Amalgam Fillings? and Local anasthetic?

Lorna8111

It's an embarrassment to the profession that a senior executive could come across in such a manor - you're right, certainly not a good spokesperson for dentistry. Unfortunately - didn't really help our cause. Fact also remains that NHS provision of treatment does not allow us to place white fillings in posterior teeth, it's metal or pay privately - we have no other option when providing treatment on the health service.

Toothsmith

Crabman wrote: »

It's difficult for the general public to feel assured as to the safety of amalgam fillings after seeing the programme tonight.

I thought "Peter Ward" (The British Dental Association Chief) acted immature, waving his arms, wiggling his fingers at the camera and trying to somehow prevent himself being filmed by covering the camera, after tripping over himself following what was, in truth, a simple question.

I'd expect that sort of puerile behaviour from a cowboy builder type being chased down by Dom Littlewood, or perhaps a child under 10, but not the Chief Executive of the BDA.

It's a shame that he couldn't give simple and reassuring answers to the straightforward questions being put to him. I wonder whether he'll be CEO for much longer, as he hasn't exactly instilled confidence with those who watched his interview or in the organisation itself by way of his unprofessional behaviour.

Very true.

I resigned my BDA membership many years ago, as they're a very weak 'trade union' and miss so many open goals when Government stupidity and short sightedness in dental policy could really be exposed.

There could have been many minutes of reasoned argument and reassurance left on the cutting room floor, and a moment of complete madness and panic when he really wanted to stop the filming aired for all to see. It all depends how the reported wanted to make his report look.

But anyone who goes up before the media like that SHOULD have media training, and shouldn't give anyone an opportunity to make them look like a baboon!

cazziebo

scruffy96uk wrote: »

On the same topic I'm due to get a filling next week and now refuse to get injections in my mouth. How sore is it to get an old filling removed and replaced with a new one?????

TIA for any replies

I've had several fillings* with no anaesthetic - I had an agreement with my dentist that if I couldn't take the pain then I'd raise a hand and he'd stop. The really painful bit only lasts seconds and I used hypnotherapy to cope with the pain. Well worth it because I hated that lasting numb feeling.

As I've got older, I think I've lost the energy for mind over pain. However, injections now are almost imperceptible, and the numbness lasts for hardly any longer than the procedure. Dentistry has progressed incredibly in the last 5-10 years.

*my dentist classes my teeth as "good for someone for Lanarkshire" so pretty bad! I see you're from Scotland so you'll understand that!

tirednewdad

Lorna8111 wrote: »

It's an embarrassment to the profession that a senior executive could come across in such a manor - you're right, certainly not a good spokesperson for dentistry. Unfortunately - didn't really help our cause. Fact also remains that NHS provision of treatment does not allow us to place white fillings in posterior teeth, it's metal or pay privately - we have no other option when providing treatment on the health service.

Not 100% correct- you can provide white fillings on posterior teeth on the NHS new contract in theory. But you do not have to, as in most cases an amalgam filling will surfice as it has superior qualities to a composite filling, Therefore reducing the chances of needing replacement and therefore costing the NHS more money.

I lost patience with the BDA about 4 years ago and resigned my membership and position in my local BDA board. Its so frustrating and nothing seems to be done and most concerns seem to be ignored.

Toothsmith

He'll just love that!