Is my dentist an idiot?

Question

I was in for a routine cleaning, and after the hygenist finished, the dentist did her usual 'checkup'. At one point, she told the hygenist to write down a particular tooth to check for 'next time'. She then proceeded to tell me I had a 'tiny' cavity on one tooth that she'd need to watch, and that with diligent brushing (which I already do) it might just 'go away'. I'd never heard that before. Is it really possible that once decay has begun it can actually be thwarted? I was under the impression that once a tooth began decay, it's continued deterioration was inevitable, but I'm not a dentist of course. Could any practicing dentists please comment on this? Should I ditch this quack and go somewhere that'll be more honest with me, or is she right?

Answer 1

Incipient caries (teeny tiny spots of decay) can be remineralized (made to "disappear") with adequate homecare including brushing, flossing, fluoride, etc.

Very often I will tell a patient that it looks like decay is trying to start in a particular place, and that with increased home care (and perhaps daily use a fluoride rinse), the tooth can be remineralized in that area.

FYI: saliva also helps with remineralization, which is why it is important to let your dentist know if you take medication that causes dry mouth. Chronic dry mouth can lead to decay because of the loss of remineralization.

Answer 2

I'm not a Dentist.

The Poisition of Dentist is nothing can restore lost tooth ( unless it's something they are selling or their friend is selling).

There are plenty of things that claim to but the Dentist do not have evidence so they must keep a sturdy position there.

A dentist SHOULD fill small cavities before they get bigger. That way you don't lose more of your tooth. (I have been reading things, that is supposed to be their position).

It is normal for Dentist to do what your did if it's not clear if it is a cavity or how your teeth are. But if they say it is a Cavity, then it would be better for you to ask them to fill it instead of seeing if it gets bigger.

I can see a problem in if it is just from how your teeth are. As I had some students drill up my teeth because they were some how lost, I can say a shallow filling does not stick around.

Answer 3

OK, I AM A REAL LICENSED DENTIST AND THERE ARE THE ACTUAL FACTS YOUR DENTIST FOUND.

SHE DISCOVERED THAT THIS PARTICULAR TOOTH HAD INCIPIENT CARIES, WHICH IS THE VERY EARLY STAGES OF DECAY. THE DENTIST WAS DEFINITELY NOT A IDIOT. SHE WAS ACTUALLY VERY SMART.
WHY?
SHE KNEW SHE COULD HAVE JUST HAD THE SMALL CAVITY FILLED AND BILLED YOU FOR IT, BUT SHE HAD YOUR BEST INTEREST IN MIND. SHE KNEW THAT THIS SMALL INCIPIENT CAVITY COULD RE-CALCIFY AND THERE WOULD BE NO NEED TO GET IT DRILLED THEN.