https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 10:29:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2809650 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 18:21:27 +0000 SweetiePie 2809650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>ETA: whoops just saw that this was a few days old and you updated. Good for you!<br /> I agree that it can’t hurt to get a second opinion. I know it seems like a pain in the ass to schedule another appointment when you have an already busy schedule, but it could save you multiple appointments! If you did all of the work at this dentist recommends. I also went to a new dentist several years ago and he recommended something called an overlay or an onlay? Basically he said that my one cavity was so large that he had to put almost like a cap or something on top of it. Well he did it but he did it incorrectly and I had to take an international trip with a messed up tooth. Additionally I switch dentist after that and when he saw the onlay he asked why I had it. I told him and he thought it was absolutely ridiculous. In that case I really wish I had gotten a second opinion. Oh! And I forgot that I didn’t have great dental insurance at the time so I ended up having to pay over thousand dollars out-of-pocket. For something that wasn’t necessary and ended up being done incorrectly! I was floored. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2809593 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:08:01 +0000 Mama Bird 2809593@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Museum: only one! So great that you went for a second opinion! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2809494 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 10:47:25 +0000 josina 2809494@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Museum: Thats great!<br /> This has actually made me question the dentist I used when I had the 8 fillings after college ... they also mentioned I had receding gums and bite issues. I never even thought to question it since insurance covered it.</p> <p>Since then no dentist has mentioned a receding gum line, bite issues, and my current dentist says I'm fine only coming in once a year because I have good teeth! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2809485 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 10:25:08 +0000 Mrs. Museum 2809485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I did end up getting the second opinion, and the new dentist, after taking a much more thorough look at my mouth said I only have ONE cavity. He told me he was really glad that I came in, because the other five (!!!) fillings would have been totally unnecessary. I'm so glad I went with my gut on this one, and I wanted to thank everyone for their excellent advice. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808557 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 15:51:04 +0000 DesertDreams88 2808557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd get a 2nd opinion. </p> <p>I love my current dentist office, but I had my first-ever cavity a year ago, and it was so shallow and small that they didn't even need to use any pain-numbing medication during the filling..... so looking back, I question if that was a real / serious cavity. But maybe they wanted to be proactive and tackle it before it spread?</p> <p>Also, my wisdom teeth never grew in, and I am missing a molar, and my 2 dentists have never mentioned extractions or implants. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808551 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 14:49:53 +0000 Corduroy 2808551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Museum: I think you’re smart to go to the dentist before TTC.</p> <p>When I moved away from home and went to my first dentist on my own insurance they found 8 cavities. I had them all filled without a second opinion. The next dentist I saw said the first dentist must have been using me to finance a new car with all the unnecessary fillings. Most have been needed to be redone. I’m ashamed that my parents worked so hard to instill good dental habits and I screwed it up all in one bad decision. In retrospect I really wish I got a second opinion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808549 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 14:42:19 +0000 Mama Bird 2808549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There is no harm in getting a second opinion, especially when you've supposedly gone from no cavities to needing implants in two years. My cavities grow fast, but I've had bad teeth all my life. If you don't have this kind of history, definitely take this claim with a grain of salt. Also, implants are the most work-intensive and expensive intervention I know of, and it's a red flag they're going straight to that option rather than filings or root canals.</p> <p>FWIW, I was told by one dentist that I need gum surgery. He did my cleanings for a couple of years, and kept asking if I want to go for it. I'm so glad I was too grossed out to take his recommendation - when someone recommended a new dentist to me, she fixed the problem with a change of toothpaste and a recipe for a herbal rinse. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808548 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 14:28:17 +0000 Tanjowen 2808548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Museum: Absolutely get a second opinion. I have terrible recession around my molars and when I had work done prior to TTC, the first periodontist wanted to do implants right away and started talking payment plans, etc. I went to another periodontist and she was very against yanking out healthy teeth and instead put me on a maintenance program and injected antibiotics into my gums and worked very hard to get my gums/bone density healthy. I still see her every few months and still have all my teeth 6 years later. </p> <p>Also, at least with my dental insurance, implants are considered cosmetic and not covered, no matter the reason behind them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808540 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:30:18 +0000 agold 2808540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have always