SECOND OPINIONS
Before you say yes to a big quote — or accept a “no” — get a second set of board-certified eyes on it. Free.
Implant treatment plans can differ by tens of thousands of dollars for the same mouth — not because anyone’s lying, but because training, technology, and treatment philosophy genuinely vary. A second opinion isn’t rude; it’s what careful people do before five-figure surgery. Dr. Oestervemb — double board-certified (ABOI/ID + ABGD), the region’s only ABOI/ID Diplomate, and AAID MaxiCourse faculty teaching grafting and full-arch techniques to practicing dentists — reviews outside cases every week. Bring your records, or take a fresh 3D scan here at no charge.
Three moments a second opinion pays for itself
The eye-watering quote. You were handed a number that stopped your breath. Sometimes it’s justified — and we’ll tell you so, which is its own kind of relief. Often, a different sequence, a graft-avoiding full-arch design, or our one-roof model (no separate surgeon + restorative dentist + outside lab, each with a markup) reaches the same outcome for meaningfully less. Either way you’ll finally have two plans to compare, in writing.
The “you’re not a candidate.” Frequently this means not a candidate for the technique that office offers. Bone too thin for standard implants may suit angled full-arch designs; sites written off years ago may be rebuildable with modern grafting and PRF. We’ll show you your own anatomy on screen and give you the real answer — including, sometimes, agreeing with the first office.
The implant that isn’t right. Looseness, pain, gum swelling or bleeding around an implant, a crown that keeps coming loose, or bone loss on an X-ray (peri-implantitis) — implant complications are treatable, and treating them is precisely the advanced territory Dr. Oestervemb teaches. Earlier is cheaper: a failing implant addressed this month is often rescued; the same implant next year may need removal, grafting, and replacement. If your implant was placed elsewhere, you’re still welcome here — no lectures about the past, ever. Not sure if what you’re feeling counts as a warning sign? Dr. Oestervemb covers the tells in this short video:
How the visit works
Bring any records you have — X-rays, CT scans, treatment plans, quotes (offices must share your records on request; we can help you ask). If you have nothing, we take a 3D CBCT scan free. Dr. Oestervemb reviews everything with you on screen, explains where he agrees and differs with what you’ve been told and why, and you leave with a written plan and complete pricing. Then the decision is yours — including the decision to go back to the first office better informed. No pressure is the policy; second-opinion patients become long-term patients because of it, not despite it.
A note about your dentist
Most second opinions here end with your general dentist staying your general dentist. If you’re referred or self-referred for implant care, your cleanings, checkups, and everyday dentistry stay at your home practice — we handle the implant chapter and send you back. Winchester’s dental community works best that way.
Is the second opinion really free?
Yes — the consultation and 3D scan carry no charge and no obligation.
Will you contact my current dentist?
Only if you ask us to. Your records belong to you, and offices are required to share them at your request.
My implant was placed years ago in another state. Can you treat it?
In most cases yes — implant components are largely standardized, and complication management is a core focus here. Bring whatever records you have.
What is peri-implantitis?
Gum infection and bone loss around an implant — the implant version of gum disease. Caught early it’s very manageable; ignored, it can cost the implant. Bleeding, swelling, or looseness around an implant warrants a prompt look.
What if you agree with the quote or the “no” I already got?
Then you’ll hear exactly that, with the reasoning on screen — and you’ll proceed (or not) with real confidence instead of doubt.