Dental dilemma (long)

[Kristi1357]

I will try to make a long story shorter...

I have always had very good teeth. One cavity my whole life. I just hated my old dentist - actually the hygenist. My mouth always hurt so much after a cleaning, I could not bite down the rest of the day. So after 5 years with the old dentist, I finally stopped being lazy and signed up with a new dentist that my SIL loves.

I went to new dentist office yesterday. Was there 2 hours! They found (drumroll)... 18 cavities on 11 teeth!

So, I asked the new dentist how this could happen. I just had a routine cleaning at the old dentist 6 mos. ago. His reply was something to the effect of dentists having different philosophies. The old way was to wait for a cavity to be full-blown, then take care of it. The newer thinking is that when a small area turning into a full blown cavity is found, you should fix it now and not wait. He said the amalgam sticks better to the smaller area and why not fix a problem now - why wait until it's much bigger?

He even used a camera in my mouth and showed me the brown spots on my teeth on a monitor. I could see them, so I don't think he's making that up. He also had the hygenist then use a red laser thing to confirm their findings.

I guess I am just nervous since this was totally out of the blue for me. It's ALOT of money that I really don't have to spend right now. I think I am going to do some work each year until my $1k max. on the dental insurance runs out. Even then, my deductible and 20% is going to be pricey. He even recommended a nightguard since I have wear on my teeth from grinding. I am not doing that - I know it's expensive and I know I won't wear it.

The kicker is that I need all this work, but the next available appt. is not until March! Huh?

So, I guess I was hoping to get some opinions: is this new dentist just out to make a buck? Or was the old dentist that bad?

TIA,
Kristi

 

[EsmeraldaX]

If possible, I'd get a second opinion. Not from this guy or the old guy. But I hate to say it, it sounds like your first dentist was pretty bad, possibly even negligent.

 

[HollyJoy]

Hmmm....

That would be quite shocking! I think that I would definately get a second opinion. That's A LOT of work, and A LOT of money. Seems strange that they can't fit you in again until March to do it, too. They usually have different schedules for cleanings, and other procedures.

 

[DawnCt1]

I would do what ever I could to max out the dental insurance you have allotted for this year. If it means that they put you on a cancellation call list and you get called the last minute to go for a filling. Secondly, I would look for a third dentist; one who can definitively tell you that these brown spots are indeed cavities and not just discoloration. (I hate to be cynical) and then if he has availability, have him fill your teeth, up to your $1000.

 

[Tinks]

I would also get a second opinion. Brown spots are normal, especially if you have deeply grooved teeth. They don't always mean cavity. At least that's what I always thought.

 

[CEDmom]

I have to agree about getting a 2nd opinion. The March thing is really odd though. If the whole point is to fix these before they become a big deal than why would they make you wait until they may be a big deal ?

I do have to say that our dentist is quite aggressive when treating a potential cavity. I've even had sealent (sp?) put on a few teeth that he thought could become a problem.

 

[Kristi1357]

Thanks for the quick responses. I think I will start asking around for referrals to another dentist to get another opinion.

DH has an appt. to go for his cleaning at this new dentist next month. Wonder what they'll find for him!

I am also on a cancellation call list for an earlier appt. than next March. If I get this done, I would like to start this year and use some of this years $1k allotment.

 

[justjulie]

Your scenario sounds EXACTLY like ours. We switched dentists and they found 18 cavities in my husband's teeth. Needless to say he was shocked as he had just received an "all clear" from our previous dentist. I trust my new dentist so we went ahead with the work with a stipulation that only procedures covered by insurance were to be done at this time. I prefer the philosophy of filling it when it starts instead of waiting as it is less intrusive and less frightening for those who are dental phobic which is the case in my house.

He showed us the teeth in question on the oral camera and willingly offered to print them for a second opinion but we declined because we felt he was more thorough than the previous dentist had been.

Good luck!

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Definitely get another opinion. I've been to the dentist 4 times in the past month (and have another appt in 3 weeks) just to repair old silver fillings. I'm going broke and I'm sick of taking time off work. I hate dentists.

(just had to add my own little vent in there, lol)

 

[jel0511]

So, I asked the new dentist how this could happen. I just had a routine cleaning at the old dentist 6 mos. ago. His reply was something to the effect of dentists having different philosophies. The old way was to wait for a cavity to be full-blown, then take care of it. The newer thinking is that when a small area turning into a full blown cavity is found, you should fix it now and not wait. He said the amalgam sticks better to the smaller area and why not fix a problem now - why wait until it's much bigger?

This dentist is a fraud and out to make money. Yes, a brown spot MIGHT indicate a cavity, but not unless the area has begun to soften. A brown spot is just that a spot. My dentist tells me stories about all the dentists who try to make money filling brown spots, when they're not full-blown cavities yet. He used to be president of the state dental association, so he's heard a lot. I'd RUN as far as I could from this guy, as he's just trying to pad his bottom line by unnecessary fillings.

 

[CheshireVal]

This is embarrassing to admit, but I kind of..... er..... neglected going to the dentist after college because it was never a top priority of how to spend my money.

