When two dentists recommend the same treatment, what should you do?

When two dental providers independently recommend the same treatment, that’s a strong sign the treatment may be the right next step. Before moving forward, make sure you understand why it’s needed, what your alternatives are and what could happen if you wait. If both recommendations make sense and you feel comfortable with the plan, choose the provider you want to work with and schedule your treatment. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• What it means when two dentists agree on a treatment 

• How to check your own readiness before you say yes 

• Questions to ask before your appointment 

• How to choose where to get the treatment done 

If you’ve received the same treatment recommendation from two providers and feel ready to move forward, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. They can review your treatment needs, answer any remaining questions and help you plan your next steps. 

What does it mean when two dentists agree? 

Getting the same recommendation from two dental providers can give you more confidence that they are seeing the same problem. But it does not mean the treatment is the only reasonable option or that every part of the decision is settled. 

The details can still differ, including timing, technique or whether another option may fit your situation. Before you move forward, make sure you understand why the treatment is recommended and what other options may exist. 

Check your comfort level first 

Agreement between dental providers doesn't mean you have to rush. Take a moment to check in with yourself. 

Ask: Do I understand what this treatment involves? Do I know why it's needed? Do I feel heard by my care team? 

If you feel unsure about any of those, that's worth addressing before you book. Your dental provider can walk you through the steps again. A good care team expects questions. They want you to feel ready. 

Questions to ask before you say yes 

You don't need to know everything about dentistry. But you do need to know enough to make a clear choice. Here are some questions worth asking: 

• What happens if I wait or skip this treatment? 

• How long does the procedure take? 

• What does recovery look like? 

• Will I need follow-up visits? 

• Are there different ways to do this treatment, and does one suit my situation better? 

The American Dental Association (ADA) says informed consent should include the treatment's potential benefits and risks, other treatment options and what could happen if you do not treat the condition. You should also have a chance to ask questions before deciding.¹ 

If a treatment is permanent, ask what cannot be reversed later and whether another option could work for your situation. 

You can also ask for copies of your dental records. The ADA says patients at Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-covered dental practices have the right to obtain copies of their complete records, including X-rays and photos.² If another dental provider needs to review them, ask your dental office how to have copies transferred. 

Choosing where to get the treatment done 

Both dental providers gave you the same diagnosis. That doesn't mean you have to use either one of them for the actual treatment.  

• Comfort with the dental provider. Did one of them explain things more clearly? Did one care team feel more attentive? 

• Location and hours. If you need follow-up visits, getting care close to home or work makes recovery easier. 

• Cost and coverage. Ask both offices what the treatment costs and what your insurance covers. Prices can vary. 

• Specialty. Some treatments may call for a specialist. For example, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) recommends seeking an opinion from a surgeon who specializes in treating TMDs (temporomandibular disorders) before getting TMJ implants.³ Ask whether your case would benefit from specialist care. 
  

Ready to book? Here's what's next 

Two dental providers said the same thing. You've asked your questions. You feel ready. The next step is simple: choose where you want to get it done and book the visit. 

Let your care team know if anything changes before your appointment. New pain, new symptoms or new questions are all worth mentioning. Your dental provider can adjust the plan if needed. 

Once you feel comfortable with the recommendation, talk with your dental provider about what comes next. They can review the treatment plan with you and make sure you know what to expect before care begins. 

When both dentists recommend the same treatment, what should you do? FAQs  

Still have questions before you take the next step? The answers below may help. 

Does agreement between two dentists mean the treatment is the only option? 

Not always. It means two providers see the same problem and think the same approach fits best. There may still be small variations in how the treatment is done. Ask each dental provider if there are different techniques and which one they'd use for your case. 

What if I still feel unsure even after both dentists agreed? 

That's okay. Ask the dental provider to go over why they recommend the treatment, its risks and benefits, your alternatives and what could happen if you wait. You should have your questions answered before you decide. 

Should I tell my dental provider I got a second opinion? 

Yes. Sharing what the second dental provider said can help your dental provider understand what you've already been told and answer any questions that remain. You can also share records from the second-opinion visit if they would be helpful. 

Sources 

¹ American Dental Association: “Types of Consent.” https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/practice-management/types-of-consent 

² American Dental Association: “Copying and/or Transferring Records.” https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/practice-management/copying-transferring-records 

³ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders).” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd