Do dentists tell lies?

As humans, we tend to believe things that may not necessarily be true because they fit our view of the world. These “lies,” or innocent self-deceptions, may seem harmless, but can in fact be very costly to a professional practice in terms of time, money, and satisfaction.
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How do you know if your dentist is telling the truth?

That dentist may be inaccurate. It's sort of reinforcing to have them say you are “fine” if you “want” to be cavity-free. However, the only true way when you have a true difference of opinion is to go to a State Dental Society or State Dental Board and ask them what “would a reasonable dentist do in this situation”.
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Do dentists lie about you having cavities?

If your dentist answers that cavities can not go away on their own, they are lying. Ask the dentist to show you how your cavity is beyond the first layer of the tooth, then and only then a cavity should be fixed.
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What should I not tell my dentist?

7 Lies You Need To Stop Saying To Your Dentist
  • “I floss regularly.” A toothbrush can only remove plaque from as far as above the gum line. ...
  • “I don't drink alcohol very often.” ...
  • “That doesn't hurt.” ...
  • “I don't smoke.” ...
  • “I don't grind my teeth at night.” ...
  • “I got lost on the way to your office.” ...
  • “I hardly ever drink soda.”
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How do you tell if your dentist likes you?

When your dentist greets you warmly and asks about your family or work, you may be thinking these are signs your dentist likes you. They're also just signs that you have a quality dentist who cares about you and wants you to be comfortable during your dental appointment.
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Common lies the dentist knows you're telling



Do dentists make things worse?

Studies show that dentists replace fillings far more than necessary, and that if they suffer a drop in income, they will replace their patients' fillings more frequently. The less someone visits a dentist, the longer their fillings last, because it gives their dentist fewer opportunities to replace them prematurely.
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Do dentists fill cavities unnecessarily?

In short, the answer is no. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities because a dentist tends to want to remove the decayed part (the cavity) and fill it to stop any further damage from occurring. While there aren't ways to remove a cavity without using a filling, there are ways almost to reverse the decay.
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Do dentists Overtreat?

Absolutely! Dentists are highly dependent on public trust, and cases of proved or suspected overtreatment tarnish the whole profession. We should engage in sincere and mature conversations about how we might protect the public from overtreatment occurring in dentistry.
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Do dentists upsell?

Upselling is a great strategy for boosting your bottom line, but it is one that most dentists probably avoid. After all, dentistry is a medical field. Selling patients treatments that they do not need may seem unethical, but there are exceptions.
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Can a dentist misdiagnose a cavity?

Some patients wonder whether it's possible to misdiagnose a cavity. The answer is yes, there is always the potential to under or over diagnose a cavity.
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How do you know if a dentist is good?

20 Signs to Tell If Your Dentist's Office is Good
  • Does your dentist actively listen? ...
  • A good dentist educates. ...
  • A great dentist respects their patient's time and resources. ...
  • A clean and comfortable setting. ...
  • Avoids upselling. ...
  • Gets to understand your needs. ...
  • Follows up with you. ...
  • Has a good rapport with the staff.
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What can a dentist tell from your mouth?

What Can a Dentist Tell by Looking at Your Mouth, Teeth, and Gums...
  • Cardiovascular Disease. Your dental health can impact your heart. ...
  • Diabetes. ...
  • Kidney Disease. ...
  • Osteoporosis. ...
  • Anemia. ...
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis. ...
  • Stress and Poor Nutrition. ...
  • Keep Your Mouth Healthy.
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Why do dentists always want to do root canals?

Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Patients generally need a root canal when they notice their teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations.
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Should I get a second opinion on dental work?

When it comes to your health, it's always best to trust your instincts. If you feel unsure about a dental diagnosis or treatment plan, consider getting a second opinion from another dentist. Getting a second opinion can help you understand your options and feel confident about the treatment plan you choose.
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How do you know if a dentist is upselling?

If this happens to you, ask to see the areas of concern. The dentist should show you teeth where building has accumulated and gum pockets are more than three millimeters deep. For patients with inflamed gums or buildup along the gum line, a deep cleaning may be necessary, and the evidence will prove this.
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Why do different dentists say different things?

Some dentists may make a set of dentures using a completely different technique than their neighbors just down the street from them. Many of these reasons are simply based on how they were trained and where they went to school.
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Can I go to two dentists?

A multi-doctor practice is better for patients and dentists alike, giving everyone a reason to smile at each appointment. If you're looking for a new dental practice, keep an eye out for one with a team of doctors, and you can rest easy that you and your family will always receive the best care possible.
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Do dentists Overdiagnose?

Over-diagnosis & Over-treatment in Corporate Dentistry

When this happens, it often leads to over-diagnosing and subsequently over-treating their patients because they're focused on making a few more bucks any way they can rather than actually considering whether the patient truly needs a certain treatment.
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Do all cavities show up on xrays?

First, your cavity may be so small it did not show up on your dental x-rays. A very small cavity has not yet caused enough damage to be visible through x-ray technology. Secondly, your cavity could be hiding behind an existing filling. When you get decay near an existing filling, we call this secondary decay.
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Why do dentists drill before filling?

When dentists drill into teeth, they are shaping an opening. This is to ensure all of the rot in the dentin is removed entirely. Another reason for drilling is to create a shape for the filling to bond and fill the cavity completely. Fillings can be either a silver/mercury amalgam or they can be plastic.
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Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?

Every Cavity Is Different

Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, making it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment.
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How often do dentists make mistakes?

Even very experienced dentists make mistakes. While roughly thirteen percent of all malpractice claims are against dentists, it is not unfair to say that many more instances of dental malpractice exist that go unreported. This is because many people are hesitant to sue.
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Can dentists tell if you don't brush?

You Don't Brush Often Enough

Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don't brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard. Those who don't brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums.
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What happens if a dentist hits a nerve?

Nerve damage due to dental malpractice can lead to numbness of the face, lips, and tongue, difficulties eating and many other serious issues.
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Why you should not get root canal?

It will get a lot worse

An infection does not just disappear when treatment is not administered. It can travel through the tooth's root to the jawbone and create abscesses. An abscess leads to more pain and inflammation throughout the body. It can eventually lead to heart disease or a stroke.
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