Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans undergo dental implant surgery, a potentially life-changing procedure. To ensure the best results, patients in Worcester, and elsewhere, need to have confidence in the dentist or specialist that places the dental implants. If trust cannot be established, patients may consider seeking a second opinion before proceeding with this major surgery.
Often, patients are referred to dental implant specialists by their dentists, which can provide a level of confidence in the specialist’s work. When there’s enough trust, a second opinion may not be required. However, some patients seek out their own periodontist or dental implant specialist, and may need to establish trust from scratch. In some cases, a patient may not feel confident enough even with a referral from their general dentist, prompting them to seek a second opinion.
There are several reasons why patients in Worcester might consider getting a second opinion before undergoing dental implant surgery. These include a personality mismatch with the periodontist, a lack of transparency regarding costs and treatment, a poor online reputation, among other reasons. Here are some of the reasons why someone might seek a second opinion for dental implant surgery:
- Personality clash – A patient will need to interact with their periodontist several times during the implant surgery process, from the initial consultation to follow-up appointments. If there is a personality clash with the periodontist, the patient may prefer to find another practitioner with similar expertise but a more compatible demeanor.
- Lack of clarity – It is not reasonable to expect a periodontist to provide an accurate quote for dental implant surgery without a thorough examination of the patient’s mouth. However, after the consultation, patients should expect transparency regarding the cost and nature of the treatment. If a periodontist is unable to provide satisfactory answers to a patient’s questions, the patient may consider seeking a second opinion for their dental implant surgery.
- Negative reputation – Even if a patient is referred to a periodontist by their regular dentist, a poor or non-existent online reputation for the periodontist can give the patient pause. In such cases, patients may prefer to choose a highly rated periodontist, like Worcester Periodontics, for greater confidence in the quality of care.
- Cost concerns – While quality dental implants come at a price, patients may be hesitant to undergo the procedure if the cost seems too high. Seeking a second opinion can help patients determine whether the quoted cost for the dental implants is reasonable or whether other periodontists offer more affordable payment options for dental implant treatment.
- Poor patient experience – If the periodontist’s office appears disorganized, or if the staff are unprofessional or unfriendly, patients may feel inclined to seek a second opinion. Disorganization and poor staff behavior can sow doubts about the quality of care and raise concerns about future interactions with the office.
If you are in the Worcester area and considering a second opinion for your dental implant surgery, Worcester Periodontics is available to provide a dental implant consultation.