My dentist wants to extract my tooth due to decay...?

Question

I went to the dentist today for a normal 6 month cleaning. Luckily my teeth have never caused me any problems...UNTIL TODAY. I'm 35 yo and have had 3 cavities filled throughout my life. I have recently moved out of state and went to a new dentist today. (I was with the old one for 15 yrs).

This office was rushing around, I never go to see my films the actual dentist looked at my teeth for about 1 minute and then told me that 2 of my molars (2 and 15) both have substantial tooth decay, one can't be saved and needs to be extracted...the other one she will fill and if that doesn't work I will have to have a root canal. OK this totally threw me, I have absolutely NO PAIN and one of my molars is so decayed it should just be extracted!?! I made an appt to have the one filled in 2 weeks but I'm pretty freaked out the only other option is to have the other tooth ripped out. These people at the office told me it wasn't a big deal and rushed me out the door. I cried when I got to my car because this was the last thing I would have expected, esp since I have always tried to take care of my teeth.

I need some help people!!! Should I wait and not jump into just having my tooth ripped out. I would think that if the dentist tells me she will try to fix the other by filling it and if that doesn't work I will have to have a root canal, why not just have the root canal done in the first place. Is this a money thing?

I need help from everyone so let me know your experiences or what you think i should do.. thanks, soon to be toothless in Florida

Answer 1

Personally, I would go to another Dentist for a second opinion.  Usually most Dentists want to save a tooth at all costs, but if you haven't had issues and aren't on meth, I would spend the money on a second opinion just in case this particular Dentist isn't correct.

Answer 2

I agree with the first answer. Go to a different dentist and get another opinion on your teeth. If the dentist didn't look at your teeth properly then i guess that they're wrong. Don't get it ripped out so soon, make sure that it's SUPPOSE to be out first =]

Answer 3

If you have a bad feeling, do not go back. You should be completely comfortable from the minute you walk in. Go into the dentist you were just at and ask for your records (e-rays, treatment plan, etc.) find a new dentist. Preferably one a friend goes to, or one that is highly recommended. Call the new dentist and tell them you just have your x-rays taken and an exam and ask if you can have a second opinion at no charge. If you like that dentist and feel comfortable, then have them do your future treatment. Wish you the best!

Answer 4

I got a tooth pulled that the dentist was saying was decayed and it hurt alot. I'm not trying to scare you or anything by saying that but that dentist just sounds like he didn't really care about you.

If I were you, I would seek a second opinion by another dentist.  

Answer 5

Get another opinion.I would be hesitant to let someone work on me before they explain things to me. Find someone who will take the time to explain your treatment needs and options.Good luck.

Answer 6

I would defintely recommend having a 2nd opinion. I am 25 and I have to admit that I don't feel confortable around dentists and I avoided going there for years but recently I took a "positive" attitude and decided to go for a checkup . When I went , I did NOT have ANY PAIN or emergency, I just wanted to fix what needs to be fixed and avoid future problems. I am lucky that I found a good dentist here in Florida and he takes his time and explains what's going on and what is he doing and always tried to save as much of the tooth as he can. I was surprised to know that 2 of my molars have decay from the inside but look good on the outside and I don't feel pain in them, the dentist showed me the Xray and I saw the decay (light gray) so close to the root. he told me that it may turn out to be a root canal, he won't know forsure until he drills in it. in fact it did and the nerve was already dead and at the point of creating an abcess. I couldn't feel pain in it (the nerve was dead) but I'm glad I got it fixed otherwise it could have gotten worse to the degree of infection and extraction if left for long.

I am getting all my cavities filled and I am planning on regular checkups to avoid problems. I can say I trust my dentist that I'm no longer phobic :-) .

I expect to have that with my teeth since it's been long time I haven't seen a dentist, but I'm surprised they didn't see yours coming. didn't your old dentist give you a full mouth Xray ?

I suggest you see another dentist , not becasue of the result by itself (extraction/root canal),  but because you said they didn't give you the time you deserve as a patient and seemed careless. It is very important to TRUST your dentist. this is half the way.

Good luck

Answer 7

I am so sorry that you had such a horrible experience.  

A caring dentist would have showed you the decay on an x-ray or with a digital camera.  

Since the dentist did not recommend root canal for the one tooth, it could be very possible that the tooth is severely decayed...just for the simple fact that root canals are much more expensive than extractions....

An office that doesn't take the time to get to know their patients, is not a reputable office!!!!  Rushing from room to room, shows that the dentist is only trying to make as much money as possible!  

To be totally honest...if you're not happy with this office....find an office that you are comfortable with.  Call several offices and go in for consults.  Bring your x-rays from this quack dentist and ask them to evaluate them.

Extracting teeth is a last resort!  Don't let this dentist fool you!  

Answer 8

You could get a second opinion. You could also speak with your dentist before they begin any extractions and tell him you have some concerns about his recent findings that you would like to discuss with him. If you feel the dentist is not giving you the time, professionalism, and consideration you deserve as a PAYING patient, then perhaps you need to rethink your choice in dentists. Take care.