Just been to Dentist, little annoyed.

xzibit

I have just been to the dentist. It was my first appointment there, as I have been private for the last 7-8 years, but decided I'd give the NHS a go, as well as saving money.

I went along, and the dentist literally said "sit down", and then poked my teeth, said "you need filling on that tooth, talk to reception, bye".

Now, I went to my other dentist (private) in October, so 3 months ago, and the dentist said I have brilliant teeth. They usually do a little scraping between the teeth but not much. But they always explain everything.

This NHS dentist was foreign, so maybe it was his lack of English, but I felt he was rude. Anyway, could the need for a filling appear in that time? From being fine to needing one in 3 months? Maybe they do, I don't know anything about teeth lol.

It's just that the inspection was rather brief. I know I used to pay £40 for a check-up, and this time I paid £15, but come on.

I have a choice of silver filling for £26, or white for £68. Which would be best?

I'm tempted to go back to my private dentist, but I presume if I do need a filling, it'll cost quite a bit more.

Penny_Watcher

I think Toothsmith might have posted about this before, but until he comes along I'll try to pass on what (if anything ) I've remembered correctly.

Basically if you have a long relationship with your dentist then s/he can keep an eye on 'issues' in your mouth that may be developing slowly and may in time clear up.

A new dentist just has this snapshot of one appointment and doesn't really have any background knowledge of your dental health to fall back on, and therefore treats according to the snapshot.

*All of the above may be complete rubbish and I'm doing Toothsmith and injustice. Many apologies in advance if this is the case *

Teerah

Thats correct Penny Watcher, your new dentist has no background info on how you care for your teeth xzibit, how often you attend, how long that suspect area has been like that and therefore has to treat as he sees fit. He cant take your word for it that yougo regularly as ppl tell me that all the time as new patients and they dont all tell the truth.
At the end of the day, the lack of communication could be down to the new dentist's command of english or it may very well be down to the fact that he doesnt have time to sit and explain things to you given that he is working for the health service. You pays your money, you takes your choice!

xzibit

Well if that is the case, they are basically doing work they don't need to. I suppose you have to pay for a second opinion? Maybe it'll just be cheaper to get it done. Thing is, I don't want a filling if I don't really need one.

I had a little pain a few weeks ago when eating chocolate, but that was the other side. Unless there are no symptoms.

What will happen if I say I don't want the filling? Will they get emotional? lol.

xzibit

Teerah wrote:

Thats correct Penny Watcher, your new dentist has no background info on how you care for your teeth xzibit, how often you attend, how long that suspect area has been like that and therefore has to treat as he sees fit. He cant take your word for it that yougo regularly as ppl tell me that all the time as new patients and they dont all tell the truth.
At the end of the day, the lack of communication could be down to the new dentist's command of english or it may very well be down to the fact that he doesnt have time to sit and explain things to you given that he is working for the health service. You pays your money, you takes your choice!

Maybe I should go back to my private dentist then. If I do, and they say I need a filling, can I then go to the NHS one to get it done? That would be proper moneysaving. :rotfl:

Teerah

xzibit wrote:

Well if that is the case, they are basically doing work they don't need to.

Not strictly true, without the benefit of a long standing relationship, this new dentist has no way of telling what way this early cavity (if thats what it is) will go...they have to consider whether they think it will go down hill rapidly and lead to possible need for RCT/extraction or whether you will do your best to reverse the early lesion (if it is at an early enough stage) or just ignore it and not attend until it causes problems.
Not all cavities cause pain, sometimes by the time it causes pain it is actually too late to save the tooth.

Teerah

xzibit wrote:

Maybe I should go back to my private dentist then. If I do, and they say I need a filling, can I then go to the NHS one to get it done? That would be proper moneysaving. :rotfl:

Moneysaving? Perhaps...timesaving no... and somewhere along the line ppl will get p****ed off, more likely to be your private dentist who can choose who they want to see and will not appreciate simply being used as a screening service.

xzibit

Mmm, looks like I'll just get it done then. Just hope I actually DO need it, and it won't do any harm. Never had one before.

Any advantage of the white filling over the silver mercury alloy one? Other than appearance?

A white filling is £68.00 and a silver one is £26.90 but on the form it has £15.50 on there aswell making it £42.40, but the receptionist said I paid the £15.50 today, which I did. So I just pay the £26.90 when I have it done? Or pay another £15.50 aswell?

I looked at the form that Toothsmith put up on another thread, and it says £15.50 for check-up, £42.40 for check-up and filling, but I'm unsure as to whether I have to pay another £15.50.

Savvy_Sue

I think Toothsmith would say go back to your private dentist, and I think I'd agree with him ...

But I'm just wondering why you went after only 3 months?

Teerah

You wouldnt have to pay the £15.50 again, no.

If this is your first ever filling then I would be a little more cautious. It is possible it does need done but it might not. Have you had any x-rays taken at either practice?

xzibit

I went after only 3 months because I wanted to register at a NHS dentist, and they were taking on new patients, and they said to register, you fill out the form, and have an appointment, then you are registered.

I haven't had any x-rays for years. It is my first filling yes.

I made an appointment for tomorrow, to have it done, cos I want to stay registered at a NHS dentist really, as it's much cheaper. And looks like the only way I can do that is go ahead and have the work done they want me to.