The dentists at Cornerstone Dentistry in Brantford offer second opinions when it comes to your dental treatment plan.
We are fortunate to live in an age of unprecedented growth in knowledge and technology. The practice of modern dentistry is considered to have begun with the publication of “The Dentist Surgeon” by French physician, Pierre Fauchard, in 1728. But, like so many other fields of endeavor, dentistry has advanced more in the last few decades than in the previous two and a half centuries.
Dental Technology
One of the results of this increase in knowledge and technology has been an ever expanding list of options for treatment of any given condition. While the diagnosis of the problem should not vary the possible solutions are often numerous.
The end result may also vary, but in most instances the desired objectives of achieving optimal health, function, comfort and esthetics remain as the ultimate goals. How we achieve those goals is where the choices can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when the options are complex and when a significant investment is involved. As the old saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat. As dentists we now must be capable educators so that our patients clearly understand their options when facing a decision about treatment.
Even if we don’t perform a specific treatment ourselves, it needs to be offered if it is available elsewhere and is a viable solution.
Personalized Dental Solutions
For example, not all dentists do implant dentistry. However that option for tooth replacement or denture stabilization still needs to be presented and followed by an appropriate referral to another practitioner if that’s the option selected over the possible alternatives of a bridge or partial denture. What is best for one individual may be a poor solution for another. Each decision has to take into account one’s own unique situation. It is our job as dentists to explain the pros and cons of each of the options as they relate to each persons anatomy, health and financial situation.
Second Opinions
In our office we encourage patients to get a second opinion when making a decision about major treatment. It is important for us to know that our patients are comfortable and confident with the decisions they make based on what we have explained. We only ask that they ensure they are comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges.
In dentistry, bargain shopping rarely ends up resulting in true value. It has been said that one should not look for bargains in parachutes, or brain surgery. The same is true of dentistry. Fact is, while there may be significant cost differences between various treatment options, when comparing identical treatments fees rarely differ much from one office to another.
If you are considering major treatment and are not sure which of the many options to chose, get another opinion. It costs little, and saves a lot in peace of mind.