Is a second opinion a good idea?

I went to a dentist today for the first time in 5 years and she said I needed what probably amounts to $5000 or more in dental work. !5 cavities, bone loss, pockets etc. I brush twice a day and floss daily, eat a healthy diet and I seem to have no problems or pains now. It was a free promotional dental checkup by a telemarketer. Do you think she's being honest? Its a very nice new office with all modern equipment etc. Should I get a second opinion from another dentist? How do I get an objective opinion?

since it's not your regualr dentist and f you canget into anther relatively soon and who's known and reputable -- it wouldn't hurt and you might save yourself some money. the cavities could be small and they will grow - poskets -we all have them. if they are 3/4 in hte back - take better care and don't over floss - can happen might want to use dental tape but if they were 5's or higher there are some concerns - 11 or 12 and you'd better get that second opinion ASAP

Good luck!

ONE was a 5..... ONE??? i have a feeling it was on the side you chew the most or one of those spots that you over floss - we all have one!

good luck! Report It

It certainly can't hurt to get a 2nd opinion. However, you should establish a regular dentist and have check-ups every 6 months. good luck

Yes, get a second opinion. You don't have any relationship established with this dentist so you have no way of knowing if she is lining her pockets. A few years ago, the dentist told me I needed $20,000 is work. Two other dentists told me $1500. A second opinion doesn't hurt.

Definitely get a second opinion. Ask people you know which dentist they go to, how they like them, what they cost, etc. That should help you decide.

I would definately get a second opinion. I went for the first time in four years a few months ago. I have never had a cavity and didn't have any when I went to the dentist. I had some extra plaque, but that was all. Go to a well known dentist in your area.

if u have doughts get a second opinion

u should get a second opinion b/c it could be possible that the dentist and the telemarketer were working together in a scam. Get your own personal dentist, maybe someone family and friends go to. See what they have to say. Better to safe than sorry.

YES!!! get a second opinion, my aunt went to one dentist for the first time in over 12 years and the dentist said it would be alot of work, 2 days before she went to surgery she went to 2 another dentist who said it would be about 2 to 5 thousand dollars when the first one said it would be around 12 to 15 thousand! she switched dentists and the one who did it cheaper fixed everything in 3 surgeries! HER TEETH LOOK GREAT! so yes most diffently get a second opinion!!! good luck!

get a second opinion

I'm a dentist.

I hope you had a chance to read the responses posted above this one. They range from clueless to downright idiotic.

There is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion, but what makes you think that the second opinion is going to be the right one?

Maybe I'm just imagining it, but you seem to have it in your head that the doctor who recommends LESS work is the more honest of the two. I can assure you that this is not the case. It is entirely possible that the second doctor may not recognize the problems identified by the first. It is also possible that they have different treatment philosophies. For example, I am generally more aggressive when it comes to diagnosing cavities because I have seen too many seemingly small cavities turn out to be large ones, hence I like to catch them early. Other doctors like to wait and watch and leave a tooth untouched as long as possible, because once a tooth has been drilled, it is committed forever to maintenance care. We are both right, but we're different.

The overwhelming majority of dentists, like physicians, are honest people. Rest assured, we make plenty of money without cheating you and making false diagnoses in order to "line our pockets" as some a$$hole above so deftly put it.

Moreover, your argument that "I brush twice a day and floss twice a day" is old and tired. I hear that nonsense from cavity-ridden patients every single day and I just dismiss it as background noise every time I hear it. It's meaningless drivel. Moreover, your "healthy diet" may still very well be suitable for tooth decay to develop. Decay-causing bacteria don't just live on sucrose.

Finally, you made the statement "I seem to have no problems or pains now." If so, then there is absolutely no point in seeing the first doctor, let alone the second doctor. You are obviously capable of diagnosing your own health care needs, so why waste your money?

Of course, I was wondering if you know what the symptoms of hypertension are.....

For once, I'm in complete agreement with Nebula D. Getting the second opinion will only cost you your time and money, but if you're ok with that, cool. You'll find that many of the dentists today are practicing preventative dentistry. I'm assuming from your post, that your dentist has diagnosed you with periodontal disease (bone loss and pocketing). That's something that can turn very serious and shouldn't be ignored. I've seen more then my share of patients lose teeth to it. So yes, I do think she was being honest, but if it makes you feel better, go get a second opinion. If you go to 10 different dentists, you're going to have 10 different treatment plans.

it's always a good idea. it's a better idea to not tell the 2nd opinion that they are indeed a second opinion so that you get an honest answer. don't be surprised if the second opinion is drastically different because some dentists are just more aggressive and some are more conservative.

Dentists can vary widely in treatment philosophy and still be honest.

Some dentists have more sensitive diagnostic equipment, some - as said above - are more into preventative maintenance while others are overly conservative. There can be alternative ways to treat a problem - implants vs. bridges vs. partial dentures for example. Agurments can be made for and against each option.

Inform yourself, find a dentist who explains things to your satisfaction, build up a trusting relationship before you start "shopping" for professional care.

The only thing that sets off my alarm bells is a dentist who uses telemarketing to build a practice. Not the most conventional method, and usually not used by well-respected and successful dentists.

Nopes its a scam. Dont go there.