I was like you-- had only had one (maybe 2) cavities my whole life. The last time I had gone to a dentist was at the college health center and he said I had 8 cavities that needed to be filled!! I didn't trust it so I didn't return.

SEVEN years later, this past March, I finally made my way to the dentist again. This new dentist (recommended to me by a co-worker I trust) only found two very small cavities.

So..... I'd go with a second opinion. You just never know!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have to agree with the second opinion or 3rd if that what it takes since your bill is a possible $$$.

Growing up my parents took me to a dentist that was crude. He ruined my teeth. When I was in college I switched dentists and found out how poorly my teeth were taken care of. He NEVER cleaned my teeth. Grrr...grrr...I thought getting your teeth cleaned was "polishing".

Then I did switch to another dentist (my old dentist left) and I thought what the heck I get somebody closer. HE WAS PRICE GOUGING ME!!! Everytime I went back he had to "do" something.

Well I am back at my old office with a new dentist and happy. So yes be careful!

 

[Beth76]

Definitely get a second opinion. That seems very odd that they want you to wait 6 months to get cavities filled. That alone is cause to see a new dentist, IMO. Have your teeth been bothering you? I would think that if you had that many cavities, some of them would cause discomfort. I, too, have had sealants put on my teeth to prevent small holes from becoming cavities. And I pay for all of those out of pocket. I can't imagine why your first dentist wouldn't even suggest that to you. At the very least, he would be making more money off of you.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Originally posted by jel0511
This dentist is a fraud and out to make money. Yes, a brown spot MIGHT indicate a cavity, but not unless the area has begun to soften. A brown spot is just that a spot. My dentist tells me stories about all the dentists who try to make money filling brown spots, when they're not full-blown cavities yet. He used to be president of the state dental association, so he's heard a lot. I'd RUN as far as I could from this guy, as he's just trying to pad his bottom line by unnecessary fillings.

MTE! I don't believe for 5 seconds that the old Dentist missed 18 areas of decay. He is just shooting you a load of bull about fixing it earlier before it causes problems......Dentists DO NOT look at a small cavity and say "Hmmm...let's wait on this". I should know, my Dad is a Dentist and I work with him. This reeks of fraud to me.

 

[Kristi1357]

Ok, I am really thinking/believing this dentist just wants to increase his bottom line.

I am going to call my insurance and see if they'll cover some sort of second opinion - esp. since they are the ones that will be paying a big chunk of all this work. If not, it probably will be worth paying out of pocket for it.

At least I feel better now - knowing that I probably don't have 18 cavities to fill. THANKS!

 

[tiggersmom2]

I also wanted to point out that there are MANY different reasons for brown "spots" on the teeth, such as dental flourosis, tetracyclin staining and just regular pitting. These are NOT indicative of decay.

A small cavity is usually NOT brown in color but rather white. The first stages are demineralization of the enamel structure - this causes a "white spot", NOT a brown spot.!

 

[Kristi1357]

Ok, I am totally convinced!

Anyone know any reputable dentists in southern NH?

 

[Dr. Quack]

Be very cautious! I found a new dentist a few years ago and thought he was taking very good care of my teeth. Yeah, I was shelling out some major bucks for gingivoplasty and scalings (my teeth were in bad shape because I am a dental coward), bondings, new fillings, etc.

Then came the shock -- my insurance carrier dropped him like a hot potato! Seems he was overbilling and performing tons of unnecessary procedures.

I ended up with 2 new crowns from him (big bucks). My new new dentist had to cut one away because it was done so poorly. The nerve in the tooth became infected and I had to have my first root canal. The tooth was so sensitive, the dentist had to drop novacaine on it throughout the procedure so I would stay in the chair and not leap out the 16th floor window (from the pain).

Anyway, my old dentist was padding his bottom line and probably using me and other patients to pay for home improvements. Grr! While my mouth is not perfect, my new dentist does only what's necessary. My teeth may not be pretty, but they are now in fairly good shape and my credit cards don't get maxed out with every visit.

 

[Tinks]

I wanted to add that my mouth used to hurt like heck after cleanings, too. Then I became a regular flosser. You would not believe the difference! Regular flossing makes your gums strong and that makes for lots less pain at/after cleaning. So floss everyday people!

 

[ksjayhawks]

Similar experience. When we moved, I went to a new dentist and he found 20plus cavitities!! Had been going to our old dentist in former town for over 9 years and he never mentioned that I needed this much work. The new dentist and his staff insisted that it was all necessary, needed to be done right now, etc.

Talked to a lot of people and found a new dentist. Went to him--did not say a thing about what had happened. Well, guess what--my teeth were fine except for one old cavity that needed to be replaced! Told my new dentist what had happened at filliang appointment and he got out the xrays and looked and looked--called in another dentist to look at them. Couldn't believe what had happened!

Later learned that the first dentist did this to a lot of people. Unfortunately some people fell for it and had unnecessary work done. This dentist also pushed the expensive teeth whitening.

I would go to a second dentist, but not say anything. Just let him examine your teeth. Ask around for recommendations.

Agree about the flossing! It makes a huge difference! You can also "brush" your gums with a dry toothbrush.

Good luck.