Cavities and Fillings advice sought from those in dental field?

I have to admit I was remiss in going to the dentist the past 2 years (regular before), but I'm a non-smoker, very healthy woman in her mid-20s who doesn't eat a lot of sugary items and only drinks water. I brush my teeth at least once a day and often twice a day. I don't floss as much as I should, but usually get around to it once a week. I don't claim to be a teeth saint, but I'm not sure about this ...

I just got back from a new dentist. The hygienist only saw 2 surface cavities, but then found 12 total with the x-rays. That was until the dentist came in and found 1 more. I've heard horror stories of people who have so many cavities until they get a second opinion and only have 1. Ten of the cavities were actually just 5 areas, but shared in between 2 teeth. The hygienist said I had little to no plaque or tartar and that was extremely good for not having gone for 2 years. Does this seem possible? Advice? Is the cost of $120-$160 per filling a good price?

totally possible. If you don't floss and only brush once a day...on occasion more I don't qualify this as amazing hygiene. Sugary foods or not, you have to brush at night too. Sugars from breads, fruits, etc are just as problematic if you don't brush them off as sugars from cookies. 2 years is a long time to not have gone and even though you may not build up tartar and plaque doesn't mean that you can't have cavities. When they are in between the teeth, that is from not flossing. I think its probably accurate, but you can seek another opinion if it really bothers you. Also, the price is right...but if you have insurance you should have to pay the whole portion.

no clue

I agree with christy, and remember to that some dentist would rather stop a cavity where it is rather then wait till its really big and may need more work done, so some of them may just be surface ones. And the first ? is always how much pop do you drink? and how much acidly foods do you eat ie; tomato's? These items promote decay.

Hi,


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It is possible to have that many cavities in between your teeth if you don't floss regularly. You should floss everyday because it only takes 12 hours for the biofilm layer to form on your teeth. It is common to have decay on both teeth when the decay is in the flossing area. In our office the cost of a filling starts @ $128 for amalgam (silver) & $155 for composite (tooth colored) & can go up to $224 depending on how big the cavity is. However, if you are not comfortable with this dentist or his opinion it is ok to get a 2nd opinion. Remember, Hygienist's cannnot diagnois.........only the dentist can. Good luck =)