Dental misdiagnosis is a common problem that can lead to unnecessary pain, expense, and anxiety. One of the most common misdiagnoses is cavities, which are small holes in the teeth that can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, sugary foods and drinks, and genetics. While cavities are a serious problem that can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems, they are not always easy to diagnose, and even experienced dentists can make mistakes.
There are a number of reasons why dentists might misdiagnose cavities. One reason is that cavities can be difficult to see, especially if they are small or located in an area of the mouth that is difficult to examine. Additionally, some cavities may not cause any symptoms, so they may not be detected during a routine dental exam. Finally, some dentists may rely too heavily on X-rays to diagnose cavities, which can lead to false positives.