Question 1

Will you tell me if you disagree with my dentist?

Accepted Answer

Yes — clearly, and in writing. We won't badmouth your dentist (most general dentists give appropriate referrals), but you came here for an independent opinion and that's what you'll get. If we agree with the original plan, we'll say that too.

Question 2

Will my dentist be upset if I get a second opinion?

Accepted Answer

A confident dentist welcomes a specialist confirmation — it protects them as much as it protects you. Many of our second-opinion patients are referred to us by the original dentist. If you'd rather not say where you came from, you don't have to.

Question 3

How much does a second-opinion consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

We're out-of-network with all PPO plans, which means most PPO plans still cover a portion of consultation and any necessary imaging — usually leaving a modest out-of-pocket amount. We verify your benefits before the appointment and tell you what to expect. We don't list specific dollar figures online because the actual amount depends on your plan; we'll give you a straight number before you sit in the chair.

Question 4

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No. Patients can self-refer for a second opinion. If you'd like us to coordinate with your general dentist afterward, we're happy to.

Question 5

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

(1) Your most recent dental X-rays — your dentist can email them to us at the address we send you after booking. (2) A list of any medications you take. (3) A short note about what you're feeling (or not feeling) and what you've been told so far. That's enough.

Question 6

What if you recommend a treatment I can't afford right now?

Accepted Answer

Tell us. We'll discuss what can wait safely and what can't, and we'll help you understand insurance maximums and timing. We don't offer in-house payment plans, but we accept third-party financing (CareCredit and similar) if you want to use it.

Question 7

Will I feel pressured to schedule treatment with you?

Accepted Answer

No. The job of the consultation is to give you a clear answer, not to close a sale. If you decide to have the work done elsewhere — or to wait — that's a perfectly valid outcome and there's no awkwardness about it.

Question 8

Can a tooth my dentist said needs to be extracted actually be saved?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, especially for molars. The American Association of Endodontists' "Save Your Tooth" patient education explicitly recommends consulting an endodontist before extracting any restorable natural tooth — many teeth recommended for extraction by general dentists are actually candidates for root canal, retreatment, or apicoectomy, particularly when the original recommendation was made without a CBCT scan or microscope examination. We will tell you honestly if the tooth truly cannot be saved.

Question 9

How long does a second-opinion appointment take?

Accepted Answer

A second-opinion consultation typically takes 45–60 minutes. That includes reviewing your existing X-rays/CBCT (or taking new images if needed), a clinical exam under the microscope, and a sit-down discussion of your options with the actual treatment plan, success rate estimates, and cost for each path. You leave with a written summary you can share with your referring dentist.

Question 10

Will I need new X-rays or CBCT for my second opinion?

Accepted Answer

Usually not, if your existing images are recent (within 6 months) and diagnostic-quality. Bring them on a USB drive or have your dentist email them — most practices will release imaging on request under HIPAA. If we determine the existing images don't show the relevant anatomy, we may take one additional periapical X-ray or low-dose CBCT during your visit.

Endodontist Second Opinion · Sunnyvale, CA