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Stupid question about dentists

hazelalexa
Posts: 25 Forumite
After giving up on the NHS, I recently switched to a private dentist. He's very good and I'm happy to be at his surgery! I just have to ask a stupid question... why does he feel my neck when I go for a check up? Each time I go, he spends a good 5/10 minutes feeling and prodding around my neck/throat. What is he trying to achieve? It really baffled me when he first did it... they never were so thorough when I was at my old dentist. Thanks.
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There are glands in your neck that he may be checking; also possibly the alignment of your jaw. I know that my private dentist is far, far more thorough (sadly) than previous NHS - in fact, even the same dentist took a more thorough approach when I attended as a private patient. Money talks I suppose.
Anyway, nothing to worry, they are feeling for any lumps and bumps in that area. It's a good thing (provided they don't find anything spooky).
I'm sure Toothsmith will be here soon to clarify more fully.0 -
No - You've summed it up pretty well!
Feeling for lumpy lymph glands (Which can give an early indication of lots of things from infections to cancer.)
Also feeling salivary glands for similar reasons.
It is a good thing - even if they DO find something spooky - as with anything, if it's found early, the chances of successful treatment are much improved. Statistically, it's pretty unlikely to find anything nasty for any one individual though.How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
My NHS dentist does this too. Also he does a weird thing no dentist has ever done before.... he pulls out my tongue waaaaaay past where it would normally go, so I feel like a labrador with its head out of a car window. Then he pokes his fingers at the base of the tongue.
I assume it's to check for any signs of mouth cancer. Though it's only on reading this thread I realise how odd I've never asked him why? Too British perhaps, I just sit there pretending this is normal.0 -
I am a dental nurse, and have been working for an NHS access centre for 2 yrs, providing emergency care for people who don't have a regular dentist. The dentists I work with, all check thoroughly the soft tissues and neck, for any abnormalities.
One person had been to their docor with a huge ulcer right at the back of thier tongue, two days before coming to see us, and was given antibiotics - one look from the dentist, and myself (I used to work for Maxillofacial theatre, dealing with head and neck cancer) and an urgent referral was written to hospital, within 2 weeks they were operated on, there has been 2 more cases I have seen since then.
Not trying to scare anyone, but it is so important to get regular check ups, and to see a dentist with any mouth problems, we are not here just for teeth! - I know its difficult to get NHS dentist, persistance pays off, and not all private dentists charge huge fees!Saving target £6k by Aug 2011Raised so far £350/£6k0 -
Actually I got my NHS dentist last week when a note came through my door telling me which ones in pct had space - first one I rang - wow I was impressed.
I'll see if they do the neck thing though next week and know not to worry about it (my old dentist used to do it and I never asked her why either)
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Good post faceduptoitatlast.
Yes, good dentists don't just check your teeth but look after the entire mouth and surrounding areas.
akin to opticians who also can detect problems with blood pressure and other illnesses.
I too have gone private as I keep getting queue jumped at the NHS by people who "need" the "Free" service more although they never admit it.
If you sign up for dental insurance, you get a good 50% of the costs back, and the more personal and full checkups and great treatment if required makes it worth while.0 -
I have gone to a private dentist now, as I couldn't get an NHS one in my area (even NHS staff dont get preferential treatment!!!) I signed up for HSA, and get optical and dental cover, I can claim back £120 per year for dental and the same for optical and get 100% of the cost up to £120 back. ok I am paying for it still, just spread out over the year. (depends what level you are on, theres lower and higher levels to the one I am on.)Saving target £6k by Aug 2011Raised so far £350/£6k0
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Sounds as though you have a great dentist. Wish they were all so thorough!Why not follow me on Twitter too? http://twitter.com/icanbebothered
:money: [FONT="]
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Sounds as though you have a great dentist. Wish they were all so thorough!
It would be really nice if everybody was nice all the time!How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0
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