Services / Consultation & Second Opinion
Consultation & Second Opinion
Whether you have a serious dental condition or not, or whether you were referred by your family dentist or seeking for consultation by yourself, obtaining a second or third opinion includes more knowledge, understanding of new treatment options and reassurance and peace of mind that you are making the right decision. Prosthodontists receive rigorous training and experience, which entails three years of specialized training in an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited graduate education program. Also by specializing in other areas of dentistry, such as treatment and management of past and current cancer patients, our expertise will assure you more humble and reliable opinion.
When should you seek a second opinion?
Because of the increase in medical knowledge and new treatments, it is difficult for any one physician to be aware of all the latest information. One result is patients and their physicians together are seeking second opinions so better and more informed decisions can be made.
For minor health problems, second opinions are usually unnecessary. However, a second opinion is probably a good idea if you are:
- Having major surgery
- Questioning whether surgery is the only option
- Unhappy that your regular doctor can’t diagnose your problem
- Having trouble talking with your current doctor(s)
- Not seeing improvement in your medical condition
- Diagnosed with a life-threatening disease such as cancer, heart disease or brain tumor
- Told a second surgery is recommended
- Having multiple medical problems
- Having a makeover or a full mouth reconstruction
Questions to ask during a second opinion appointment
- Is there any chance the medical problem could have a different diagnosis?
- Are there any alternative forms of treatment available?
- What are the likely results if you wait or don’t have the treatment?
- What are the risks associated with the treatment(s)?
- Are there any side effects or residual effects from each treatment option?
- How is the treatment plan expected to improve your health or quality of life?
- How long is the recovery period?
- If the second opinion differs from the initial one, why? (It is important to understand the reasoning behind a medical opinion.)
Key points to remember about second opinions
- Second opinions are your right as a patient.
- Second opinions may be mandatory for certain conditions or procedures. Your insurance or health plan may reduce or eliminate the benefits paid if a second opinion is not obtained.
- Most second opinions are voluntary and are usually paid for by your insurance or health plan. However, always check with your insurance or health plan for specific policies.
- See an expert physician.
- Benefits of a second opinion include more knowledge, understanding of new treatment options and reassurance and peace of mind that you are making the right decision.
- Virtually every doctor gets a second opinion when they have a patient with a serious medical problem.
Getting started
- Many patients are still uncomfortable asking their doctors about getting a second opinion.
- They are afraid of hurting their doctors’ feelings. A doctor should not be offended if you ask about a second opinion, but it really depends on how you bring it up. Start your conversation by stating that you need to gather as much information as possible to make an educated decision.
- Ask your family doctor to give you the name of a specialist(s) who has a great deal of experience in diagnosing and treating your illness, or ask to be referred to Brentwood Dental Group for a consultation and second opinion about your dental condition.
