Please help me diagnose! Can't get appointment for 3 months

[lovemyteeth]

Hi everyone,

I've recently had a full set of dental x-rays done (attached) but my usual dentist can't look at them for 3 months and I'm terrified its something bad so am hoping someone can help.

I'm quite precious about my teeth and have check ups 4+ times a year. In the last 2 months, I've increased my uptake of sugar/chocolates/coffees/etc. My upper right first molar has developed slight sensitivity and a little bit of receding gum (I'm right handed - does that mean much to you?)

Before I had my X-ray done, I visited 2 dentists (both of which are not my usual dentist) and they gave conflicting reports from visuals.

Dentist A said I have terrible fillings, fillings that looked like they were leaking and they should all be replaced (!!!!!) and then gave me a brand new filling on the said first molar. I declined any anesthesia, and the pain was not unbearable. He recommended I keep my wisdoms.

Dentist B said everything looked fine, the 'leaking' filling he said was stains from my coffee drinking and for the sensitivity recommended Sensodyne. I've been using it for 3 weeks now and it's not made a huge difference. He recommended I remove my wisdoms.

So, with X-ray in hand, can anyone see decay under any old fillings or anything I really need to get fixed on. For the record, I'm not trained and I've looked it over and over, can't really tell if its a decay or nerve or some other shadow lol.

I would greatly appreciate any opinions so I can decide whether to wait for 3 months to get my dentist to work on my teeth or go find some more dentists to have a look (gosh so expensive lol)

THANKS!

 

[annie778]

I can't interpret your x rays, although I would say that mine look worse on x rays and I don't need any dental work.

I would trust dentist B over dentist A. If you have so many check ups each year, then leaking and problems would have been picked up sooner. I would not ever trust anyone who says you need all fillings replaced. This is rarely ever necessary. Ive only needed a filling replaced when a tooth cracked and I was in pain. If you have been drinking more coffee then it is likely the staining is from that.

In the past Ive been told I need a filling when I don't, that I need a root canal when I don't. That I should have a root canal investigated (and replaced) when it's not necessary. That's why it's always wise to go for a second opinion and if youre not sure of that a third. But your dentist B sounds like a conservative type who does not drill into a tooth unless absolutely necessary. That's the type of dentist I trust.

I remember having a dental hygiene class at school and the nurse telling us to be sure to concentrate on that upper right molar because these teeth were often neglected when switching sides on brushing. Your post just reminded me of that. But you can also overdo the brushing at the gum line and end up with sensitive spots.

Do you floss? Im really lazy with flossing but it's supposed to be so good for gums.

 

[Gordon]

I can't see any decay on your x-ray, but it's not of very good quality, seems a bit blurred on the left side.

I don't see any problems with the wisdom teeth, if they're not causing problems then the normal UK practice is to leave them. They don't look like difficult extractions if that's any consolation.

There's a wee bit of bone loss around your lower molars, you need to spend some time learning how to use interdental cleaning products, either floss or TePe brushes. But somebody needs to show you what you're doing, usually hygienists are better for that kind of thing.

 

[drhirst]

These large x-rays are not ideal for diagnosing decay. I am not sure if I can make out some decay on your upper left second molar. However, you really need to have more detailed small x-rays called bitewings taken to see if this is the case. I agree with Gordon regarding your wisdom teeth.
Having multiple checkups will not prevent you getting dental problems. Keeping down the frequency of sugar intake and cleaning in between your teeth with either floss or interdental brushes will prevent virtually all dental problems.

Lincoln

 

[lovemyteeth]

annie778 - I do floss, but probably less than ideal, around once a week?

Gordon - I might get a quote on how much it costs to get those wisdom teeth out. I think with your and DrHirst opinions the tally is now 4 (keep) vs 1 (remove). Re: bone loss... /me goes off to google

DrHirst - At my next dentist appointment I will insist on a bitewing x-ray to check on these molars and if they have decay. Now that you mention it, I think I was referred initially to get the full x-ray to look at wisdom teeth and not decay

Thanks so much for your fast response!!!