Questions for Your Glendale Dentist
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to your oral health care. Fortunately, our Glendale dental office is here to help! We pride ourselves on helping our patients stay informed and educated about the benefits of good oral health care.
We’ll spend all the time you need and answer all your questions until we know you have the information you’re looking for. Before we begin any treatment, we’ll explain everything in detail so you know exactly what you can expect.
Here are a few of the questions we’re asked most often, but we know you probably have others. Please don’t hesitate to call our dental office or fill out our handy online contact form, and we’ll be happy to help.
Second Opinions
When it comes to your smile, only you know when things feel off. If you're not sure about your dentist's assessment, you are absolutely free to get a second opinion from another dental professional.
A second opinion may clear up any concerns and help you feel more confident about your treatment plan. They can also introduce an alternative or perspective.
Second opinions are beneficial for complex or expensive dental treatments like dental implants, root canals, and orthodontic treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Second Consultations?
Every dental plan is different, and some may not cover a second opinion. Some network plans don't cover services outside of your network or beyond your primary care dentist. Patients covered by a PPO often save more by going in-network.
The best way to determine this is by calling your insurance provider before your dental appointment. The more details you go over, the better you can weigh your current options. For example, your plan may cover a second opinion but not certain diagnostic methods, like extra X-rays. This way, you know if you need to pay for anything out of pocket.
Finding a Second-Opinion Dentist
As advanced as we have become, most human beings prefer recommendations from their friends, family, and co-workers. If they appreciate and respect their dentist, they'll be more than happy to refer them.
Patients can also look for a dentist near me and find online reviews. To determine if Dr. Kim is in-network, give us a call so we can help.
Preparing for Your Evaluation Appointment
Your current dentist should be more than helpful in providing your dental records, along with any current x-rays. This will allow the second dentist to compare and make a valid diagnosis.
If your dentist suggests a complicated and costly procedure like a dental implant with complex pretreatments or braces, you may be considering a second opinion dentist in Glendale, CA. You are not alone!
A second opinion dentist will agree with the original diagnosis or may present alternatives that better suit your goals and budget.
Reasons to Visit a Second Opinion Dentist in Glendale, CA
#1 Being Your Own Advocate
Seeking a second opinion is natural, so don't feel bad about advocating for yourself. You're not the first patient to seek a second opinion by far, and you'll not be the last.
#2 Differences in Dental Training
All dentists and dental practices are different. Even the treatment options offered and the technologies utilized will be different as well as the education level of the dentist. One dentist may be limited in what they can offer, but another dentist has the skill and technologies to give you more options. This is the case at our dental practice. A second opinion dentist here means seeking the opinion of a top dentist in the field.
#3 A Second Opinion Dentist for Your Peace of Mind
Sometimes you're given a diagnosis or treatment plan, and something about it nags at you. You wonder if there is an easier way to restore your oral health. In this case, a second opinion dentist is crucial. You never want to wonder if you made the right choice for your smile.
#4 Considerations for Your Budget and Time
Perhaps a suggested treatment is expensive, or it means a lengthy recovery. Often another dentist can recommend a similar, less expensive, and less invasive treatment to restore your oral health. Less invasive dentistry typically means a shorter recovery time.
For your convenience, our dental office is happy to work with third-party financing like CareCredit.
#5 You're Feeling Unsure About Your Dentist
Maybe you're not feeling good with your current dentist and team. Perhaps, they push you to undergo expensive dental treatments regularly, or something is always wrong. If you're unsure about your dentist, we strongly encourage a second opinion dentist in Glendale, CA.
#6 You Feel Something Is Wrong Following Treatment
Maybe you've had dental work done and still have pain. Perhaps a restoration or prosthetic is uncomfortable, and your current dentist dismisses your concerns and does not solve the problem. This is an excellent reason to seek a second opinion.
#7 Your Current Dentist Says You Are Not Suitable for a Certain Treatment
This goes back to skill and technology. Remember, all dentists and practices are different. For example, one dentist may say you are not a good candidate for dental implants. Another dentist may provide treatments to bring you into candidacy.
Contact a Top Second Opinion Dentist Near Me
Your oral health is crucial to your well-being, and your smile was meant to last a lifetime. When something is this important, it only makes sense to be sure and seek another opinion when you are not.
Dr. Lucio Kim wants the best for you and does not mind offering a second opinion, especially for advanced procedures that may be unnecessary, costly, or mean a long recovery for you. Second opinions also help verify that you made the right choice if a procedure has already been performed.
