Pediatric dentist who will provide 2nd opinion thru electronic xrays - do any exist?

[Anonymous]

We were told that our daughter needs root canal and 3 fillings. Just after a good visit 6 months ago. As a single parent it is hard for me to take time off from work - and was hoping there is a dentist out there who can provide a 2nd opinion using electronic dental xrays, which our current practice provided. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

How old is dd?
When was her last set of x Rays?

[Anonymous]

She is 8 - her xrays were done about a month ago, so very recent.. That is how her current dentist determined she had cavities and needs root canal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She is 8 - her xrays were done about a month ago, so very recent.. That is how her current dentist determined she had cavities and needs root canal.

What's that her first set of x Rays, or were x rays taken in years past?

[Anonymous]

These were her first x-rays. We were told in her prior visits that her teeth were fine and that she didn't have any cavities. So surprised she needs all this work done after only 6 months.

[Anonymous]

Electronic X-rays?!? Sounds weird to me. And a root canal for an 8 year old?

Where are you located, OP?

[Anonymous]

I think what you're trying to say OP is that can you take her for a second opinion and not have to get a second set of x-rays, but just have the first dental practice send a copy of the x-rays they already took by email to the second dentist for the second opinion. If that's what you're asking then yes, it can be done. I just went through this experience myself. I went to a periodontist for an evaluation and they wanted to take x-rays and I said no, just got some from the general dentist last year, and the general dentist sent them by email to the periodontist, and I did not get a second set taken. I go for second dental opinions a lot and I would not get a second set of x-rays taken. You can also get a film copy of the x-rays to keep for your files, I have done that too--just tell the dentist you would like a copy of the x-rays for your files, then you can take them with you to the second opinion dentist.

[Anonymous]

PP here again. Also wanted to say that I would not only get a second opinion, but possibly a third opinion too. I have been scammed so many times by dentists that I always get multiple opinions. One tells me I have 5 cavities, the next tells me I have none, etc.

[Anonymous]

If she's 8 and has never had x rays before, I am more inclined to believe the dentist. Many cavities originate between the teeth as a result of not flossing. These cavities are nearly impossible to detect without X-rays, and since the decay can progress for so long unnoticed, they can result in needing a root canal...even in an 8 year old.

Did the dentist show you the decay on the X-rays?

[Anonymous]

Hi there! Sorry to hear there may be dental work to be done. I am a general dentist, and I am happy to email with you and discuss. At the least, we can determine if urgency is needed. I have worked with children for nearly a decade, though I am not a pediatric dentist.
Dr. Natalja Vlasek
[e-mail]

Try not to worry too much. You are obviously on top of your dear child's dental care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think what you're trying to say OP is that can you take her for a second opinion and not have to get a second set of x-rays, but just have the first dental practice send a copy of the x-rays they already took by email to the second dentist for the second opinion. If that's what you're asking then yes, it can be done. I just went through this experience myself. I went to a periodontist for an evaluation and they wanted to take x-rays and I said no, just got some from the general dentist last year, and the general dentist sent them by email to the periodontist, and I did not get a second set taken. I go for second dental opinions a lot and I would not get a second set of x-rays taken. You can also get a film copy of the x-rays to keep for your files, I have done that too--just tell the dentist you would like a copy of the x-rays for your files, then you can take them with you to the second opinion dentist.

Yes, the x-ray files were sent to me electronically. I am in northern Montgomery County but will travel for someone reputable. Bonus points for Aetna insurance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If she's 8 and has never had x rays before, I am more inclined to believe the dentist. Many cavities originate between the teeth as a result of not flossing. These cavities are nearly impossible to detect without X-rays, and since the decay can progress for so long unnoticed, they can result in needing a root canal...even in an 8 year old.

Did the dentist show you the decay on the X-rays?

The hygienist pointed out the issues, but honestly, I couldn't tell a difference, I saw subtle shading, but I saw it on all her teeth. I was expecting to see something very obvious, but nothing looked out of the ordinary.

The reason I am doubting the root canal - pulpectomy - is my daughter isn't experiencing any pain....and per doctor Google, something should hurt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think what you're trying to say OP is that can you take her for a second opinion and not have to get a second set of x-rays, but just have the first dental practice send a copy of the x-rays they already took by email to the second dentist for the second opinion. If that's what you're asking then yes, it can be done. I just went through this experience myself. I went to a periodontist for an evaluation and they wanted to take x-rays and I said no, just got some from the general dentist last year, and the general dentist sent them by email to the periodontist, and I did not get a second set taken. I go for second dental opinions a lot and I would not get a second set of x-rays taken. You can also get a film copy of the x-rays to keep for your files, I have done that too--just tell the dentist you would like a copy of the x-rays for your files, then you can take them with you to the second opinion dentist.

Thanks for the info - I was trying to avoid a 2nd visit. Were you able to just email the x-ray files for the 2nd opinion or did you have to physically go in the office?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If she's 8 and has never had x rays before, I am more inclined to believe the dentist. Many cavities originate between the teeth as a result of not flossing. These cavities are nearly impossible to detect without X-rays, and since the decay can progress for so long unnoticed, they can result in needing a root canal...even in an 8 year old.

Did the dentist show you the decay on the X-rays?

The hygienist pointed out the issues, but honestly, I couldn't tell a difference, I saw subtle shading, but I saw it on all her teeth. I was expecting to see something very obvious, but nothing looked out of the ordinary.

The reason I am doubting the root canal - pulpectomy - is my daughter isn't experiencing any pain....and per doctor Google, something should hurt.

My 4 year old needed a pulpotomy and wasn't experiencing any pain. I could see the spot on the xray, but I had a dentist friend confirm it for me.

I also had a root canal myself on a tooth that was clearly infected on the x ray, but it didn't hurt at all.

Dental infections don't always cause pain, and sometimes by the time they do cause pain, it's too late to save the tooth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think what you're trying to say OP is that can you take her for a second opinion and not have to get a second set of x-rays, but just have the first dental practice send a copy of the x-rays they already took by email to the second dentist for the second opinion. If that's what you're asking then yes, it can be done. I just went through this experience myself. I went to a periodontist for an evaluation and they wanted to take x-rays and I said no, just got some from the general dentist last year, and the general dentist sent them by email to the periodontist, and I did not get a second set taken. I go for second dental opinions a lot and I would not get a second set of x-rays taken. You can also get a film copy of the x-rays to keep for your files, I have done that too--just tell the dentist you would like a copy of the x-rays for your files, then you can take them with you to the second opinion dentist.

Thanks for the info - I was trying to avoid a 2nd visit. Were you able to just email the x-ray files for the 2nd opinion or did you have to physically go in the office?

PP here. I don't think any dentist would diagnose something with x-rays only and no exam. I would think they would not be able to make a complete diagnosis and would refuse to do it. I think you're going to have to go in for a second opinion.

Is this an adult tooth or a baby tooth? If a baby tooth I would not go through with a root canal.