A Second Opinion Before a Root Canal or Extraction

If you’ve been told a tooth needs a root canal, a retreatment, or an extraction, a second look can be worthwhile before you commit. Extraction is permanent. A second opinion is not.

We welcome second opinions at Lowry Endodontics. No referral is needed. We’ll give you an honest assessment, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide what’s next.

Some patients leave with a treatment date. Some leave with a monitoring plan and a tooth that does not need to be opened. To us, both outcomes are a successful visit.

When a Second Opinion Makes Sense

A second look is often useful when:

  • You’ve been told the tooth should come out and be replaced with an implant
  • A tooth that already had a root canal still hurts
  • You have a cracked tooth and want a careful diagnosis
  • The pain you’re feeling doesn’t seem to match what you were told
  • You want more time and a careful look before moving ahead with a large treatment plan

A second opinion is ordinary, responsible care. It doesn’t mean anyone did something wrong. It means you want a clear picture before you decide. Our practice is built for rescuing teeth that were deemed unsalvageable.

What Happens at the Visit

Your first visit is an evaluation. We listen to what you’re feeling and perform a thorough evaluation. Dr. Karmali uses the highest resolution 3D imaging (CBCT) when it’s clinically indicated, along with an operating microscope. Then he’ll walk you through what he sees and give you an honest assessment of all of your treatment options, including no treatment at all.

We can usually see you within a day or two, and we’ll help you register online.

If a root canal is the right next step, you can read what to expect at your visit.

Possible Outcomes

After the evaluation, the next step might be:

We’ll explain the realistic options for your tooth. Not every painful tooth needs a root canal, and not every tooth can be saved. Likewise, not every compromised tooth needs to be extracted. Our first goal is to keep your natural tooth when that’s a sound option.

Cost and Insurance

A comprehensive evaluation and consultation is $195. That includes the clinical exam, necessary diagnostics, and 2D radiographs. A CBCT 3D scan, if it’s clinically indicated, is $240. Root canal treatment starts at $1,700, depending on complexity.

Because of the time we spend with each patient, we’re fee-for-service and out of network. Payment is due at the time of service. We file your insurance claim and do the hard work. Your insurance reimbursement goes directly to you. See our Financial Policy for details.

Finding Us

Patients come to us from Lowry, Aurora, Cherry Creek, Glendale, DTC and all over Colorado and beyond. We’re at 495 Uinta Way, Suite 140, Denver, CO 80230, in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood, with free parking in our lot. You can also see our page for patients coming from nearby.

We’re open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and closed Friday through Sunday.

We Work With Your Dentist

We’ll share what we find with your dentist so they stay in the loop. You’ll see Dr. Rahim Karmali.

Ready to schedule a second opinion? Call (303) 363-7668. No referral needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for a second opinion? No. We accept self-referrals, so you can call us directly at (303) 363-7668 to set up an evaluation.

Will my dentist be upset? Second opinions are a normal part of care. We’ll share our findings with your dentist so they stay informed.

What does a second opinion cost, and do you take my insurance? The evaluation is $195. A CBCT 3D scan, if it’s needed, is $240. We’re fee-for-service and out of network. We file your insurance claim, and reimbursement goes to you. See our Financial Policy.

What if you agree the tooth should come out? If the tooth can’t be predictably saved, we’ll tell you that honestly and explain your options. Our first goal is to keep your natural tooth when that’s a sound option.

Can you look at a tooth that already had a root canal? Yes. That’s a common reason people come for a second look. If the tooth needs more work, retreatment is often the next step.

How soon can I be seen? We can usually see you within a day or two, and we’ll help you register online.