Concerned about unnecessary procedure for front tooth

[Kassie]

A few weeks ago, I noticed a rough spot on the inside of my top front tooth and realized a couple of old fillings popped out at some point. I recently moved back to my hometown and haven't found a dentist yet, so I randomly chose a dentist to look at it, and she suggested that I had severe decay which required a root canal and cap/crown for this singular tooth. She was very pushy and condescending, and refused to draw up any treatment plans because I was a "nervous patient" who she couldn't talk to. I am anxious about going to the dentist precisely because of doctors like her.

This isn't my first run-in with dishonest or rude dentists in my hometown, so I was hoping to get a second (or more) opinion on how I should proceed. My last dentist, who I trusted greatly, was more conservative in his approach and never came at me with doom & gloom or fear-based programs. He always gently walked me through evidence-based treatments, and never offered unnecessary cosmetic options.

Is getting this re-filled a reasonable expectation? I like my natural teeth, smile and feel, so the thought of having an unnecessary crown on my front tooth is anathema to me. I don't smoke or drink and I feel no pain or sensitivity in this tooth at all, though I did feel a little discomfort from the frozen swab they put on it the other day when they were testing the nerve.

 

[Gordon]

she suggested that I had severe decay which required a root canal and cap/crown for this singular tooth.

I'll do more than suggest it I'm afraid, you have 2 very large decayed cavities in that tooth. I'll be surprised if it doesn't need a root canal and most likely a crown because of the amount of tissue that's been lost to the decay.
You also have fairly marked gingivitis around these teeth, luckily there doesn't appear to be any significant bone loss so it should improve with some better plaque control.