had cavity prone teeth, and have even had a root canal and a crown. I still get very overwhelmed by any news of anything like a cavity. I wouldn't be so concerned about some cavities. But the extractions and implants are serious enough that I would for sure go get a second opinion. </p> <p>In my experience, some doctors are more conservative than others. I had an HMO insurance plan as a kid (not sure if that makes a difference) but I was constantly getting fillings and thats where the root canal and crown were done. When I graduated from college and got my own insurance, I paid for a PPO dentist plan. When I left my childhood dentist, I still have like 6 fillings planned for my next visit. When I went to my new PPO dentist, he said nothing needed to be done. Even now, if I get a small cavity, he says just hold off on it for a bit. So dentists really do have all different kinds of approaches. For implants and extractions, for sure get a second opinion. Best of luck. And FYI - the dentist can prescribe a Valium for you before any kind of serious procedure like extractions. I'd not a softie, but I for sure needed that Valium before my follow up root canal I had to have done because my childhood dentist didn't do it right. Ugh. Best of luck. I hope you have a great dentist! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808531 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:20:41 +0000 bhbee 2808531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We got a second opinion once for dh when the recommendation seemed extreme. The new dentist did it for free which was nice (he had a reputation for being really patient focused - and they did get our business!). I think there are definitely dentists trying to maximize profit so go with your gut. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808529 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:10:34 +0000 petitenoisette 2808529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely get a second opinion just for peace of mind. </p> <p>Regarding the wisdom teeth /implant, I am also missing a molar and have two upper wisdom teeth that have never been removed (and are way up in my jaw). My dentist has just noted that eventually I will probably need the molar above the missing one extracted and then they’d probably just take out the wisdom teeth at the same time. But no rush on this bc nothing is bothering me. I can’t imagine getting a molar implant instead, that just seems like a huge expense for something that isn’t much of an issue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808526 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:06:51 +0000 catlady 2808526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Museum: So tough. I think based on what you said, I'd probably try to get the second opinion. Sounds like life is hectic now, but getting a second opinion might end up being easier than having to follow-up on a ton of potentially unnecessary dental work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808517 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:49:33 +0000 JCCovi 2808517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A few years ago, after skipping the dentist for several years I was told I had 4 cavities. They had found 2 in my husband’s and he wasn’t happy with his bite after they filled them so I decided to go to another dentist for the fillings. I didn’t look on it as a second opinion since I didn’t doubt that I had cavities after so many years. However, the new dentist only found 1! That was years ago and I haven’t had any since, so the first dentist was definitely wrong!</p> <p>That being said, a second opinion can’t hurt! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808505 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:27:53 +0000 josina 2808505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Museum: I feel like if the wisdom teeth and missing molar aren't actually bothering you then there's no reason to do anything about that, it does seem like she's pushing a lot on you.<br /> Maybe some of those 'cavities' are the deep grooves your previous dentist mentioned and this new dentist just obviously doesn't know your teeth. Can your old dentist transfer your old xrays, that might help? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808501 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:22:57 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2808501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think getting a second opinion is smart - it's really just making sure the recommended treatment plan is one that a second dentist agrees on. It does sound scary with the extractions and implants, but it sounds like she's trying to take a phased approach. If your dentist hasn't taken x-rays in a while, the cavities very well could have been missed. When I switched from my childhood dentist to my current dentist, they found 8 cavities. I don't think my childhood dentist was very good as I was seen by a few different dentists in that practice and they all agreed based off of my X-rays. </p> <p>But for peace of mind, go and see another dentist to see if it's something they agree with. Just note that most dental plans only pay for 2 cleanings/year and make you wait 6 months between cleanings. So you may have to pay out of pocket for the second opinion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808499 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:20:47 +0000 Shantuck 2808499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was once told I had a cavity and I was moving so I ended up booking an appointment with a new dentist so I could deal with it. The new dentist told me there was no cavity and I haven't had a single one since starting with this dentist. If you are doubting it and you don't mind paying for a second appointment to get them checked out (unless your insurance will cover that second appointment), then I think it is completely reasonable to try somewhere else. At the very least, you'll be able to proceed with confidence that there are in fact 6 cavities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808494 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:15:44 +0000 MrsBucky 2808494@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Museum: I don’t think you will ever regret getting a second opinion- even if you get the same recommendations, at least then you’ll feel more confident that it’s the truth. Also, maybe research a bit more so you have a clear set of questions to ask around other treatment options and such to advocate for yourself and your health and get a lot more information. