How do I get a second opinion?

1. Ask for your records. Request copies of your X-rays, the written treatment plan with tooth numbers and codes, and, for gum treatment, your pocket measurements.
2. Choose a second dentist. If you're using insurance, check your plan's dentist directory or call member services. For specialized work, look for a specialist in that area.
3. Book the right kind of visit. Say you'd like a second opinion on a treatment plan, and ask what kind of visit to book and what it will cost. See What does a second opinion cost?
4. Bring your records and questions. See What should I bring?
5. Compare the two opinions. See The two dentists disagree. Now what?

Your records belong in your hands when you ask for them. Under federal privacy law (HIPAA), you have the right to copies of your dental records, including X-rays. Offices can take up to 30 days but often respond much sooner, can charge only a reasonable fee for copies, and can't refuse because you have an unpaid bill.

The ADA's code of ethics goes further: dentists should provide X-rays and records that will help your next dentist, at no cost or for a small fee, even if your account isn't paid in full.

Most X-rays are digital now. Ask if the office can email them, send a download link, or send them straight to the new office.

Either way works. Some patients bring only the X-rays at first, so the second dentist looks without any influence, then share the first plan afterward to compare. Others share everything up front, which makes it easier to see exactly where the two dentists differ. Bringing the X-rays either way helps you avoid paying for new ones.