Your smile has always been your crowning glory – except for one problem tooth on the right side of your mouth. Although it’s not easily seen when you grin, the pain and sensitivity that comes and goes sporadically. When you go see your dentist in Attleboro, they tell you that you need to have the tooth removed and then replaced with a dental implant. But when you look in the mirror to take a look at your tooth yourself, it doesn’t look that bad on the surface. You don’t see any dark pits that would indicate a cavity, the tooth isn’t loose, and the discomfort you feel is only intermittent, not constant – you don’t think you should have that tooth pulled after all. That’s why you schedule an appointment for a second opinion with the team at Capron Park Dental, and they give you the insight you need to save your tooth.
Why Are Dental Second Opinions Important?
Dr. Andrew Luccio and Dr. William Herr, the experts you can trust as your family dentist in Attleboro, explain there are many reasons to get a second opinion. Our dentists know that preserving your original teeth is the best way to keep your smile functioning and looking great, and many treatment options leave permanent affects to your natural dentitions. It’s important to use what you have naturally – in whatever way possible – before jumping into smile-altering alternatives.
When Should I Get A Dental Second Opinion?
There are several circumstances during which you should consider getting a second opinion on your smile, including:
- If you do not feel comfortable with your dentist or have a good rapport.
- If your dentist has an unpleasant chairside manner or doesn’t listen to you.
- If you don’t feel confident in your dentist’s skill level.
- If you feel like your dentist is overprescribing extensive treatment for issues you feel are minor.
- If you are diagnosed with oral cancer.
- If your dentist recommends having a tooth extracted.
- If your dentist suggests a dental implant.
- If your dentist tells you that you need root canal therapy.
- If the price of treatment doesn’t seem to match the services provided.
- If you’ve had previously dental work and your oral problems have not been corrected by it.
Since tooth extractions, dental implants, and root canal therapy are more invasive treatments that permanently altar your teeth, always have another doctor examine you before committing to treatment – the same goes with oral cancer diagnosis.
Dentists are human, and can sometimes make mistakes that are costly for patients, so it’s always good to have a second set of eyes take a look at your smile to see if the original suggestion is the right way to go. After all, you can’t get your teeth back once they’ve been extracted, and no patient should undergo radiation or other cancer treatments if they are, in fact, cancer free.
Remember – you are your own smile advocate, and you have the right to see another doctor before deciding to opt for treatments that permanently affect your smile. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t agree to treatment that makes you feel uneasy for any reason. Instead, schedule your appointment with Capron Park Dental to get the second opinion you can trust!