Do i get a second opinion? i haven't been to the dentist in 6 plus years. i just recently went to one to get my teeth cleaned and a check up. i am 23 years old and have never had a cavity. i was told i had a ton of tarter on my teeth and my gums were pull

I : I always encourage my patients to seek a second opinion if they are not comfortable with information or recommendations that have been made. If you have not been to see a dentist in 6 years, it is unreasonable to have decay in your teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. If, as you say, you had heavy calculus (tartar) on your teeth, this indicate that your oral hygiene has not been optimal which would put you at additional risk for decay. Over the six years your diet could have changed to one that promotes decay, especially a switch to bottled water, which does not contain Fluoride necessary to maintain the health of your teeth.

I : I agree with dr funari, get a second opinion. Truthfully, it is not unreasonable to have a couple of small cavites after years of neglect. But you have to be comfortable with the person treating you. Unfortunately we cannot examine you and therefore can be of no help in diagnosing whether or not you have lesions.

You : You can definitely have a second opinion. You should also consider that you have not been to the dentist for a long time and it is possible that you could have accumulated this problems for 6 years. You should also know that cavities do not hurt if it is in it's early stage. When it starts hurting it is usually a little too late. So it is very important to see the dentist at least once every 6 months.

In : In essence, by posting your question online, on this site, you already are asking for a second opinion. You are uncomfortable with your dentist's diagnosis. This knowledge is enough for me to tell you to seek a second opinion. This would usually be called a consultation and would be complimentary in most dental practices. I think you would feel more comfortable with what you decide to do and the treatment suggested by your dentist. You have to really take into consideration three facts: your hygiene was not as good as it should have been, you can have no pain and still have cavities and you have not seen a hygienist or a dentist for 6 years. Taking all of this into consideration. You diagnosis could be spot on!

Sure, but...: As you are to blame for not accessing dental care for years, it would be unwise to look for opinions that fit your desires. It is very likely that the first opinion is correct. Having said that, i think it wise to get another opinion if significant work is being contemplated or you are unsure of the communication with the doctor. Good luck!

Peace of mind: This is not uncommon for patients that have not regularly visited their dentist. However, for your peace of mind, getting a second opinion will give you confidence in making the best informed decision for yourself.

Gum dz doesn't hurt: Gum disease at early and even moderate stages almost never hurts. Patient starts to have pain only periodontal abscess occurs and/or the perio lesion becomes endo lesion (bone destruction leads to pulpal inflammation). It is ok to get a second opinion but i suspect you have areas of localized gingival inflammation and possible gingival recession and/or bone destruction.

Oops: Dentistry isn't expensive, neglect is. There's a valid reason for check-ups and cleaning every 6 months. By all means get a 2nd opinion from the most qualified dentist you can find, but don't expect a radically different response. Look for the correct information, not the expedient information. If you are having gum problems it would be appropriate to see a qualified periodontist--gum specialist.

Don't stay away: All of the answers you've gotten are correct - you can certainly seek a 2nd opinion, but the fact is that no one can maintain a healthy mouth without periodic professional dental care. The damage done by not having regular hygiene appts, and regular exams by a dentist is frequently very silent, and often much more complicated and costly than staying in continuing care. It does make a difference.