4 examples of second opinion services in action

When it comes to earlier-stage decay (such as enamel erosion and cavities), interventions and treatment options may be relatively straightforward. Even simple hygiene modifications or a simple filling can do the trick, resolving damage and restoring oral health. However, when damage is severe and dentists have told you your tooth may require root canal treatment or even extraction, Soft Touch Endodontics understands how second-opinion services provide peace of mind to our neighbors in Suwanee and Gwinnett County, Georgia.

As an endodontist, Dr. Darlene Davis applies her advanced knowledge and technologies to either confirm other dentists’ recommendations or to offer an alternate opinion/recommendation. You can then make the most well-informed decision about your treatment. Below are four possible scenarios and recommendations that may result from a second opinion evaluation and consultation.

1 – A more conservative treatment

In some cases, Dr. Davis may find that the nature of your decay, fracture, or other trauma does not require more extensive treatment with endodontic therapy. In these cases, more “tooth-preserving” treatments or services may be most appropriate. Likewise, she may find that you don’t need extensive endodontic therapy, such as surgical procedures like apicoectomy or root-end resection. Using her tools and skills, she may be able to successfully treat (or retreat) your damaged tooth non-surgically with root canal therapy (RCT).

2 – Treatment for teeth that are “not good candidates” for root canal therapy

You may have been told that your tooth cannot be treated effectively with RCT. Endodontists like Dr. Davis perform dozens of root canal treatments each week. By comparison, general dentists may perform one or two such procedures each week. This is not to diminish the work of our many talented peers from throughout the region. We frequently partner with dentists and even treat other dental professionals. However, as we like to say, when you do something often enough, you tend to become very proficient at it. You can trust when Dr. Davis says that your tooth may, in fact, be “treatable” with this procedure. She has the expertise and tools to treat some of the most challenging cases, such as individuals with “hidden” or narrow root canals.

3 –  Effective treatment for teeth that don’t heal properly.

Suppose you have been told that your previous root canal treatment did not “take,” and symptoms of infection persist after RCT. In that case, Dr. Davis may examine your tooth and find some of the anatomical complexities mentioned above. She may successfully treat these and other challenges with root canal retreatment. Or, she may find that you can benefit from another approach: endodontic surgery.

4 – Care for teeth that are “too far gone.”

If you have been told that your tooth should be extracted, we encourage you to reach out to us before making such a permanent decision. We have additional procedures beyond what is available at general dentists’ offices. These procedures include the surgical services mentioned above. For example, Dr. Davis may recommend removing the tips or ends of the affected teeth’s roots. Any inflamed or infected tissues may also be removed as part of the apicoectomy procedure. By approaching your tooth in this manner, with advanced endodontic services, we may be able to fully heal it and support its sustained health.

If your first opinion is not fully sitting right with you, seek out a second opinion today from a specialist who focuses on detecting and treating severe damage and preserving teeth. Proudly serving Gwinnett County, GA, Soft Touch Endodontics in Suwanee can be reached at (770) 831-7644.

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