TREATMENT PLANS AND SECOND OPINIONS

Dentists have different experiences just like medical doctors. Some have come across more things and more difficulties, some have studied specific dental issues in more detail. I have worked with dentists that diagnose very conservative and I have worked with dentists who diagnose very preventively. Both types have their reasons and philosophies. If you don’t agree or have a doubt ALWAYS get a second opinion. A good ethical dentist wouldn’t mind it and would encourage it for peace of mind. If you don’t feel comfortable with what your being told, ask questions or ask another dentist. Different dentists can have different treatment plans. The hygienist can explain the procedure also, if there’s any questions.

I have experienced some patients being over-diagnosed and some patients being under-diagnosed. Keep in mind if you have seen the same trustworthy dentist for years and then start seeing a new dentist, because of a move, the dentist retired or a change of insurance, there may be new diagnosing. When a new set of eyes are in a mouth they are looking from a new perspective where a long-time dentist has been watching for any changes in a tooth to determine treatment, such as an old filling or crown. The old dentist has seen the old restoration for years, margins haven’t changed and no sensitivity for the patient. The new dentist may look at it and just see it’s an old filling and needs a crown. So always take in consideration both cases. For example, if you go to a medical doctor for prediabetes or high blood pressure or high cholesterol and the one doctor may give you the opportunity to change with diet and exercise while the other one may immediately put you on medications. It’s two ways of treating a condition, but only you know what’s best for you.

I’ve seen many patients blindly accept treatment that’s suggested. I wish they would have asked more questions or given more thought especially before they had teeth extracted. Keep in mind again, some dentists are very pro-active while others are very conservative. I’ve worked with dentists who put crowns on everything and they were able to justify it and it was ethical. I’ve worked with dentists who would try fillings first, depending on the situation, and they were able to  justify it and it was just as ethical.

Just a quick explanation. The goal is to save and preserve as much tooth structure as possible. Crowns remove the whole crown of the tooth, so that a man-made crown can replace it. A filling removes the damaged part of the tooth and puts filling material in, to just support that area of the tooth. Basically, the more tooth structure removed the weaker the tooth. Nothing is better or stronger than the natural tooth itself. Plus, crowns are harder to keep clean and can tend to cause tissue irritation. Crowns are great when they are needed, but if a filling can be placed instead, that’s even better and a whole lot cheaper.