to me and my dentist actually appreciates this fact (b/c he/she knows if they convince me it matters, I will pay for the work). Heck, when my husband needed a tooth extracted (that had rotted from the inside out - yes, he was a lucky one there - his immune system attacked it and attacked it quickly), we got to see the x-rays, and then see the rotted tooth after it came out (verified work on both ends)...now we're working on the implant and they are letting us take our time to research options...

She did show me the x-rays and I could see what she was pointing at (but honestly, she could have been pointing at shadows - I don't think so, but I'm familiar with x-rays). So, I don't think she's a charlatan, but it does seem weird to have so much difference in 6 months (well, I guess 12 months since the last x-rays). So, either my old dentist wasn't as pro-active (which could mean that the new one is too pro-active or the old one wasn't pro-active enough), things have changed since my last x-ray, or something else. I do like this dentist and her staff, so I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt, but (a) it is a lot of money and (b) I hate dental procedures so the idea of an unneeded one is not good.

 

[TwoMisfits]

She did show me the x-rays and I could see what she was pointing at (but honestly, she could have been pointing at shadows - I don't think so, but I'm familiar with x-rays). So, I don't think she's a charlatan, but it does seem weird to have so much difference in 6 months (well, I guess 12 months since the last x-rays). So, either my old dentist wasn't as pro-active (which could mean that the new one is too pro-active or the old one wasn't pro-active enough), things have changed since my last x-ray, or something else. I do like this dentist and her staff, so I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt, but (a) it is a lot of money and (b) I hate dental procedures so the idea of an unneeded one is not good.

If you had my spouse's issue (internal resorption), the root canal could be immediately needed to save the tooth - his issue progressed so quickly (under 6 months) that they attempted the root canal, but realized it would be fruitless and stopped. If you have an immune system attack on a tooth, it can be destroyed quickly.

As for the overlay and other work, you can always ask if they can keep it in a "watch" phase if it's not an emergency...I have done that with a wisdom tooth that wasn't able to be filled/capped (too far back and not worth it) and needed extraction, but wasn't bothering me. For 3 years, I let them know to watch it and let me know when it "needed" to be done (if it started to affect another tooth, if it was gonna start causing pain, etc). At my last appointment, we both agreed that the current depth of the cavity at this point probably necessitates the extraction, so I'm doing it next month (you can feel when the tool gets deep and stuck - that's the good sign). The wait and watch gave me time to be ready to have the funds for the extraction and to know I was doing it when I knew it was needed, not just desired by the dentist to be done...and it gave me time to convince them to do it without putting me under (which had been a sticking point, b/c I had a very bad experience being put under for a surgery and didn't want to repeat it for a tooth that is 85% out of the gums)...

So, if the money worries you, I would ask the dentist what needs to be done "now" and what can be watched and wait a few months...you might be surprised at their answer...

 

[herdtoDisney]

I have genetic tooth issues, and when I started at my current dentist, she wanted to do some work. Without telling her, I sought a second opinion-which backed up what she said. So for $35 (he was semi-retired) I was able to move forward in confidence. Defenitely worth it IMO, and you do not need to tell the dentist that you got a second opinion-that is your right.

 

[angierae]

Get a second opinion. I had wisdom teeth removed that revealed a huge cavity in my back molar. My dentist immediately said that the tooth would have to be pulled, and I'd have to get a $2000 implant because if I didn't, the top tooth would also fall out with nothing to press against on the bottom. After I said that if the option was losing two back teeth or paying $2000, he could pull the damn thing, he suddenly decided that "maybe" he could fill the cavity, but it probably wouldn't take, and I'd still end up needing the tooth pulled.

It's been five years, and the filling is fine.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

Definitely get a second opinion. You may still need the work but you should be comfortable with the dentist and the office. I went to a new dentist and they told me I had 13 cavities and it would cost me $1300. They also said that if I wanted they could start doing the work while I was there. Um, yeah, no.

I went to the guy the took over my old dentist's practice. I sent the X-rays and they took new x-rays. Well, turns out I did need significant work and this dentist refused to do fillings because they just wouldn't hold up. After giving me a once over and taking some history he was pretty convinced that my out of control teeth clenching was responsible and would pulverize regular fillings in a couple of years.

This meant crowns, overlays, etc. and not $1300 but closer to $3500 which was like omg I've gone from bad to worse! The difference the 2nd guy refused to do any work until everything was sent through to insurance for pre-approval.

Once approved we maxed out my insurance for the year starting with the worst and finished everything but the one overlay insurance denied. It took almost a full year to do everything. Finally my denied tooth cracked so I had to get it fixed regardless of what insurance said. They sent pictures of the gaping hole, the X-rays, etc. and insurance improved it. Everything was done to minimize my OOP expense and on a schedule I was comfortable with. Make sure if you did need the work, find a dentist that will work for you.

TL;DR get a second opinion and make sure you're comfortable with their process!

 

[aretha30]

Get a second opinion! I went to a dentist and was told I need a lot of work, I believed him (he showed me the X-Rays, it looked like what he was describing, what do I know I'm a teacher not a dentist!) and let him do most of the work. He ruined my teeth! I'm now in the process of spending thousands to repair the "work" he did. I trusted someone and now I need multiple crowns and an implant to repair the crown that he did that won't stay in my mouth because he didn't leave enough of the original tooth.
Make sure you are comfortable with what the dentist is going to do. Looking back I had a bad feeling but didn't act on it, I wish I had.

 

[SirDuff]

Thanks for all the advice. I actually like the dentist, but kind of feel like Aretha (I saw the x-rays, but what do I know). The person who deals with insurance and would get me the x-rays is out until Tuesday, but the person I spoke to made it sound like no big deal to get the x-rays (I plan on sharing with my former dentist and, probably, another dentist here).