Get a second opinion before you commit.
Whether you've been told you need a root canal, a retreatment, an extraction, or an implant — a 30-minute consultation with a Specialist Endodontist will give you a clear, independent answer. No pressure to switch dentists. No pressure to schedule treatment with us.
When a second opinion is especially worth it
If any of these match your situation, a 30-minute visit is almost always worth your time.
You were told the tooth is hopeless and needs to come out
Modern endodontics — microscopes, CBCT, microsurgery — saves teeth that would have been extracted 10 years ago. About 1 in 4 second opinions in our office finds an option to save a tooth that was scheduled for extraction.
You were quoted an extraction + implant before anyone tried to save the tooth
Implants are excellent when they're the right answer. They're not always the right answer. We'll tell you honestly which makes sense for your specific tooth — including the cases where we'd recommend the implant ourselves.
A previous root canal is bothering you again
A failing root canal isn't always the end of the road. Retreatment, apicoectomy, or guided endodontic microsurgery can rescue many of these teeth. The right answer depends on what we see on the CBCT — not on what's most convenient to recommend.
The diagnosis doesn't match what you're feeling
Tooth pain is famously misleading. Sometimes the tooth that hurts isn't the one that's broken; sometimes the pain isn't even dental in origin. A careful endodontic exam — cold test, percussion, palpation, bite test, CBCT — sorts this out before you commit to treatment.
You just want to be sure before you commit
That's a good reason on its own. You don't need a problem with the original recommendation to come in. Many of our second-opinion patients leave reassured that the original plan was correct — and that's a useful answer too.
What you'll get from a 30-minute consultation
Microscope-level examination
Dr. Kung uses the Zeiss OPMI surgical microscope to examine the tooth at up to 25× magnification. Most general dentists don't have one. Cracks, hidden canals, and existing restoration leaks become visible.
Review of your existing imaging — and CBCT if needed
Bring your X-rays (or have your dentist email them). If a 3D CBCT scan would change the answer, we take one in-house with a low-dose cone-beam unit. We don't repeat imaging unnecessarily.
A written second-opinion report you can take anywhere
You'll leave with a clear written summary of what we found and what we recommend — including a frank statement of agreement or disagreement with the original plan. The report is yours to share with your dentist, your insurance, or another specialist.
An honest comparison of options
For most teeth there are 2–3 reasonable paths (e.g., root canal vs. extraction + implant vs. extraction + bridge vs. monitor). We walk through the pros, cons, expected longevity, and approximate insurance coverage of each — and tell you which we'd choose if it were our tooth.
"Should I save the tooth, or just get an implant?"
This is the most common second-opinion question we hear. The honest answer is: it depends on the specific tooth, the structure that's left, the bone around it, your medical history, your bite, and your budget. There is no universal right answer — and anyone who gives you one without examining the tooth is guessing.
What we can tell you is the rough framework most specialists use:
Save the tooth when…
- There's enough sound tooth structure left for a crown to grip
- The root and surrounding bone are healthy
- The tooth isn't vertically cracked through the root
- You want to keep your natural ligament, sensation, and bite feel
Implant when…
- The tooth is split below the bone
- There's not enough structure left for a predictable restoration
- Previous endodontic treatment has been attempted twice without success
- The cost-to-longevity calculation favors starting fresh
We will tell you honestly which category your tooth falls into — including the cases where the right answer is "extract it and place an implant." We don't place implants. We don't have a financial reason to talk you into a root canal. We do have a professional reason to give you the right answer.
What we won't do
No high-pressure sales
You'll leave with a written report and zero pressure to schedule on the spot.
No badmouthing your dentist
Most general dentists give appropriate referrals. We give you our findings, not a critique.
No padded treatment plans
If you don't need it, we won't suggest it. If you can wait, we'll tell you that too.
Common questions
Will you tell me if you disagree with my dentist?
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.
Will my dentist be upset if I get a second opinion?
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.
How much does a second-opinion consultation cost?
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.
Do I need a referral?
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.
What should I bring?
(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.
What if you recommend a treatment I can't afford right now?
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.
Will I feel pressured to schedule treatment with you?
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.
Can a tooth my dentist said needs to be extracted actually be saved?
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.
How long does a second-opinion appointment take?
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.
Will I need new X-rays or CBCT for my second opinion?
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.
Dr. Jason C. Kung, DDS, MS — UCLA School of Dentistry, OHSU Endodontics residency, hospital training at St. Barnabas Hospital. Read his peer-reviewed publications →
Endodontic second opinion — serving 30+ Bay Area cities
Dr. Jason Kung provides endodontic second opinion to patients across Silicon Valley from our Sunnyvale office. Evening and weekend hours, same-day emergencies, free on-site parking.
Ready for a clear, independent answer?
Most second-opinion consultations are scheduled within a few business days. If your situation is urgent, call and we'll find time today or tomorrow.