If you have been quoted for dental implants and something does not feel right, or if you have been told that implants are not an option for you, a second opinion is worth more than most patients realize.
Dental implant treatment is not a small decision. It involves surgery, a significant financial commitment, and results that are meant to last decades. Taking the time to hear from another qualified clinician before you proceed — or before you give up on the idea entirely — is not a sign of distrust. It is a reasonable step that any good clinician would encourage.
When a second opinion makes sense
There are two situations where patients most commonly seek a second opinion on implants.
The first is after receiving a quote that feels unclear, unexpectedly high, or unexpectedly low. If you are not sure what is included, which implant system is being used, who will be performing the surgery, or what happens if something goes wrong, those are questions a second consultation should answer.
The second situation is when a patient has been told that implants are not possible. The most common reason given is insufficient bone. What patients are not always told is that bone deficiency does not automatically rule out implants. Bone grafting can rebuild volume in many cases. And for patients with severe bone loss where grafting is not a viable route, alternative implant solutions exist — including zygomatic implants, which anchor into the cheekbone rather than the jaw, and pterygoid implants, which engage the bone at the back of the upper jaw. These are specialist procedures, and not every clinic offers them, which is why some patients are told implants are impossible when they are not.
What a thorough second opinion should include
A second opinion is only useful if it is based on a proper clinical assessment. This means 3D imaging — typically a cone beam CT scan — not a visual examination alone. Without imaging, no clinician can accurately assess your bone volume, bone density, nerve position, or sinus anatomy. A treatment plan produced without this information is not a plan; it is an estimate.
A thorough second opinion should also include a clear explanation of which implant type is appropriate for your situation, why, and what the treatment timeline looks like from start to finish.
What it does not have to mean
Seeking a second opinion does not mean committing to a new provider. Many patients come in for a consultation at SameDay and leave with a clearer understanding of their options — whether they proceed with us or not. The point is to make an informed decision, and that requires complete information.
It also does not have to mean starting from scratch. If you already have recent CBCT imaging from another clinic, bring it. A good clinician can work from existing scans and give you a meaningful assessment without repeating diagnostics unnecessarily.
A note on being told implants are not possible
We see patients regularly who have been told by another provider that they are not candidates for implants. In a significant number of those cases, treatment is possible — sometimes with bone grafting, sometimes with zygomatic or pterygoid implants, and sometimes with a combination of approaches.
Zygomatic implants have decades of clinical history and an established evidence base. They require specialist training to place, which is why they are not universally available, but at SameDay they are part of our standard offering.
If you have been told implants are not for you, it is worth hearing from a team that specializes in complex cases before accepting that answer.
Coming in for a second opinion at SameDay
We offer a complimentary implant consultation that includes a free X-ray and a written treatment plan, with no obligation to proceed. If you have existing imaging, bring it and we will review it as part of your assessment. Book online, call or WhatsApp +971 4 315 8300.
