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Thread: TEN cavities?!!

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    Featured Member Kaiyla's Avatar
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    Default TEN cavities?!!

    I recently decided to suck up my deep-rooted fear of dentists and went to went for a cleaning. I really liked dentist, GREAT bedside manner and everyone in the office was super-friendly as well. He took x-rays of my teeth and told me that I have TEN cavities and need a root canal. Needless to say, I'm f*cking terrified of both the physical and financial pain that will ensue. A root canal is my worst nightmare.
    Strange thing is, I had a dental student give me an exam a month ago and he told me that I had only five cavities. I know he was a student, and my dentist is an experienced professional but my best friend told me that since she works for one, she knows they can be really greedy and to "watch out," and that 10 cavities is a little excessive espescially after the dental student told me I had only five.
    Again, I really like this dentist, I just have severe trust issues with both dentists and mechanics. I've watched one too many 20/20 specials! I don't want to be naive ad shell out $3,000. unless I KNOW my teeth are in need of this. Would a dentist ever tell you that you need more dental work than you really do or am I just being paranoid??

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    Member Erika_FL's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Sorry to hear that, last year i had 9 bondings changed because most of them were old silver ones, had 2 root canals few years back and it wasnt bad at all the worst part was the injection then i didnt feel a thing and after I didnt even have to take any of the pain killers they gave me and I'm a big baby when it comes to pain.

    I would get a second opinion, just go to another dentist for a checkup dont tell them you are just getting a second opinion, let them do the x ray not just look in your mouth because most cavities you cant even see. I'm not sure about the amount of the radiation you get with 2 x rays, you should ask someone who knows just to make sure its not too much.
    Good luck

  3. #3
    StrayStripper
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Kaiyla View Post
    Would a dentist ever tell you that you need more dental work than you really do or am I just being paranoid??
    Yes. This has happened to me. Please get a second opinion.

    One dentist said that I had 8 cavities and I let him drill. He wanted to do 2 root canals but I passed on that. Something went wrong and I brought my x-rays to another dentist. She said that I had none to begin with.

    When I moved, I went to a new dentist who said my front teeth were rotting. I got another opinion. My front teeth are fine.

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    God/dess LAChloe's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    I would definitely get a second opinion. Especially for $3k.

    **I see you are located in So Cal. Have you thought of going to one of those Western Dental Centers? My friend went there to have her wisdom teeth taken out and some other dental work and saved over $2k. Shop around.

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    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Dental students usually aren't thoroughly trained enough for the "subtle teeth", such as the back molars, as well a sthe front top teeth. Usually, they only know how to test the main teeth, where they can discover the cavities fromt he top or bottom of the tooth. The front teeth and far back ones are more subtle, and cavities can only be discovered by checking other areas.

    I had a dental student tell me I was just fine. Three different dentists discovered over 9 cavities.

    10 cavities is certainly possible, especially if you don't go to the dentist regularly. Get a second opinion if it makes you more comfortable, but it is more than likely that you really do have that many.

    And don't worry too much about the root canal. I've had plenty (I inherited rotten teeth) and really, the only part that was even mildly uncomfortable was just having my mouth open, but even that was mild.

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    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    it is possible that you have 10 cavities, but also possible that he's unethetical. If it were me, I'd get a 2nd opinion.

  7. #7
    Vivacious
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Definitely get a second opinion or at least research to make sure this dentist is the best.

    One thing I never understood is that the resin stuff they can stick in your teeth due to a cavity eventually breaks. Mine only lasted three years, then I started developing a cavity under that because of the cracks (I grind a little at night). So believe me, an excellent dentist is so, so important. Gold is what will really last, although it does cost more.

    Really do your homework, get referrals, especially if you're got that many cavities. Since you liked that dentist, do a search on him if you can to get more information. See if he even does gold fillings. I know you may want to save money, but in my opinion, I don't want to be messing around with cavities that need to be replaced when I'm old. Feel free to PM me if you need to bounce off ideas.

    I did get my root canals done by a cheaper dentist, and that turned out just fine. But he did a crummy job with the fillings. Thankfully I found an excellent dentist after that.

  8. #8
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Get a second opinion, and DON'T go to Western Dental! They are the unethical Jiffy Lube of dental chains. Their staff don't know what they're doing and they pull stunts to cheat you. Though didn't you see my dentist? I trust him and he's gone out of his way to save me money before.

