Until about 4-5 years ago, I had a check up at the dentists every year, and am otherwise careful to look after my teeth. I've never had any problems. I've been for a long overdue check up this morning, and have been told I need a filling. He said he needs to put a temporary piece in while a cast is made of my tooth, and then I need to go back to have that piece fitted. He showed me a photo showing a 'shadow' on my tooth where it needs filling, and said he would do an x-ray to check for any other problems at the next appt.
As it happens, I have a DD who is 8mths old so I won't need to pay for treatment, otherwise it would be £202 (I know this because my DH has recently needed the same treatment). The dentist encouraged me to make a (chargeable) hygienist appt, which I did.
What I want to know is- why can't they just do a 'normal' filling? It's not like it is rotted away to nothing or even got a visible hole. What is it that makes a more complicated/expensive 2 stage proceedure necessary? How does he even know the full story before doing an x-ray?
Just been talking to my mum, and she has a tooth which is more filling than tooth which was just 'drilled and filled' (a different dentist). She thinks I should get a second opinion to ensure he is not just doing the more expensive option because he knows I don't have to pay for it personally so will not question it.... Now, I'm not quite that cynical, and hate to cause a fuss, but I do like to understand what is going on.
Maybe I'm being a bit of a princess about it all and should just shrug shoulders and get it over with. I admit, I was a bit horrified to discover that my previously perfect teeth are perfect no more. Please someone help me to understand so I can grow up and get on with it. Thanks :)