I have to get a cavity filled today, and I'm not happy about it. 
Who would be? I haven't had a cavity since I was probably 10-years-old, but after sitting in last week for a regular teeth cleaning, my dentist took a look at my x-rays and then cavalierly informed me that I had developed an early-stage cavity that required attention.
"You can't really see it on the chart, but it's there," he said.
Bullshit.
I use an electric Sonic Care toothbrush twice a day, and floss almost as often, both facts that I mentioned in response to his accusation.
"These things happen," he said and shrugged before telling me to make a follow-on appointment to have it filled.
Since then, however, I've come to believe my particular ailment is a "recession cavity" versus a traditional one. I'm sure that dentists are hurting along with everyone else in this rotten economy, and therefore, I am convinced that I really don't have a cavity, but that my dentist simply needs the money from me and my insurance plan and so I was diagnosed and am being played like a violin by a man who is probably late on his boat payment. 
That is the most plausible explanation in my mind.
I might ask him about it today when I return to have this "recession cavity" filled, and if he won't admit to it, then I'll at least demand a shot of Nitrous Oxide. If I'm footing the bill, then the least I deserve is a cheap high to go along with this crooked diagnosis.
-BDS
Dentists should not be allowed to call themselves doctors. Doctors heal. They do not sell. Dentists are salesmen.
I actually had that happen with my daughter. I high priced uptown dentist said she had two cavities, and when I took her somewhere else, they found none! That being said...quit being a baby. ha
WIGSF - Pretty much. I think they are far bigger rackets than Doctors - no question.
Jlee - I knew it. This confirms my suspicion, and that last part sounded like my dentist. Maybe you're in cahoots with him . . . Ha.
My dentist died last year. He had been my dentist since I was in 2nd grade. I don't do well with change, and as a result, I haven't seen another dentist since. I take good care of my teeth though, but I don't use that sonic toothbrush. I know I'm due a good cleaning, but I suppose I too am worried about getting those damn recession cavities.
My ex-dentist tried that. Called it a "pre-cavity". And he said an existing filling had to be replaced.
I told him my prophylactic dental routine included "gnawing on the skulls of people who tried to cheat me".
Kmwthay - That's tough. I remember when I moved on from my childhood dentist & it wasn't much fun at all. But I figure you have friends and at least one of them should know a really solid dentist to recommend. It's not fun to visit, but it helps to get that cleaning at least once a year. At least it does for me.
Troll Y2K - Ha. Far better response than mine. Not even close. And you've got more money in your pocket & less bullshit fillings in yr. mouth.
"If it ain't broke, DON'T fix it."
I always wait until I'm in severe pain before going to the doctor or dentist. That way, you KNOW you need to go !
I think my Vet is also using the "recession diagnosis" on my dogs, because everytime I visit, they decide something doesn't look "quite right" and suggest a battery of silly tests. Pffft. My poor dog was put through tests she didn't need, because guess what they found out? Yeah, she's fine.
BTW, impressive use of the sonic care/flossing.
I'm seeing a dentist so I'm not gonna say a word...
I also went a good 15 years or longer sans cavities and was appalled by the same diagnosis a few years back. Moi....with a cavity it can't be!! But it was, and since then I've had a few others...it's all downhill from here.
Heff - I'm that way with the Doc, but I usually go to the dentist for a deep cleaning twice a year. Now, I'm re-considering.
Boxer - Thanks on the hygiene, and I didn't even think of vets in these scenarios (don't have pets), but it makes total sense too. They can prey on yr. love of yr. pets like vultures. Ha. Hopefully this doesn't happen too often, eh?
Nobich - Fingers crossed you get a better diagnosis than I did. Watch yr. dentist like a hawk. Ha.
Miss Ash - Dammit, you're refuting my theory. Ha. It was actually a very easy procedure, which again, makes me wonder . . .
Can you get a second opinion? Wait, that would only lead you to another dentist. They get you both ways don't they?
No I meant seeing seeing but he's not allowed to put any dental instruments in my mouth. I hate dentists!!
Getoffmylawn - Exactly. They are all in cahoots. Ha. One big dental conspiracy is afoot.
Nobich - Ahhh, missed that one entirely. Well, that's probably a better deal as dentists often do quite well financially since they are charging me for procedures I don't need. Ha.