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    Featured Member Kaiyla's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Yek I DID see your dentist. That's the tough part, I REALLY liked him. Excellent bedside manner. I just have some serious trust issues and wondered if it would be better to get two opinions. Regardless of what I find out, even if it's seven cavities, I'd still like him to the the work, as he was super gentle with the one filling he did 2 weeks ago.
    Gold fillings...thanks for the heads up, Vivacious.
    Dental issues sure do stink!!

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    God/dess FrustratedBunny's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    A second opinion couldn't hurt. I sure know it's hard finding a good dentist. When I moved to FL I went to one and it was such an awful experience I didn't even let them X-ray me and I jsut left without paying or even finishing half of the exam. I literally was crying it was so awful.

    I have been seeing the same Dentist in New Orleans for YEARS. I decided after that that I would just keep seeing him even if I had to wait. So now I'm back in N.O. and seeing my old dentist again. He is SOOOO nice and honest and great I hope he lives forever!

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    Veteran Member BlueJeanBaby's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Kaiyla View Post
    Would a dentist ever tell you that you need more dental work than you really do or am I just being paranoid??
    Yup, this happened to me. Before I moved to Arizona I had this really great dentist ever since I was a kid. She was awesome and the best dentist our family had seen...on my last visit she said I had no cavities, that everything looked great and to keep up the good work.

    I move to Arizona and go to my 6 month check up with a new dentist. His dental hygienist examined me first...said everything looked great, as far as she could tell there were no cavities and again, to keep up the good work and praised me for the condition of my teeth.

    Dentist (he was new and had all this uneccessary high tech shit) comes in and decides I need to have 4 or 5 (i don't remember) fillings. Huuh???? I got a bad vibe from him anyway cuz right away he was asking wierd questions like "sooo, uh, was that you HUSBAND that came in last week??" what?? I was a teenager at the time..

    (btw i got a second opinion and my teeth were fine.)

    so yeah, get a second opinion and be careful. Some dentists are snakes and are just trying to get extra money out of you.
    "You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."
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    God/dess Embyr's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    It's PLAusible he's being unethical.... but if it's been a while since you've gone and you haven't necessarily been treating your teeth w/ loving care... yeah, 10 is definitely possible. Did you read my thread (a few months back) about what I needed after two years of no dentistry and many years of bulimia?? 3 root canals, 2 gum surgeries, 5 cavities, and something else... urgh. and they missed a tooth, too... it'll need a root canal by next year, I'm sure. By thirty I hope I have a large enough income to ask for a mouth full of veneers so I don't have to worry anymore.

    So... yeah. Depending on how you treat your teeth...

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    God/dess Lena's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Do your teeth hurt? If you're not in any pain, it's doubtful that you have ten cavities and need two root canals, I think.



  14. #14
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    This same dentist will work with you if you're broke. He knows I haven't got any money, and he'll tell me I've got cavities and which ones can wait. Once I needed a root canal but I couldn't afford it, so he took the extra time to fill it instead (or something that was cheaper and required more care, I forget) and managed it. He probably should, I've bought him a yacht already, but if you've got awful teeth like mine he will work with you to prioritize and save money. He's a good guy, the only dentist I've ever liked.

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    God/dess Jenny's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    It possible but unlikely that he is just lying. It's more likely that you just have 10 cavities that haven't reached the nerve yet. Usually, if you intimate to your dentist that you are paying cash, and that finance is an issue they will resist the padding, and save it for their insured patients. The likely reason for the differential is that the dental student "wasn't counting" the minor, insignificant cavities.
    I have taught that the sky in all its zones is mortal and its substance was formed by a process of birth

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    God/dess kitana's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Embyr View Post

    So... yeah. Depending on how you treat your teeth...
    It's not always how you treat them, sometimes it genetics too.

    My poor sweet dear husband brushes 3x a day, flosses daily as well as mouthwash and still has MAJOR problems. His teeth rot from the inside out. It is genetic in his family. His Dad, grandpa (dad's side), and greatgrandpa all had issues, as well as his brother.

    It's to the point he had to have a waiver for the Army for his teeth, but he got the waiver, and they will be fixing them all (damaged or not) with crowns or if needed implants.

    I know it bothers him, but I see him for him, not just his teeth, and actually his disposition has changed so much since he found out they will be fixing them, lol. I can only imagine what a self esteem booster it will be for him when they are fixed!

    He will be leaving soon, and getting an "Extreme Makeover" Army style, lol! New smile, and 20lbs or so of lean muscle and a new haircut, my baby will be a stud, lol!
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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  17. #17
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Teeth are definitely genetic. If you've got British blood, odds are your teeth are fucked. My dad's side of the family all have awful teeth, despite taking excellent care of them; I've got the same problem, I brush and floss twice a day and avoid stressing my teeth and get regular checkups and cleaning, but they still give me no end of grief and I live in constant dental pain (I don't really notice it much anymore because I'm used to it). Grrr. Wish I hadn't gotten that gene.

