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Having 4 cavities seems to be the buzz word for 2020. I have been seeing the dental practice for the last three years. The dental practice has four different associate dentist. I get three cleanings, checks up a year. Xrays once a year. No problems during the three years. Last year during one of the routine exams I was escorted to another room. Someone came into the room behind me and said "you have four cavities and need four crowns" and then left the room. I asked the dental assistant who was that and she said one of the dentist. I think getting a second opinion would be a good idea.
Having 4 cavities seems to be the buzz word for 2020. I have been seeing the dental practice for the last three years. The dental practice has four different associate dentist. I get three cleanings, checks up a year. Xrays once a year. No problems during the three years. Last year during one of the routine exams I was escorted to another room. Someone came into the room behind me and said "you have four cavities and need four crowns" and then left the room. I asked the dental assistant who was that and she said one of the dentist. I think getting a second opinion would be a good idea.
How do I go about getting a second opinion when I finally found a dentist that takes my insurance, he says I have 4 cavities. I haven't had a cavity since high school, now at 60 I suddenly have 4. I don't know whether to trust him or not. He took X-Rays and immediately said there were four cavities. Then proceeded to aggressively pick and spray water all over, giving me no time to close my mouth to suck the water up. He did the x rays and the cleaning with no assistant. And wants me to come back for a 2 hour appointment to do the 4 cavities. I think it is a newer practice funded by hhs but takes any insurance. Are these second rate facilities and would you go back?
I would consider it a red flag. Ask for a copy of your x-rays, and take them to a different dentist.
I'm in the position of having to look for a new dentist, after a recent move. One of the reviews for a highly recommended dentist said something along the lines of, "This dentist and staff are great! They really took care to make sure I was comfortable, took x-rays, and found a few cavities. Very thorough."
I'm not going to a dentist who finds several cavities right off the bat. Nope, not doing it. So far, I have an appointment in the fall with my old dentist in a neighboring state. If I have to, I'll drive the long drive and stay the night to have the appointment. But it would be best if I could find someone local who's trustworthy, just in case a rare emergency comes up, I'd have someone who could see me right away, if I'm already an established patient.
Still, OP, I assume your oral hygiene practices didn't change over the last year or 6 months, so I seriously doubt you have several cavities. Plus, the dentist didn't sound like his basic practices are up to par (e.g. not letting you rinse out).
And the accepted standard these days, is to show the patient the x-rays, and show where the cavities are located, so the patient can see for him/herself the discoloration. Don't believe a dentist who doesn't PROVE to you, that you have cavities, and that somehow by coincidence, ALL of them are so advanced, they require crowns. Cavities don't develop that fast to such an extent.
Location: Stuck on the East Coast, hoping to head West
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Ask for pictures. My dentist takes pictures of problem areas and shows me the issue. I don't know how this technology works, but I can clearly see any problem my dentist is talking about.
The bottom line is that if you don't feel comfortable (for whatever reason), move on. Dental care is stressful enough as it is.
Hi, At the age 60 You are likely to get some cavities due to less calcium in the body, You should figure it out by yourself whether their is any pain in your teeth or not, Dentists can detect it easily with the x-ray, All you need to do is trust your dentist.
While true that you lose some calcium as one ages, but since every person's situation (diet, exercise, genes, etc) is different, the OP might well have very healthy teeth. With the reputation of some dentists these days, it is best to seek additional opinion. At the very least, go with your instinct ... without X-ray proof to show otherwise, I would hold off on doing any extraordinary procedure. That's my own experience too over the years. I am 77 years old now.
We've been talking about this here. Several of my friends have had the experience of being told they need dental work on teeth that are ok.
I'd recommend a second opinion. If paying is an issue go to your nearest dental school or income-based clinic.
Edited to add:
I have dental insurance but go to the college dental school for all my basic maintenance. There are several reasons:
1. I'm an alumnus and it's a way to give something back.
2. It's less expensive.
3. I enjoy being in the environment of teaching and learning.
4. It's more thorough than a dentist. First you have the teacher (someone who has had experience) check and recommend. Then the student does the work and it is re-checked by the teacher. Finally a certified dentist comes and reviews the work and makes recommendations which go on your record..
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