Told I need 9 fillings by new dentist

[Teethingtrouble]

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.

I didn’t tell the 2nd dentist I’d been to the first, I just booked in for a check up in case the second dentist thought they could get the work by ‘confirming’ what the first had said, it’s well worth the cost for a second opinion, if they say the same thing then at least you’ve got piece of mind the work actually needs doing and you can go back to the NHS dentist.

That's so fishy about it not showing up on the x-rays. I've had my share of fillings and the dentist always talks it through on the x-rays, and in between times where there are areas to keep an eye on. Definitely get another opinion.

Absolute crap. Find another dentist.

Get a second opinion. If you needed that many fillings you’d be having issues with your teeth and pain and sensitivity.

I would always get a second opinion on significant work/procedures being needed - dental or medical.

@Teethingtrouble a year ago

Don't wait for pain because then you'll probably need root canal treatment

Update:
I managed to see another dentist at a different practice yesterday (NHS) and had X-rays and examination - only 1 filling required. Showed me X-rays, which were all clear on other teeth.
😱 to think of the damage I may have done. Worst thing is that the other dentist practice is reputable and like I said, I’ve been going there for years with no issues.
thanks everyone

Leave a review to warn people.

This happened to me when I was 18, 7 fillings, I didn't know that I should have sought a second opinion, I trusted the dentist. I'm 41 and haven't needed a filling since. I don't hate the fillings anymore, I hated them for years and they have caused sensitivity issues. They're quite horrible looking!

I agree with pps, second opinion, I like the watch and wait style of dentistry with regular check-ups.

Posted before I saw your update! I am so glad you went to a different dentist! what a great outcome.

Can you report him somewhere? I have found dentists can be awful. One basically said in not so many words that at 30 I was hideously old looking and needed fillers and Botox and pulled faces about cosmetic teeth issues.

I was also posting to recommend a second opinion before seeing your update. You need to report this dentist to the NHS

That’s awful - glad you only needed one. Yes I would put in a complaint in writing.

I think a lot of us had this when we were younger and didn't question it. I had loads of teeth out which caused issues later.

I had this happen to me. It was pre Covid so about 7-8 years ago. I was allocated a new dentist after having the same one for 15 years with no issues. I was told I needed multiple fillings and some needed replacing. I was able to move dentists and get a second opinion and I’ve stayed with that dentist. I’ve had them cleaned but I haven’t needed to have any more fillings or any fillings replaced in all that time and I go every 6-12 months.

Similar thing here. So glad I found this thread.

I’ve been going regularly to the same practice for check ups/hygienist for years and yesterday saw a new dentist for my appointment. She said I had a concerning crack behind one of my front teeth!
She didn’t offer to do anything about it, just for he to be careful when biting

I saw the hygienist who did a very thorough job a month ago, who never mentioned anything, have had no damage or impacts whatsoever to the tooth in question and in the past been complimented on my oral maintenance and health.

I’m now paranoid that I’m about to lose the tooth and am imagining every bumpI can feel with my tongue on its surface is serious. Am I right to feel a bit suspicious and to have lost confidence?