Do you get a second medical opinion on your teeth?

Former_MSE_Molly

Hello health conscious Forumites!

MSE Anthony has a burning question about how we deal with medical costs for our teeth.

This morning, he had a filling (ouch!) as his dentist recommended he needed one, and paid £115 for the quick fix.

And while we get second opinions on building work, car maintenance and insurance quotes, sometimes haggling for a better health deal doesn't always cross our minds in the moment...

Other staff here at MSE Towers have had second opinions before on their teeth treatment and have been told completely different things.

After opening wide for the dentist, MSE Anthony is now opening up the floor for questions - we want to know if you would seek out a second opinion before paying if you were told there was something wrong with your teeth?

What suggestions do you have on ways to get around what could end up being a costly trip for many?

Let us know your thoughts below.

Nile

Do I get a second opinion on my teeth? No, because I trust my dentist but I do also listen to the advice of my dental hygienist. So you could say I (sort of) do get a second opinion from a dental professional.

I believe that the good advice I've received from my dental hygienist has improved the toothbrush, floss, inter-dental brushes I use and the way I use them. The investment in equipment and my time has resulted in less fillings or gum disease etc.

I've seen the dental experts here on this board say that it's important to build a relationship with your dentist and I would add a dental hygienist too.

Undervalued

MSE_Molly wrote: »

Hello Health conscious Forumites!

MSE Anthony has a burning question about how we deal with medical costs for our teeth.

This morning, he had a filling (ouch!) as his dentist recommended he needed one, and paid £115 for the quick fix.

And while we get second opinions on building work, car maintenance and insurance quotes, sometimes haggling for a better health deal doesn't always cross our minds in the moment...

Other staff here at MSE Towers have had second opinions before on their teeth treatment and have been told completely different things.

After opening wide for the dentist, he's now opening up the floor for questions - we want to know if you get a second opinion on what's wrong with your teeth?

What suggestions do you have on ways to get around what could end up being a costly trip for many?

Let us know your thoughts below.

That is generally the way when dealing with a "professional" rather than a tradesman!

The same is usually true with doctors, solicitors etc. In theory (and hopefully in practice!!) they are highly trained, regulated and so professional they wouldn't dream of being unprofessional and suggesting work / treatment that isn't needed.

Meanwhile in the real world.......

Obviously there are situations where two equally skilled practitioners will genuinely have different views on what needs doing and what is the best option.

Going back to your dental question, if you "opened wide" for two different dentists and got two different assessments how would you know which (if either!) was right? Do you keep seeing more until you find two that agree?

brook2jack

Give the same patient to three different dentists and you will get four different treatment plans, all of which may be equally valid.

Whether you attend the same dentist regularly will also make a difference. A suspicious lesion on a tooth may be kept undr watch on a regular patient , but filled on a new attender whose dental history and attendance you don't know.

Don't buy dentistry or any medical treatment on price alone , chose a dentist you are recommended to and trust.

Toothsmith

Can MSE Anthony not operate a keyboard himself?

pollypenny

Of course not. My dentist is a trusted professional whom I see regularly.