Instant second opinions?

Of course there are no such things as "instant second opinions" but now that we take digital x-rays and can take digital photos, it is often possible to send images to dental specialists and get their input for patients while they are still in the chair. If I would like some "instant advice" for one of my patients. I send their images via email to my specialist to solicit their feedback. I follow up with a quick phone call to see if they are busy. If they are engaged, often they will get back to me with in the day, but if not  they are able to view my patient's images and discuss them with me before they have left the office.

I commonly share images of teeth that may have failing root canals , possible endodontic lesions, and or have extensive bone loss with my endodontist, or periodontist,  prior to sending the patient to their office for treatment. I like to determine the possible prognosis for the tooth before sending my patient for a procedure. If a tooth has a compromised prognosis, A  patient should be aware of this prior to choosing what type of treatment to have. Choices often are: saving the tooth, watchful waiting or extraction and eventual replacement with an implant restoration.

 Back in the old days, before digitization of dental images, photos and radiographs had to be developed and then sent via snail mail or hand carried to my specialists in order to get their feedback.

This form of digital consultation, is a good for dental care, since the patient gets a second opinion immediately. My specialists may  request that the patient follows up with an actual visit to their office, since this most prefer a hands on evaluation, but sometimes my patient is spared an unnecessary visit.

About the author: Lawrence Spindel DDS is a dentist in New York City, who has has maintained  a general and cosmetic dental practice for over thirty years.