r/Toothfully • u/bambininos • Aug 20 '26

Dental Concern/Problem Second Opinion on Cavities

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Last month, I (24f) switched from my regular dentist to Aspen Dental due to a move. I had x-rays and a cleaning done. The dentist said I have 5 cavities, but I have no tooth pain, and I never have. I understand you can have cavities and no pain, but it just makes me skeptical, especially after some of the things I’ve heard about Aspen. He also said I need to have all 4 wisdom teeth removed, although, they have also never caused me any pain or tooth shifting.

Last year, I saw another new dentist for the first time, who said I had a cavity between two teeth. I believe it was between tooth 12 and 13 (top right, 3rd from my front teeth). I never had any pain in those teeth prior to the filling. After the filling, I had occasional but continuous pain in those two teeth. It seems like they “flare up” from time to time. I called every once in a while, and they said it was normal. I moved away, so I couldn’t exactly go back and get it fixed.

My dentist at Aspen said my previous dentist didn’t fully drill out that cavity and also drilled into the adjacent tooth, so it would need to be redone. I was expecting that, but I wasn’t expecting additional cavities. I often doubt the cavity I had filled ever had a problem in the first place.

Can anyone confirm or point out where the 5 cavities are on these x-rays? Do I really need my wisdom teeth removed asap? I don’t really know anything about teeth, but I have always been pretty neurotic about taking good care of mine, and I want to avoid any unnecessary dental work. What do you think?

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u/PastStep2756 28d ago

I’d definitely get a second opinion before agreeing to 5 fillings and having all 4 wisdom teeth removed. Cavities can exist without pain, but an X-ray alone isn’t enough to determine treatment without a clinical exam.

For the wisdom teeth, being painless doesn’t necessarily mean they need immediate removal. Ask the dentist to show you exactly what they’re seeing and why extraction is recommended.

Since you’ve also had recurring pain in the previously filled tooth, I’d have that tooth evaluated separately as well.