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808492 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:09:40 +0000 Mrs. Museum 2808492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catlady Thanks so much for the reply. I am trying to remember, but I don't think they did take x-rays a year ago, although I think they had taken them at my previous visit which was about 9 months before that. They did use the little tool that I believe is used to measure tooth density (which my dentist did not use today, she just looked at the x-rays). She said that the cavity probably started in one tooth and then the bacteria spread to the other teeth (so gross, ugh). She was asking me if I've had any lifestyle changes, which I haven't-- the *only* thing I can think of is that we've moved to a different city so the tap water is different? I am always inclined to trust medical professionals, it just seems so aggressive. And obviously once they drill the teeth, that's it! My Mom, who was a dental hygienist back in the day, says she thinks it's BS and they're just trying to get money out of me since I have dental insurance. But I just don't know, I'm feeling overwhelmed which I know is silly and I need to get a grip.</p> <p>@josina I am missing two second molars so I never got my wisdom teeth removed because they just took the place of the second molars. This new dentist is recommending extracting one of the wisdom teeth that never grew in but she could see on the bone in the x-ray, and was recommending an implant where my other missing second molar is. I was honestly feeling so overwhelmed at that point that I just told her I couldn't think about that right now and let's just focus on the cavities. She showed me the pictures and I could see stuff on the surface, but my previous dentist told me that I have deep grooves in my teeth where stuff gets stuck, but once they cleaned it off and checked the density, it was all fine. She pointed to something on the x-ray that she said was a deep cavity but I didn't really know what I was looking at and was still jut feeling really shocked and like I couldn't really absorb what she was telling me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808488 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:06:58 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2808488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>6 cavities is one thing, but going from perfect teeth to extractions and implants would definitely make me get a second opinion!! That sounds extreme and there’s a lot of shadiness in the dental industry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808487 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:04:35 +0000 josina 2808487@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had 8 cavities before but it was after a 4 year hiatus when I drank a LOT of soda in college.<br /> Did the dentist show you where the cavities were? I'm assuming you had xrays?<br /> What are the extractions/implants for?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808484 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:00:44 +0000 catlady 2808484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Out of curiosity, were you pregnant or nursing during the past year? I ask because after I had my first child and nursed her for a year (on a dairy free elimination diet, with no calcium supplements because I'm an idiot), I ended up with 8 cavities at my next check-up. My father is my dentist and my aunt is my hygienist and I don't even pay them so obviously they weren't out to get me or anything.</p> <p>Granted, I don't have the best teeth generally, but with so many dental professionals in my life (my mother was also a dentist before she died), I do take care of them as best as I can and I had never had more than 1-2 cavities at a time before.</p> <p>One other thing, from your description I can't tell if you actually had a check-up a year ago, or just a cleaning. At a cleaning, the hygienist will not check for cavities, so it is entirely possible that your teeth look good but you still have cavities (this happens to me actually). Did you have a check-up with x-rays a year ago? If not, I'd be inclined to believe the new dentist.</p> <p>Edited to add: Sorry just saw your note about TTC so I'm assuming you were not nursing, lol. So ignore my first comment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dentistcavitiessecond-opinion#post-2808483 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 11:53:31 +0000 Mrs. Museum 2808483@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey guys, this seems like kind of an odd place to post this but I've gotten great advice here in the past. I posted a few months ago asking about things I should get out of the way before TTC and one suggestion was go to the dentist, which was a great reminder! My last cleaning was about a year ago, they didn't record any issues then and in fact the hygienist told me that my teeth look great. I've never had a cavity before in my life, I brush twice a day, don't drink soda or eat many sweets, etc. I had been going to this same dentist for years, but we've moved so I found a new one in the area that had decent reviews and was close to my house. </p> <p>So today I went in for my cleaning and the dentist told me I had SIX cavities, and was also recommending extractions and implants. I was totally floored and am honestly super upset. I have dental insurance, so the cost won't be outrageous, but I have such a hard time believing that I could go from no cavities to 6 in the space of a year. I feel like I should get a second opinion, but I'm feeling really overwhelmed because my work schedule is crazy and kind of unpredictable right now. I also obviously don't want to put this off if I do actually have all these cavities! Does anyone have any advice/commiseration? </p>