Should I get a second periodontist opinion?

I went today and I was told that I needed a scaling and root planting. The step after that may be bone grafting for one of my teeth. Potential out of pocket may be about $500 since my insurance caps. Should I get a second opionion on the bone grafting (I know that I need the scaling and rooting)? Are second opinions form periodontists typically recommended?

Periodontist. YES
It's got to be the hardest specialty to be in. I've sent several patients to a periodontist. One yelled at my patient for breaking her perfect attendance schedule. The other one I reffered for a specific problem and the periodontist required a Scaling and root planing even though it was an isolated pocket. two years later the patient returned to my office with the problem untreated. Every time I send a patient to the periodontist it takes ages to get them back in for a check up.

Ever consider your dentist was trying to get rid of you?

Anything that might be big, be it with a dentist, doctor, or whoever, it definitely doesn't hurt to get a second opinion.

I think you should certainly get a second opinion. My wife was once diagnosed with a gum disease by a dental hygeinist and refused treatment. Another dentist looked at her gums and told her there was no sign of gum disease. It never hurts to get a second opinion and if your present dentist objects that is just more proof that you need the second opinion.

I agree that a second opinion might be beneficial to you. You might check with one outside of your general area. Dentists in varying fields usually stick together and make a lot of customers in the referral business. Seeing one outside "the loop" might give you a better feeling for the legitimacy of the diagnoses. Some you can trust, some you can't.

If you are not happy with this opinion then go and get another one. You don't "need" to but you obviously want one, so do it and hopefully you will then feel comfortable with the treatment suggested.