Dentist, lots of x rays and fillings

[lennonj]

The last couple of years whenever my sons go for their 6 monthly check up at the dentist they want to do xrays. This nearly always results in1 or more fillings being needed. On the last appointment the dentist checked their teeth said they both needed fillings. I booked longer appointments and when we came he xrayed and said they both needed 4 fillings, which he wouldn't do then so we've had to book several further appointments.
He did show me the x-ray on screen but I really could not see what he was pointing out (no distinction between the rest of the tooth!).
I'm starting to wonder whether these are really necessary? Prior to this dentist we saw a great dentist who rarely x rayed but was much more thorough in his check ups and my boys didn't have fillings. I don't really feel I would trust another dentist in this practice to get a second opinion but has anyone felt that their dentist is carrying out unnecessary work and extra appointments?

If they're needing one or two fillings every time then the guidelines are they should be having x-ray every 6 months. Because they have a high caries rate.

Realistically you can't say the previous dentist was more thorough if they didn't take x-rays, there's areas you can't see without x-rays.

You can get a second opinion but if its a different dentist you'd either have to get copies of your sons x-ray from your existing dentist or take new one's. It would be better to get a second opinion from within the practice