Is it possible I’ve had these cavities for years without progressing and can wait 6 months, take new X-rays and see if they progressed?

[Censeen]

I’m 29. Basically 2 weeks ago I went in for a regular cleaning/X-rays to check my bone levels after not going to the dentist for 8 years straight. I was told I have 7 cavities that need to be filled, the receptionist gave me a plan that has me filling 4 next week and 3 in a couple of other months without even discussing said plan. Plan was handed to me by the receptionist

Yeah I know 12 is the worse. But what’s the chance I’ve had that for 15+ years without it even progressing?

What’s the chance it’s an artifact? What’s the chance that it’s not exaggerated by contrast manipulation or something? What’s the chance that I moved during the X-ray and messed it up? I only have the low res xrays.

I have no pain, no hot cold sensitivity, and I can’t see any cavities visually on my tooth

They’re urging me to hurry and do it next week but I’ve waited 8 years to even see a dentist, what is 6 more months to check if theyre even progressing with another set of X-rays?

 

[Censeen]

My treatment plan that was rushly handed to me before I could even ask anyone any questions

Can I wait 6 months, get new X-rays and see if they progressed?

Number 12 I know is worse

Also my 2 molars have always had those indents in them, I have molds from when I was 15 and looking at them I had those exact same crevices/indents. I also have Bruxism and those molars are the teeth I clench

Keep in mind again, I’ve waited 8 years to see the dentist so what is waiting 6 more months to check if they’re even progressing going to do?

 

[letsconnect]

I"m not a dentist, so take this with a pinch of salt, but to my untrained eye, it does look as if there are cavities that should be treated sooner rather than later. But first, I'd want to find a dentist who doesn't take a conveyor-belt approach to dentistry - ask friends/family/acquaintances/colleagues for recommendations, and also check their reviews on Google.

 

[Censeen]

@letsconnect wow I just found this video

Skip to 1:12

Number 12 is supposedly the worse tooth that is in the dentin that needs to be filled.

But like in the video shows that tooth has a depression and is thinner right where the cavity is.. so false positive? They say that thinner part can give a false shadow..Asking dentist

 

[letsconnect]

Yes, someone like @Gordon would be a better person to answer this - as I said, I'm not very well versed in reading x-rays...

 

[Gordon]

You've got at least one cavity on the upper left first premolar that won't wait 6 months. It'll be heading for Endo before that.

Sounds like you have serious trust issues with this dentist however, so it would be worth seeking a second opinion (but don't wait!).

 

[Censeen]

@Gordon thanks. I know 12 is bad. Wanted to make sure it’s not because of concavity in the tooth

That dentist wants to fill 9 12 13 and 15 immediately. Am I right for only wanting to fill 12 and wait on the others?

Also number 9 is basically my front tooth with a tiny chip in it because it was glued back on when I was a baby, not even a cavity

 

[Gordon]

Wanted to make sure it’s not because of concavity in the tooth

It absolutely is not.

That dentist wants to fill 9 12 13 and 15 immediately. Am I right for only wanting to fill 12 and wait on the others?

Apart from 12 there's nothing that would make me say you need to rush into fixing them, but X-rays don't tell the full story, the Mk 1 eyeball is usually more accurate

 

[Censeen]

@Gordon thanks

2 other questions.

When I called yesterday to ask for the high quality X-rays they said they would get back to me and are kind of stalling. Is that a red flag?

Is it possible what’s seen on the high quality X-rays can be less severe than the low quality black and white X-rays I was given? in other words could the low quality black and white printed X-rays I was given make the cavity look larger than it is

 

[Gordon]

When I called yesterday to ask for the high quality X-rays they said they would get back to me and are kind of stalling. Is that a red flag?

It was Friday afternoon? Probably a case of POETS syndrome. (Piss Off Early, Tomorrow's Saturday) if you don't know it

Is it possible what’s seen on the high quality X-rays can be less severe than the low quality black and white X-rays I was given? in other words could the low quality black and white printed X-rays I was given make the cavity look larger than it is

Nope, probably the reverse.

 

[Censeen]

@Gordon true and thanks. I just got the high quality X-rays here they are

Just to make again sure 13 needs a it asap right

Also I have an acrylic top hawley retainer that needs to still fit after. Should I make sure they do bite test first with the bite strip things? Making sure it fits the same is my main concern

 

[Gordon]

ASAP
There's no reason it should interfere with the retainer but do bring it with you to double check when you get the filling done.