Sometimes You Just Need the Right Dentist (and a Second Opinion)
A five-star Google review from Nuvo Dental Arts patient Madison W., who came in for a second opinion after being told she needed a root canal and wisdom teeth removal — and learned from Dr. Adrian Gonzalez that none of those procedures were actually necessary.
Not every dental problem needs a procedure. And not every quote you receive is the only path forward.
One of the most important things a dentist can do is take the time to actually look — and tell you the truth, even when the truth is "you don't need this."
That is exactly what happened with one of our recent patients, Madison W.
Madison's story
Madison came to Nuvo Dental Arts for a second opinion. She had already been to another dentist who told her she needed a root canal and her wisdom teeth removed. That is a significant amount of work — and a significant amount of money.
Before moving forward, she decided to get a second set of eyes on it. Here is what she shared in her Google review:
"Dr. Gonzalez was fantastic. I came in for a second opinion after hearing that I needed a root canal and wisdom teeth removed from a different dentist. Dr. Gonzalez did a thorough exam and informed me that I didn't need any of that. He saved me over $2,000 in unnecessary dental procedures. Couldn't have had a better experience!"
— Madison W.
Over $2,000 saved. And more importantly, two procedures she did not actually need.
Why second opinions matter in dentistry
Most people understand that second opinions matter in medicine. But many do not realize the same applies to dentistry.
Dental treatment plans can vary significantly between providers — sometimes for legitimate reasons (different philosophies, different technology), and sometimes for less legitimate ones (over-treatment, upselling, or simply missing something on the first exam).
The result is that two patients with the same teeth can walk out of two different offices with two completely different treatment plans. And the difference can mean thousands of dollars and irreversible procedures.
What a thorough exam should actually look like
One of the reasons stories like Madison's happen is that not every "exam" is the same.
A truly thorough dental exam includes:
- A careful visual inspection of every tooth
- Up-to-date imaging (X-rays or 3D scans when needed)
- An evaluation of the bite, gums, and surrounding tissue
- A real conversation about your history, symptoms, and concerns
- Time taken to explain what is happening and why
When all of those pieces are in place, the diagnosis is more accurate — and the treatment plan reflects what you actually need, not just what is most profitable.
The cost of unnecessary dental work
Unnecessary dental procedures are not just expensive. They can have real consequences:
- Financial: Thousands of dollars spent on work that did not need to happen
- Physical: Healthy teeth weakened or removed when they could have been saved
- Emotional: Loss of trust in dental care that can lead to avoiding the dentist entirely
This is why honesty matters so much in dentistry. Saying "you don't need this" can be just as valuable as performing a procedure perfectly.
Sometimes the right answer is "wait"
One of the things we believe at Nuvo Dental Arts is that not everything needs to be fixed immediately. Some issues genuinely need treatment right away. Others can be monitored. Others may resolve on their own. And some "problems" turn out not to be problems at all when examined carefully.
Knowing the difference takes time, experience, and a willingness to put the patient's best interest ahead of the practice's bottom line.
That is the standard we try to hold ourselves to with every patient who walks through our doors.
When you might want a second opinion
Getting a second opinion does not mean you do not trust your current dentist. It means you are taking your health and your money seriously.
Consider asking for a second opinion if:
- You are quoted for a major procedure (root canal, extraction, multiple crowns)
- The treatment plan involves significant cost
- You have not been given a clear explanation of why the work is needed
- Something about the diagnosis just does not feel right to you
- You are not experiencing pain or symptoms but are being told urgent work is needed
A good dentist will never be offended by a patient seeking a second opinion. If anything, they will encourage it.
Honest dentistry in Miami
Serving patients in Miami, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove, Nuvo Dental Arts is built on the belief that the right dentist tells you the truth — even when the truth means less work for them.
If you have been quoted for a major procedure and want a second opinion, or if you are simply looking for a dentist you can trust to be straight with you, we would love to meet you.
📍 Nuvo Dental Arts
Serving Coral Gables and Coconut Grove
📞 Book your appointment today for a thorough exam and an honest answer.
