Not Happy With Your Timonium Dentist? What to Do Next

If you are not happy with your Timonium dentist, you have three real options: talk it through with your current office, get a second opinion on a specific plan, or switch. Which one makes sense depends on what is bothering you. A single frustrating visit is often worth a conversation, while a pattern of rushed care, unexplained treatment or surprise costs is a good reason to look elsewhere.

This guide walks through the most common complaints about dental care, what to try first for each one, what to look for if you decide to move on, and how the office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS in Timonium handles those same concerns.

Start by naming what bothers you

“I don’t like my dentist” is hard to act on. “My cleanings feel rushed” or “I never know what things will cost” is much easier. Before you decide anything, try to put your frustration into one sentence. It will help you ask the right questions, whether you stay or go.

Common complaints, and what to do about each

“My appointments feel rushed”

Try first: tell the office you have questions and ask whether a longer appointment is possible.

Look for: an office that schedules enough time. At Dr. Haywood’s office, appointments are scheduled with room to breathe, so you are never rushed, and cleaning appointments last a full 60 minutes.

“I don’t understand why I need this treatment”

Try first: ask to see the X-ray or photo that shows the problem, and ask what happens if you wait.

Look for: recommendations that come with evidence. Here, X-rays appear on screen and intraoral cameras zoom in on each section of your mouth, so you see what Dr. Haywood sees. For more on how that works, read how Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS plans your dental care.

“The treatment plan feels too big”

Try first: ask which items are urgent and which can safely wait, and whether a more conservative option exists.

Look for: a plan that separates now from later and keeps as much natural tooth as possible. Where the damage allows, a filling, inlay or onlay comes before a crown. If the plan is for dental implants, a second opinion here is always complimentary.

“The bill surprised me”

Try first: ask for the cost of each step before it begins, and ask how insurance and payment will work.

Look for: costs explained up front. The team walks you through what needs doing, what can safely wait and exactly what it costs, before anything begins, and Kelley Fisher, the Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, is the go-to for treatment plans, insurance questions and financing. Read making the cost of dental treatment manageable.

“My dental work doesn’t feel right”

Try first: go back. A treated tooth that touches before your other teeth usually needs a simple bite adjustment, and a rough edge can often be smoothed.

Look for: if problems keep coming back, a careful second look at the work itself. See signs of quality dental care.

“I get anxious, and nobody seems to notice”

Try first: say it plainly at the start of the visit. Many offices can do more once they know.

Look for: an office that plans around anxiety. Here, laughing gas is offered as a complimentary service, and oral conscious sedation is available. The spa-like office offers paraffin wax hand treatments and aromatherapy. See sedation dentistry.

“I can’t get in when something hurts”

Try first: ask your office how emergencies are handled before you need one.

Look for: a clear emergency policy. Dr. Haywood is available for true dental emergencies for existing patients and their friends and families, and new patients with emergency needs are seen on weekdays during normal business hours, based on availability. Call as early in the day as you can. See emergency dental care.

“I see someone different every visit”

Try first: ask whether you can book with the same dentist and hygienist each time.

Look for: continuity. At this practice you see the same familiar faces at every visit, so you never have to explain yourself twice.

“My questions about materials get brushed off”

Try first: ask directly what your fillings and crowns are made of.

Look for: a real answer. Dr. Haywood never uses amalgam fillings, avoids nickel and bisphenol plastics, and restores teeth with non-toxic, biocompatible materials. Learn about holistic dentistry.

When to talk it through, and when to switch

It is usually worth speaking up first when:

• It was one bad visit rather than a pattern
• You have never told the office what bothers you
• You trust the dentist but not a particular policy or schedule

It is usually time to switch when:

• The same problem continues after you have raised it
• You feel pressured into treatment you don’t understand
• Your questions are dismissed rather than answered
• You have concerns about cleanliness or safety
• You simply dread going, and it is keeping you from care

How a second opinion works

A second opinion lets you check a specific recommendation without leaving your current dentist. Bring your records, recent X-rays and the treatment plan you were given. Expect the new dentist to examine you as well: if you haven’t seen a dentist recently, the standard of care requires the necessary X-rays and a thorough exam before treatment. Second opinions on dental implant plans are always complimentary at this practice.

Meet Dr. Steven Haywood

Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS has more than 35 years of experience caring for smiles across Timonium, Towson and the greater Baltimore area. Dr. Haywood graduated with distinction from the University of Detroit dental school in 1987 and completed a U.S. Air Force advanced residency, with later training at NYU’s Aesthetic Continuum and the Peter Dawson Institute. Dr. Haywood is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and an Elite Invisalign Provider.

General, cosmetic, restorative, orthodontic and implant care all happen in one office at Timonium Green, and the practice holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 147 reviews, as of September 2026. Read what patients say on the testimonials page, or meet the doctor.

If you decide to switch

Switching is simpler than most people expect. Request copies of your records and X-rays from your current office, complete your new patient forms online and bring a list of your questions. For a full checklist, read switching dentists in Timonium, and for ideas on what to ask, see questions to ask when choosing a dentist. If you are coming from the city, not happy with your Baltimore dentist? covers the drive.

Paying for your care

The practice is out of network with all dental insurance companies. You pay at the time of your visit, and the office files the claim on your behalf so your plan can reimburse you for what it covers. Health savings and flex plans are welcome, and financing is available through CareCredit, with no-interest options for up to 12 months, and Cherry, with payment plans from 3 to 24 months. See financing options.

Frequently asked questions

Is it rude to switch dentists?

No. Your dental care is your decision. You only need to request copies of your records; explaining why you are leaving is up to you.

Can I get a second opinion without switching?

Yes. A second opinion checks a specific recommendation, and you can stay with your current dentist afterward. Bring your X-rays and the plan you were given.

What are the office hours?

Monday 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Tuesday 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Thursday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM to 4 PM. The office is closed on weekends.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. New patients are always welcome. Call (410) 453-9399 or request an appointment online.

Find a Timonium dentist you are happy with

Dental care works best when you trust the person providing it. Request an appointment or call (410) 453-9399. The office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS is at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, Timonium, MD 21093, convenient to Lutherville, Cockeysville, Towson and Hunt Valley. Find more articles on the blog.