Originally published: June 2026 | Reviewed by Dr. Michael Berglass
Why You Should ALWAYS Get a Second Opinion Before Major Dental Work
A dental second opinion helps protect patients from overpaying for procedures such as implants, veneers, and full-mouth restorations. Dentists price identical procedures differently based on overhead, lab fees, and profit margins — not clinical complexity alone.
The ADA’s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct (Section 2.B) affirms that patients have every right to seek a second evaluation before committing to treatment.
A high implant cost estimate deserves a line-by-line review — Dr. Michael Berglass, D.D.S., a fellowship-trained implant dentist with 25 years of experience, offers that review at no cost at Boynton Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry in Boynton Beach, FL.
A dental second opinion is an independent clinical evaluation of a treatment plan you received from another dentist. The evaluating provider reviews your X-rays, examines the proposed procedures, and determines whether the diagnosis, treatment approach, and pricing align with the standard of care.
The ADA’s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct (Section 2.B) explicitly supports patients who seek additional consultations before proceeding with treatment.
A second opinion differs from a routine exam. The reviewing dentist focuses specifically on the proposed work — confirming medical necessity, identifying overlooked alternatives, and comparing cost against regional norms.
Dr. Berglass, who leads Boynton Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, structures every second-opinion consultation around a written, line-by-line comparison of the original quote.
Patients in Palm Beach County can save up to $1,501 per tooth on a single implant and up to $22,001 per arch on All-on-4 restorations by comparing quotes. The gap exists because each practice bundles charges differently — the implant body, the abutment, the crown, any required bone grafting, and sometimes a separate CT scan fee.
The table below compares verified pricing at Boynton Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry against the Palm Beach County market range as of April 2026.
| Procedure | BICD Price | Market Range | Potential Savings |
| Single tooth implant (placement + crown) | $2,999 | $3,500–$4,500 | Up to $1,501 |
| All-on-4 full arch | $2,999/arch | $12,000–$25,000/arch | Up to $22,001/arch |
| Full-mouth restoration (both arches) | $5,998 | $20,000–$50,000 | Up to $44,002 |
Practices with higher overhead — waterfront offices, large staff, premium branding — pass those costs to patients. The implant itself comes from the same major manufacturers regardless of which office places it.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Bring three items: your written treatment plan with itemized pricing, any X-rays or CBCT scans already taken, and a list of questions about procedures you did not fully understand during your first consultation.
Most dental offices transfer imaging digitally upon patient request — the images belong to you under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA, 1996).
A detailed written quote matters more than a verbal estimate. Verbal estimates omit line items that inflate the final bill— such as sedation fees, temporary restoration charges, follow-up visit costs, and lab surcharges.
Dr. Berglass compares each line item against his own pricing structure and identifies exactly where the numbers diverge.
Patients pursuing same-day implants or complex restorations benefit most from second opinions because these procedures carry the highest cost variability and the most opportunity for unnecessary add-ons.
A quote that made your stomach drop shouldn’t rush your decision — Dr. Berglass reviews competing treatment plans at no cost and provides a written alternative the same day. Call 561-736-1700.
Seek a second evaluation immediately after receiving any treatment plan that exceeds $3,000, recommends the extraction of teeth that are not causing pain, proposes multiple procedures in a single visit, or lacks a written itemized breakdown.
The Federal Trade Commission encourages consumers to compare prices for medical and dental services the same way they compare prices for any other significant purchase.
Certain clinical scenarios demand a second look more than others.
| Scenario | Why a Second Opinion Matters |
| Implant quote above $4,500 per tooth | BICD charges $2,999 for the same procedure — the gap may be pure markup |
| Recommendation to extract a salvageable tooth | Extraction-to-implant generates higher revenue than preservation |
| “All-on-4 or nothing” at $20,000+ per arch | BICD offers All-on-4 at $2,999/arch — some patients qualify for single implants instead |
| No written quote provided | Verbal-only estimates frequently increase at billing |
| Pressure to schedule immediately | Urgency tactics reduce comparison shopping |
Patients evaluating their eligibility for implant treatment can review the candidacy requirements before their appointment.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Dental pricing in Palm Beach County varies by $1,500 to $44,000 for identical procedures performed within the same county. The Florida Department of Health licenses all practicing dentists under the same clinical standards, yet no state regulation requires price transparency or standardized fee schedules.
The absence of fee regulation means two Board-certified dentists in Boynton Beach can charge $2,999 and $25,000 for the same All-on-4 arch placed with the same implant components.
