When You Need a Second Opinion

By Dr. Helaine Smith

A prospective patient emailed me a few weeks ago with the following question:

"My dentist said I need crowns to replace two chipped teeth. However, he doesn't specialize in cosmetic dentistry and couldn't answer my questions about whether veneers might be a better and less invasive option. Should I get a second opinion?"

This is a great question. My first response is, you should always get a second -- or even third! -- opinion if you're not comfortable with the information you've received from your current dental professional.

A few of my patients have told me they felt "guilty" when they switched dentists in order to avail themselves of my services. I understand this feeling. Most dental professionals work hard to retain clients -- and to lose one is difficult.

However, there may come a time when your dental professional cannot assist you with advanced dental care. You may need implants or veneers or a combination of both. If your dentist hasn't kept abreast of dental technologies, he or she can't give you the best advice.

If you feel you need a second opinion about your dental care, here are a few questions you can ask prospective dentists and/or cosmetic dentists.

Where did you receive your advanced training?

Unfortunately, the general public doesn't know that advanced cosmetic dentistry techniques, such as full-mouth reconstruction and replacing crowns and bridges with dental implants, are not taught at most dental schools.

On top of that, the American Dental Association is reluctant to recognize dentists who have completed the rigorous requirements to achieve the title of Fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

If you want an experienced and highly-trained cosmetic dentist, look for one who has either graduated from the Las Vegas Institute for Cosmetic Dentistry (a premier institution) or who is an AACD Fellow (or both!).

Do you participate in continuing education courses?

When researching dentists, it pays to inquire about the professional's training -- not only where he or she received his or her dental degree, but ongoing training as well. Ensure your professional is up-to-date on implants, sedation dentistry, implant-supported dentures, and a host of other technologies and services. At the very least, your dental professional should be taking one continuing education course a year.

How long have you been practicing cosmetic dentistry?

Any dental practitioner can take a seven-hour course to become "certified" in cosmetic dentistry. You'll want to inquire how long he or she has been practicing in cosmetic dentistry by ask how many practice hours he or she has, not "years."

In order to become an AACD Fellow, for example, a dentist must put in 500 practice hours specifically relating to cosmetic dentistry cases and pass a rigorous 400-question exam!

Do you have references?

And finally, ask for references. "Before and after" photos on a Website are good, but they tell only one part of the story. Ask your dental professional for at least three references from people who have had cosmetic work done in the last 3 -- 5 years -- which is enough time for any problems to occur.

Do you need a second opinion regarding cosmetic dental work?

A perfect smile is a true investment -- in both time and emotional energy. If you feel uncomfortable with the advice a dental professional has given you concerning advanced cosmetic dental work, please call or email our office to set up a free consultative appointment.

Learning More About Dr. Helaine Smith

To learn more, please view the Services section of our Website.

By phone: 617.327.1350
Through our Website: www.helainesmithdmd.com
Email: helainesmithdmd@aol.com

Please Share!

Please forward this newsletter to your friends and family who are also concerned about having a healthy smile.