For a second opinion dentist near me, give us a call at (818) 242-3739 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Kim.
YES. When needed, though.
Not every single time you come in, or just because the insurance pays for it. But generally, as a first-time patient, we need a reference for where your oral condition is. There is so much that we as dentists cannot see under the gums, under the bone, underneath old fillings, crowns or restorations. It's irresponsible to do any kind of exam without relevant x-rays. Dosage is an issue...we don't want to zap you unnecessarily or too heavily.
Our X-Ray Technology
Our machines are new and calibrated to deliver the minimal dosage required for good image resolution. But we never do them unless we need to. You can't have a physical at the doctor's office without a blood test, right? They can't just look at you and give you an accurate assessment or diagnosis. Neither can dentists. The x-rays provide insight into what's "under the hood," enabling me to offer you the best treatment options and outcomes with minimal surprises.
Professional Dental Exams in Glendale
If you have any concerns or questions regarding x-rays, please call Dr Kim at the office.
Continuing pain is obviously a sign that there’s a problem that should be addressed as quickly as possible. There are any one of a number of reasons why you’re still experiencing discomfort, so it’s best to find out what’s happening before too much time goes by. Otherwise, the problem will continue and potentially cause severe damage to your oral health.
Second Opinions are Important
Dr. Lucio H. Kim, DDS, is always happy to provide you with a second opinion. You should never hesitate to ask questions because it’s important for you to understand what’s affecting your oral health. Our second opinion consultations are always complimentary, and you are under no obligation whatsoever.
Dr. Kim will talk to you about your concerns, then examine the affected tooth to determine what the problem is and why you’re still experiencing discomfort. He will discuss his findings with you and make appropriate recommendations.
Second Opinion Diagnostic Services in Glendale
We’ll be completely honest with you and suggest a customized treatment approach that will resolve your problem. At that point, it’s completely up to you as to how you’d like to proceed, and we’ll support you in whatever decision you make.
Please give us a call if you would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Kim.
If you've had a root canal, chances are it will get another infection in it and cause it to fail. So now you are faced with the choice of re-doing the root canal and the restoration on top of it or to get an implant.
Choosing a Procedure
Well, just on pure numbers, getting the implant is in your favor. The survival rates of a root canal done the first time is about 90-95% over 10 years. Meaning 5-10% will fail over a 10 year period. The survival rates of a root canal done a SECOND time over a 5 year period drops down to about 75-85%. The survival rates of an implant in a sufficient amount of bone over a 10 year period go back up to around 90-95%. So in a pure numbers game, the implant works in your favor. BUT the big downside is that you need to remove the tooth and replace it with the implant. Some people have a psychological barrier to that.
Dental Implants in Glendale CA
Financially, the root canal re-do and the implant are similar in cost...at least in my office they are. If you have a situation where you don't know what to do or if you want me to take a look and let you know more about how things will work in your specific situation, then call the office for a consult and I'll gladly go over things with you.
Well, for one, you aren't the only one.
We Get to Know You First!
The majority of patients either don't like going to the dentist or really really don't like going to the dentist. What makes a difference is Dr. Kim talking with you and finding out more about you and what he can do to make you feel more comfortable. Nothing should hurt with dentistry nowadays. By taking any dental treatment slowly, Dr. Kim is usually successful at "rehabbing" patients back into regular maintenance care.
We Help Quell Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry in Glendale
Now if that doesn't do it for you, then Dr. Kim does offer sedation options in order to get the work done properly and comfortable for you while taking your mind and fears out of the equation. Either "oral" sedation or "IV" sedation with a licensed anesthesiologist. Call the office for a meet and greet consult to chat with Dr. Kim about the options.
Should I get a second opinion?
If you're asking yourself this question, then “yes” you should get a second opinion. It is your right as a patient to be comfortable with the treatment being diagnosed or to find out why something is still bothering you or if you have any other question in general.
If you go to 5 different dentists, they will give you 8 different options or opinions.
Second Opinions at our Glendale Office
Dr Kim will go over your questions patiently, ask questions of his own and accurately let you know what the problem is and what your options are. Simple. He is always open to questions, does not get defensive and strives to communicate with you. Dr Kim encourages second opinions even from his own patients! Being clear in the patient’s mind is what is the most important.
Second opinion consults are always at no charge, and patients leave with a lot more information than questions. Call today!