Current diagnosis
Dr. Lee examines the teeth and supporting structures and reviews the records relevant to the proposed treatment.
Dental second opinions in Seattle
A dental second opinion is an independent clinical review of a diagnosis or proposed treatment plan using the patient's current condition, diagnostic records, and treatment goals.
Dr. Jaime Lee can compare the findings with the proposed procedures, identify priorities and alternatives, and clarify where additional diagnostic information is still needed.
Independent treatment review
Why seek a dental second opinion?
A second opinion is most useful when the patient needs clearer evidence or alternatives before irreversible, extensive, or complex treatment.
The purpose is not to automatically disagree with another dentist. It is to determine whether the proposed plan is supported by the findings and whether another reasonable pathway exists.
- Review the diagnosis independently
- Compare proposed treatment with current findings
- Identify viable clinical alternatives
- Clarify priorities before irreversible care
What happens at a dental second opinion?
Treatment rationale
She compares the diagnosis with the procedures being recommended and identifies which problems each procedure is intended to address.
Alternatives and sequence
A second opinion may identify more conservative alternatives, suggest specialist input, or recommend a different order of treatment based on the diagnostic findings.
How does a dental second opinion work?
- Collect the existing plan. Bring the proposed treatment, recent imaging, and relevant records when they are available.
- Perform an independent evaluation. Dr. Lee examines the current condition rather than relying only on the previous written recommendation.
- Compare findings and options. She identifies where the existing plan is supported, where alternatives may exist, and what still needs clarification.
- Prioritize the next step. The patient receives a clinically organized view of the options before deciding how to direct care.
Should I get a dental second opinion?
A second opinion can be useful before extraction, implant treatment, full-mouth reconstruction, major restorative work, or another plan that feels difficult to evaluate from the first explanation alone.
The review is strongest when recent records and diagnostic images are available, but Dr. Lee still bases her opinion on an independent clinical evaluation.
When should you seek another opinion?
The best time is before irreversible treatment when there is enough time for an independent evaluation.
Urgent infection, swelling, trauma, or uncontrolled pain may require immediate treatment rather than delaying care solely to obtain another opinion.
What affects the cost of a dental second opinion?
The cost of a second opinion depends on the clinical evaluation, any diagnostic imaging, and the records review needed to provide an independent assessment.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Coverage depends on the examination, imaging, and consultation benefits included in the individual plan.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee builds treatment plans from diagnostic data, existing dental work, clinical priorities, and viable alternatives. She uses the same approach to independently review a treatment plan from another office and clearly explain your options before treatment begins.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my previous dentist's records?
Existing X-rays, treatment plans, and records can make the review more complete, but Dr. Lee still needs to evaluate the current condition independently.
Will Dr. Lee automatically recommend something different?
No. A second opinion may support the original plan, identify alternatives, or show that additional diagnostic information is needed.
Can I get a second opinion before an extraction?
Yes, when there is time for a separate evaluation and the tooth is not presenting an urgent condition that requires immediate care.
What if the two dentists disagree?
The useful comparison is the clinical evidence, expected result, limitations, and alternatives supporting each recommendation.
What should I bring for a second-opinion visit?
Bring the proposed treatment plan, recent X-rays or scans, and relevant records when they are available so Dr. Lee can compare them with her independent examination.
Does insurance cover a second opinion?
Coverage depends on the PPO plan and the examination or imaging services billed as part of the review.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.