New dentist four new cavities, is the dentist trying to get more money?
I live in California and had to move upstate because of a job change. For me to stay with my original dentist, I would need to drive at least three hours one way. I was not keen on having to find a new dentist but I felt I had no choice. A few days ago I went in to see the new dentist for a check up and cleaning that I was due for. After the X-rays were taken he then tells me that I have four cavities. Three small ones and one that should be taken care of as soon a possible.
My previous dentist never saw any cavities in fact I have not had a cavity since my baby teeth. I take care of my teeth by brushing and flossing the required amount. I saw my previous dentist about 8 months ago. I was running a little late on my 6 month check up because of the move. I do not believe I could go from having no cavities, to having four in 8 months when nothing changed other then the dentist. At this point I have not had anything done.
Can anyone advise me if they see this as a scam too, or give me advise on why this may be possible.
New dentist four new cavities, is the dentist trying to get more money?,
Wednesday, Sep. 30th 2009 3:10 PM at 3:10 pm
It is possible to develop cavities in a short time period. In an eight months a lot can happen. You stated that you where in the process of moving. Maybe with the move you did slack on the care that you normally would provide to your teeth. You could have done that without even noticing.
Wednesday, Sep. 30th 2009 3:25 PM at 3:25 pm
Trust with your dentist is important. This can be hard to do sometimes when you are leaving a dentist you care for to one you do not even know. It seems to me that you have lost your trust with this new dentist. Possibly you do have the four cavities but since this dentist is new to you, you are finding it hard to believe.
Here is my suggestion to your problem. Get your second opinion at your prior dentist. You do not have to drive three hours to do this. Ask your new dentist for your X-rays and have them send to your previous dentist for his review. This way you can get your second opinion from the dentist you know an like.
Wednesday, Sep. 30th 2009 3:41 PM at 3:41 pm
X-rays is a useful tool, but may not catch the small cavities on one teeth. Eight months ago you may not have had any of these cavities for your prior dentist to have notice.
You may only feel better when you get a second opinion, however do not take long in getting one. You may indeed have the four cavities, if so they will only get worse the long you take to fix them.
Wednesday, Sep. 30th 2009 4:06 PM at 4:06 pm
Wow did you even stop to consider that it was your previous dentist that did not notice your cavities. Maybe the new dentist that know what he is talking about. You think the dentist is trying to get more money out of you by making up cavities? I highly doubt it. It is more likely, your first dentist did not see the start of the cavities you have now or they were not there at the time.
Normally when a dentist takes X-rays, you see them as the dentist points out any cavity or cavities you may have. Guessing the dentist did this, are you saying the X-rays are wrong?
If your dentist did not show you your X-rays, ask him to point out where the cavities are to you. If after that you still feel that the dentist is not being truthful to you, it may be best to choose a different dentist.
Call up your prior dentist and see if he can refer any one to you.