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    Featured Member aviendha's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    If it makes the OP feel any better, I had 7 cavities after years and years of not going to the dentist (for no good reason, either, I was insured!). I didn't need a root canal (though it was close with my largest cavity) but I did have 4 fillings done on one day and three on another. I was terrified, and practically levitating off the chair with nerves, but the visit was a total snap. I didn't even feel a thing. On the second visit, I even fell asleep in the chair while he was working! And that's saying something. Dental procedure has come a long way!

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    Featured Member Kaiyla's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    ^That is SO what I need to hear right now. I am really dreading the root canal.

    Strange thing, Yek. There is also the same named dental company over here in Studio City. Apprently, it's Dr. G's brother. A co-worker RAVED about a dentist who is not related to either doctor but works in the Studio City office. I called up and asked how much they would charge for a root canal and they said approx $500 for the root canal, $100 for the post, and $550 for the crown. That's $1150. altogether.
    The Dr. G office in Hollywood was going to charge me $1625. for the root canal, crown and post. So I called his secretary (she's so sweet) and she said she would kick the price down to $1325.
    Still...the Studio City Dr. G office is cheaper. Strange though, I thought.
    So for now, I think I'll cancel the root canal scheduled for next Wednesday. I scheduled an appointment with the studio city office. I'll get the root canal done there probably.
    If they also tell me I have 10 cavities, I'll get them done at the Hollywood Dr. G because I really did like him.

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    Featured Member aviendha's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    BTW, I paid about $150 per filling for composite (white) fillings. Most of that was covered by insurance, but with the price you're quoting, and with 10 fillings for composite, you're coming in at around $3K, which IMHO seems like a fair price. I definitely would recommend spending the extra money on the composite, too--it looks so much better than the metal.

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    Newbie misspoppy's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Genetics are definitely a factor...my dad is British, and my mom has weak teeth. I also have a sweet tooth. Despite always taking care of my teeth, I have had the following in the last 30 years:

    - At least 60 fillings
    - 1 root canal + crown
    - 2 frenectomies
    - all wisdom teeth removed
    - gum surgery (grafts on 10 lower teeth)
    - braces

    Plus other oral surgery. Whee. Anyway, 10 isn't that bad. I was once told I had 20 cavities (after I had my braces removed) and a couple years ago I was told I had 22. I hadn't been to the dentist in years because I was afraid...I could SEE some of the cavities so I knew they were there. Once a dentist tried to fill it and it would just not freeze...so I left it for years. Stupid.

    Anyway, sure get a second opinion. I have a great dentist now, I'm lucky. I just wish my teeth would cooperate. Either I don't do enough (and get cavities) or I do too much (and end up needing gum surgery). Blah. At least my teeth look okay - I wish I could get them whitened but I have too many surface fillings...so if I want whiter teeth I would have to get veneers.

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    Newbie misspoppy's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    P.S. When I got my root canal, I felt absolutely nothing. It hurt before and after (the after effects were unusual in my case)...but the procedure itself was painless. Just go to someone who really gives a shit if you feel any pain

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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    I feel for you. I have about the same number of cavities. I have never had this many at one time before. I'm scared, too, because I hate dentists and doctors. *cringes* I know it's common to say root canals are horrible, but I've actually heard they aren't always as bad as they're made out to be. As it has already been said, just make sure your dentist is concerned about making sure you don't feel anymore pain than you have to. A second opinion wouldn't hurt if you can afford it. Sadly, I don't have any insurance, which is why I am going to a place with a sliding scale and my options are limited. I have to just go with this. Some dentists will lie to you and try to do unecessary work for extra money, but it is possible your friend didn't see some cavities because they were between your teeth. Did your dentist do x-rays? Some of my cavities are in between my teeth, so they had to do x-rays to see them.

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    Featured Member Kaiyla's Avatar
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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    Yeah he did x-rays and said he saw some on the x-rays but then he said he could see others with his eyes. I have an app with another dentist this Fri to get a second opinion. If she says I have ten cavities too, I will go back to Dr. G (the first dentist) because he filled a cavity and I felt NO pain. I trust him pain-wise..I think. I hope

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    Default Re: TEN cavities?!!

    i cant really sympathize with the part about dentists screwing you over since i've been going to the same one since i was a baby, but i had 6 cavities at once before. i hate the dentist.. novicaine shots make me faint & its just not a fun time. i'm sorry you have to go through this!

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