"Makes me wonder—do they all have different standards or something?"
Yeah, I've noticed this too. One dentist told me a cavity was "superficial" and okay to watch, but another insisted it needed filling soon. Seems like their training, experience, or even just personal judgment can vary quite a bit...
I've had similar experiences with my daughter's dentist visits. One dentist said we could wait and see on a small cavity, but another was pretty firm about filling it right away. Makes me wonder if it's not just personal judgment but also how cautious or proactive they are about potential problems down the line. Maybe some dentists prefer early intervention to avoid bigger issues later, while others are comfortable monitoring closely... Hard to know what's best sometimes.
"Maybe some dentists prefer early intervention to avoid bigger issues later, while others are comfortable monitoring closely..."
That's a good point, but have you considered that sometimes it's not just about personal judgment or caution? It can also depend on the specific tooth and cavity location. For instance, cavities in baby teeth might seem minor, but if they're between teeth or in tricky spots, they can progress faster than you'd expect. I've seen cases where waiting turned into needing more extensive work later on. On the flip side, some cavities really do stay stable for years without intervention.
Did either dentist explain why they leaned toward their recommendation? Sometimes asking directly about their reasoning can clear things up and help you feel more confident in your decision. It's always okay to ask questions—dentists usually appreciate patients who want to understand the 'why' behind treatment options.
That's true, but honestly, I've found that sometimes dentists' recommendations can also depend on their own experiences or even training background. I've had one dentist who was super proactive—wanted to fill every tiny spot—and another who preferred the "wait and see" approach. Funny thing is, both were right at different times. I think it's always worth getting a second opinion if you're unsure... saved me from unnecessary fillings more than once.
I've noticed the same thing with my son's dentist visits. One dentist wanted to fill several tiny spots immediately, but another suggested monitoring instead, and honestly, waiting worked out fine for us. Always good to trust your gut and double-check if something feels off...
