Question:  Each time I go see my dentist, he tells me that I need a gum graft.  I have  asked few people, that I know  and they they said that their dentist has also been bothering them to have this larger dental treatment,  however, they do not do it.     I feel the same cause my teeth  and gums do not hurt me.  Yet my dentist told me one year ago that I have to do it before another  year goes by.  Another problem is that I am a student with little money and no dental insurance. So I was wondering if other people were in the same position as me or if you had done a graft before, and is it worth it?

Answer:  I always try and take the stand point that a no dentist will suggest you have dental work that is not necessary.   If you are really worried about whether or not you need this type of dental care,  here is a suggestion.

If possible buy a low cost HMO dental insurance plan.  Most HMO dental insurance plan run around 10 – 20 dollars a month and they provide free preventive dental treatments. That means you can see a different dentist for a second opinion and get Free X-rays, Office Visit and Basic Cleaning as well as see if this different dentist advises they same type of dental care as the one you have been currently seeing.

This website offers HMO dental insurance plans in most states so I suggest reviewing our dental insurance options we have available for your review.   Then even if a new dentist  dose suggest the same treatment,  you will then have some insurance in force to hopefully help you with the cost if you decide to have the dental care render.

Another option is to get a second dental opinion at a dental clinic or dental school. In many cases dental clinics and school adjust their cost based on what you can afford to pay.  The point is I think that unless the people you asked for their opinions are dentist,  I think getting a second opinion by a dentist would only benefit you and your oral health care.