Dentist appointment: How to save money
Visiting the dentist is important for your oral health, but it can also be expensive.
An estimated one-third of Canadians do not have any dental insurance.
The last thing you want to hear is that you need a filling, crown or root canal, but when your dentist recommends a procedure, do you always have to do it? When should you get a second opinion?
Consumer Reports took a look at some common dental procedures to help you figure out if and when you really need them.
“There are many gray areas in dentistry and there isn’t always one right answer to a particular problem. Some dentists may pressure their patients to get more expensive treatments. That’s why it can be wise to get a second opinion,” said Catherine Roberts of Consumer Reports.
In fact, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey, only 27 percent of people have ever gotten a second opinion on a recommended dental treatment or procedure.
Researchers sought the advice of dentists to figure out what to do when told you need a procedure.
Take something routine like a fill. Replacing or repairing a filling can be important when it’s damaged, but be careful if your dentist recommends replacing them just because they’re old.
“Age alone should not be the only reason for new fillings. So if your dentist recommends replacing your fillings just because they’re old, don’t hesitate,” Roberts said.
If your dentist recommends a root canal treatment, make sure they do the appropriate testing, which may include x-rays and a sensitivity test. And if your dentist recommends pulling a tooth, ask if there are other ways to extend the life of the tooth, since an implant can cost you thousands of dollars.
“Tooth extraction is usually the final step in dealing with a damaged tooth. So if your dentist recommends a tooth extraction, ask them why and consider getting a second opinion,” Roberts said.
According to the Canadian Dental Association: “After all of your questions have been answered, you may want to get a second opinion from another dentist if you are still unsure. Oftentimes, a second opinion gives you peace of mind that your dentist has planned the right treatment for you.”
To find a dentist for a second opinion, consider asking friends and family or checking the Canadian Dental Association website for information, and be sure to ask for your records, including X-rays, to give to the second dentist.
When you get your second opinion, don’t explain what the first opinion was so the new dentist can examine you without prejudice.