11 cavities formed in 6 months! Is that even possible?

Question

I have never had a cavity in my life before, and have gone to the same dentist in the same town for a long time, now, but my lifelong dentist has now retired, and a new dentist has taken over the practice. The new dentist was there last time I went to the dentist, but just to learn about the patients, and get a feel for the office, but this time, he actually examined my teeth and told me that I had 11 cavities, 9 of which he said were huge. I don't think this is possible. Should I change dentists?

They showed me the xrays. They said that dark spots were cavities. Is that true? If so, than I have some real problem teeth...

Answer 1

I'd suggest another opinion, and take the Xrays along.
Nobody can tell you what is true in this forum. The following possibilities arise:
1. you do have cavities that the old dentist didn't see, and therefore the new dentist is picking them up;
2. you do have EARLY cavities that the old dentist saw but was conservative about treatment of early decay and was monitoring by Xrays, whereas the new dentist is more aggressive and believes even small early cavities need filling.
I once had a young dentist working for me who thought he could cure decay with fluoride alone, and I had to call patients back in when I reviewed his Xrays.
Get a second or even third opinion. Don't expect 100% agreement between them all.

Answer 2

Usually the dark spots you see on teeth are cavities. The only other thing they could be is the nerve inside the tooth, and that is very obvious to tell. Every dentist has his own way of diagnosing. I can't tell you why this other guy didn't find the decay, but if the new guy can actually show you on the x-ray where the decay is, I would take his word for it.

In my office, we use intra-oral cameras to actually show patients what we see. It is much easier for a patient to accept our diagnosis, if they can actually see the problems for themselves.

Answer 3

I had 12 cavities in about 6 months. I changed my diet and had a huge amount of stress and a couple health issues that came up. It is possible. You should look at the diet and everything that is happening in your life and see if anything has changed. Also talk to your doctor about new toothpaste because after you get the cavities taken care of your teeth are going to be severely sensitive for a bit.

Answer 4

It sounds like you should get a second oppinion. If possible, contact your old dentist and ask his oppinion. Many cities have cheap offices that offer huge deals for first timers (x-ray, exam blah blah blah), if anyone will tell you you need a lotof werk it would be them. BTW, if they showed you your x-rays, it should be somewhat obvious how bad your cavities are...if they dont show you they are scamming imo.

Answer 5

Definitely get a second opinion (for what that is worth). Dentists, together with auto mechanics (and ilk) are renowned for trying to increase their bottom lines/profits by inventing business needs amongst those with no working knowledge of said field. Certainly, get someone you trust (a friend, family member) to have a look...cavities ARE fairly self evident and don't require a medical degree to spot. This guy sounds like he is using you to fund his new convertible Mercedes. Don't trust this shyster!!

Answer 6

Sounds like your dentist needs to pay off some gambling debts.

Talk to another dentist. I've had 2 dentists tell me very different things.

Answer 7

Either he is right and your old retired dentist is blind, or he is just starting and is trying to get all your insurance money. Get a second opnion.

Answer 8

yes, just check in with someone else.... i have never had a cavity at 34 and if all of a sudden someone said i did, i would be shocked and seek attention elsewhere.....

Answer 9

You certainly should seek another opinion.