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Original poster

Told I need 9 fillings by new dentist

42 replies

Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 07:45

I saw a different dentist at my practice yesterday - been going there regularly since I was 3 - and was told I need 9 fillings!! Currently I have 1 in my 50 year old mouth. I was really shocked as I see the dentist fairly regularly- definitely annually but usually with a hygiene trip in between.

I am wondering if there has been a massive decline in my teeth or the approach of this new dentist is different?
When I got home I googled and there are stories about aggressive dentistry that sets you up for repeat work for life.

Dentist is new to the practice (it’s changed hands), new to NHS and was trained in a different country. I want to be clear that he did offer the work on the NHS but strongly recommended I go the private route with my fillings (composite), so we are talking ££.

Im definitely up for trusting him and going for it but want to know different perspectives? I’m worried as two of the fillings are for my lower front teeth and I don’t want to cause issues with them by having unnecessary fillings.

OP posts:
Meadowfinch · 31/05/2025 07:58

Can you see or feel any issues with your two front teeth?

I'd be looking for a second opinion.

BlahBlahBittyBlah · 31/05/2025 08:01

Definitely get a second opinion. Did he show you the X-rays?

Original poster
Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 08:37

I saw the X-rays bus he explained that they were only 40% accurate and that they wouldn’t show the damage in the top 2 layers and that he would only see when he started digging out the decay. I’m not a dentist, so I have no clue .

OP posts:
OxfordInkling · 31/05/2025 08:38

Nope. Go to another dentist.

Original poster
Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 08:38

Meadowfinch · 31/05/2025 07:58

Can you see or feel any issues with your two front teeth?

I'd be looking for a second opinion.

They’re slightly sensitive and enamel has been worn down but been like that for years!

OP posts:
Sparklesandmajic · 31/05/2025 08:39

Been there, got the t shirt, called BS, saved £££ and my teeth.

Original poster
Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 08:40

Ps my gums are apparently very healthy

OP posts:
Original poster
Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 08:40

Sparklesandmajic · 31/05/2025 08:39

Been there, got the t shirt, called BS, saved £££ and my teeth.

Omg. Tell me the story, please!?

OP posts:
vodkaredbullgirl · 31/05/2025 08:42

Sounds like they after your money.

BaronessBomburst · 31/05/2025 08:42

I wouldn't trust or believe him.
This happened to DH as a teenager. He duly had the fillings and has been replacing and repairing them ever since.
Funnily enough, he's never needed any new ones.......
If you really do need fillings it will become evident eventually and you can deal with it as and when.

Sparklesandmajic · 31/05/2025 08:43

my story is exactly the same as yours.

OxfordInkling · 31/05/2025 08:44

I sincerely doubt that you, someone who has noticed no real problems with your teeth, suddenly is in desperate need of 9 fillings.

i would also expect that if they think there may be an issue, but there’s nothing really visible on an xray, a dentist would adopt a wait and see approach.

Also have front tooth sensitivity- no need for work to be done.

This one is after your money.

Bluesuedevest · 31/05/2025 08:47

I have fillings in my mouth that are 30 years old.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Stepfordian · 31/05/2025 09:15

9 fillings?!?!? I’d definitely get a second opinion! I went to a new dentist who told me I needed a filling, even showed me the ‘hole’, I don’t have any so I was suspicions and paid to go to another practice and didn’t need a filling, that was over 10 years ago and I still don’t have any.

Poorabbeywalsh2 · 31/05/2025 09:17

Nope nope nope. Please don't let him butcher your teeth. Change your dentist now.

MrsMoastyToasty · 31/05/2025 09:17

I've been told I need 3 fillings. There is no pain so I'm not having them filled until they start to cause me pain.

LindorLusadi · 31/05/2025 09:23

I went to a new dentist just for check up as my old one closed. Quoted for £1900 of work. I went in with no issues. I booked then cancelled my first fillings appointment and went elsewhere. One filling and a scrape and polish and no further ones since
I really feel it was money making but felt helpless to argue

helpfulperson · 31/05/2025 09:24

You say they trained in a different country. Different countries do have different views on best treatment and thresholds for treatment. i would get a second opinion before committing.

Cynicalaboutall · 31/05/2025 09:25

Seconding the second opinion!

DancingFerret · 31/05/2025 09:28

The practice you have been regularly attending since you were three no longer exists; you might be going to the same physical surgery, but the practice you knew has gone - and it sounds like the new owners have a completely different ethos when it comes to patient care, i.e., profit over ethics.

For the sake of your teeth and your bank balance you need to find another surgery, but I appreciate that could be difficult because there are so few NHS dentists these days.

padsi1975 · 31/05/2025 09:29

9! I'd be asking why the other dentist didn't spot these issues!

Original poster
Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 09:46

BaronessBomburst · 31/05/2025 08:42

I wouldn't trust or believe him.
This happened to DH as a teenager. He duly had the fillings and has been replacing and repairing them ever since.
Funnily enough, he's never needed any new ones.......
If you really do need fillings it will become evident eventually and you can deal with it as and when.

Thank you. I think that’s good advice

OP posts:
Original poster
Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 09:48

Stepfordian · 31/05/2025 09:15

9 fillings?!?!? I’d definitely get a second opinion! I went to a new dentist who told me I needed a filling, even showed me the ‘hole’, I don’t have any so I was suspicions and paid to go to another practice and didn’t need a filling, that was over 10 years ago and I still don’t have any.

that’s helpful, thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 09:49

Poorabbeywalsh2 · 31/05/2025 09:17

Nope nope nope. Please don't let him butcher your teeth. Change your dentist now.

that’s what I’m scared of

OP posts:
Original poster
Teethingtrouble · 31/05/2025 09:50

LindorLusadi · 31/05/2025 09:23

I went to a new dentist just for check up as my old one closed. Quoted for £1900 of work. I went in with no issues. I booked then cancelled my first fillings appointment and went elsewhere. One filling and a scrape and polish and no further ones since
I really feel it was money making but felt helpless to argue

similar then. Can I ask how long ago?

OP posts: