When do you recommend that your patients seek a second opinion?

When I examine a patient, I encourage them to seek a second opinion if they seem uncertain about what I am proposing as a possible treatment. I am always more comfortable moving forward with a procedure if the patient and I are on the same page. If they are uncertain then possibly it is best for them to seek a second opinion especially if no emergency treatment is immediately neccesary.

Another reason for suggesting a second opinion is if I feel a tooth has a guarded or questionable prognosis even after I might perform treatments. In that event, I might suggest a visit to an appropriate specialist for a second opinion, prior to commencing any treatment.

Often it is good for me and the patient to hear a second opinion concerning a tooth or teeth that may or may not respond favorable to a given treatment. Dentists have choices to make about treatments.. Often decisions can be best determined after a consult with the appropriate specialist. The adage ‘Two heads are better than one” definitely can apply.