Three factors drive the variation: practice overhead (rent, staff size, marketing spend), lab and materials sourcing (domestic vs. offshore ceramic labs), and profit margin philosophy.
Some practices mark up implant components by 300% to 500% above wholesale cost. The practice operates on leaner margins and passes the savings directly to patients.
The in-office savings plan — starting at $375/year with two free cleanings and 20% off all dental work — further reduces out-of-pocket costs for patients without insurance.
No competent dentist objects to a patient seeking an independent evaluation. The ADA’s Code of Professional Conduct specifically protects a patient’s right to consult with other providers.
Dentists who discourage second opinions or pressure patients to commit before leaving the office are prioritizing revenue over informed consent.
A second opinion is a routine business decision. Homebuyers get multiple inspections. Patients facing surgery consult specialists. Dental implant candidates deserve the same standard of due diligence — especially when five-figure treatment plans are involved.
Patients comparing implants against dentures gain clarity from hearing two professional perspectives rather than one. Patients weighing cosmetic dentistry options benefit equally from a competing evaluation.
A $25,000 All-on-4 quote from another practice vs. $2,999/arch at BICD — Dr. Berglass puts the comparison in writing for free. Book here or call 561-736-1700.
Is a dental second opinion really free?
Boynton Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry offers second opinion consultations at no charge. Dr. Berglass reviews the existing treatment plan, examines the patient, and provides an alternative written quote with itemized pricing. No deposit or commitment is required for the visit.
Can I use my existing X-rays for a second opinion?
Dental X-rays and CBCT scans belong to the patient under federal HIPAA regulations. Most offices transfer imaging files digitally within one to two business days upon written request. Bringing existing scans helps avoid duplicate imaging costs at the second-opinion appointment.
How long does a second opinion consultation take?
A focused second opinion appointment at the practice typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Dr. Berglass reviews the original treatment plan line by line, performs a clinical examination, and presents alternative pricing before the patient leaves.
Will my dentist know I got a second opinion?
Dental providers do not share patient visit information with other practices unless the patient authorizes the transfer. HIPAA privacy protections prevent disclosure of treatment history without explicit written consent, so the consultation remains entirely confidential.
What if the second opinion confirms my first dentist’s plan? Confirmation still provides value. Knowing that two independent providers reached the same clinical recommendation gives patients confidence to proceed. The second opinion may still reveal pricing differences even when the recommended treatment matches.
Do insurance plans cover second opinion visits?
Most dental insurance plans cover consultations and examinations under preventive benefits regardless of whether the visit is a first or second evaluation. Patients without insurance can use the in-office savings plan starting at $375/year to reduce consultation and treatment costs.
Should I get a second opinion on cosmetic dental work?
Cosmetic procedures like veneers, bonding, and smile makeovers exhibit the greatest price variability in dentistry because insurance rarely covers them. A second opinion on cosmetic work compares both the clinical approach and the total cost, protecting patients from inflated pricing.
Can a second opinion change the recommended treatment entirely?
A second provider may identify less invasive or less expensive alternatives that the first dentist did not present. Some patients quoted for full-arch implants at $20,000+ qualify for partial solutions. Others recommended for extraction may have teeth worth preserving with periodontal treatment.
How do I know which dentist’s opinion to trust?
Compare credentials, years of experience with the specific procedure, before-and-after documentation, and willingness to provide a written itemized quote. A provider who refuses to put the price in writing or discourages comparison shopping signals that transparency is not a priority.
Is it too late to get a second opinion after starting treatment?
Patients can seek a second opinion at any stage before irreversible procedures are performed. A second provider can still evaluate whether remaining planned work is necessary, appropriately priced, and aligned with the patient’s clinical and financial goals.
About Dr. Berglass
Dr. Michael Berglass, a dedicated dentist with over 25 years of experience, specializes in dental implants, cosmetic, and general dentistry in Boynton Beach, Florida. A proud alumnus of Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (DDS, 1996), Dr. Berglass further honed his expertise with residencies in general practice and dental implants at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospital. His journey in dentistry has taken him from New York to North Carolina, and now to Florida, where he continues to offer top-notch dental care. Known for his wit and intellect, Dr. Berglass makes every patient's visit comfortable. A member of the American Dental Association and Florida Dentists' Association, he stays at the forefront of dental advancements. Dr. Berglass is committed to providing exceptional care and looks forward to welcoming you to his practice.
Reason To Smile
Phone
Address
2415 Quantum Blvd
Boynton Beach, FL 3342
Office Hours
Mon - Thurs: 8:30AM-5PM
Fri: 8:30AM-1PM
Sat - Sun: Closed
