NHS or private dentist ?

SparkyG

Miroslav wrote:

I'm guessing Private surgery is better than priavte treatment in a surgery that also offers NHS......????

IMO, yes Do you have any friends/ neighbours/ colleagues who you could ask for a recommendation? I must admit I wouldn't like to start again 'blind' choosing a new practice There is so much choice out there, and a vast range of prices. My dentist has very reasonable prices, but has a very up to date surgery, and plenty of time for each patient. The surgery up the road charges much higher prices, but who knows if that is VFM? Hopefully the people who go there think it is:rotfl:

Good luck with your search. Just make sure you ask lots of questions, and feel comfortable with your choice after the initial consultation. If the staff are all happy to answer your questions (without being defensive) and make you feel welcome, then that is a good start.;)

SparkyG

Miroslav

SparkyG wrote:

IMO, yes Do you have any friends/ neighbours/ colleagues who you could ask for a recommendation? I must admit I wouldn't like to start again 'blind' choosing a new practice There is so much choice out there, and a vast range of prices. My dentist has very reasonable prices, but has a very up to date surgery, and plenty of time for each patient. The surgery up the road charges much higher prices, but who knows if that is VFM? Hopefully the people who go there think it is:rotfl:

Good luck with your search. Just make sure you ask lots of questions, and feel comfortable with your choice after the initial consultation. If the staff are all happy to answer your questions (without being defensive) and make you feel welcome, then that is a good start.;)

SparkyG

Hmmmm, there are one or two I could ask, but they are quite negative people

I'll ask around, see what people say.

When I get to a surgery, i'll make sure I have some questions and suggest what I want for the future, and see how they react

Thanks

Toothsmith

Miroslav wrote:

I'm guessing Private surgery is better than priavte treatment in a surgery that also offers NHS......????

I would generally agree with that too.

Proper private dentistry is a whole surgery thing.

You have a lot less patients to look after, and so there is always more room in your appointment book which will mean a much better service.

The vast majority of dental practices these days are 'mixed' as few can survive on NHS revenues alone.

Purely private practices are still quite rare as most places see kids on the NHS still, and a lot still see adults exempt from dental charges.

This is why you really need to visit a few. The NHS/Private proportions will make a big difference to the 'feel' of the place.

Some NHS places have 'Private' sessions, in which they book more time for each patient. This can be fine, but be aware that if you have a problem outside those sessions, you might still have quite a wait to be seen as an emergency.

Some places have the more senior dentists as private only with NHS being seen by the associates. This would be fine.

One of your questions for the reception staff could be 'How many NHS patients do you have, and how do you seperte you time between NHS and Private?'

likabu_2

The Dental surgery I use changed from NHS to Private in November. When it was a NHS practice my "regular" check ups were once a year. You could get an appointment in an emergency if need be.

On Tuesday I had my first appointment with them since their status changed and I am amazed. Everything has changed. No longer are they quick in and out. Everything is much more relaxed which I suspect is the reason my 2 year old didn't scream and shout at the dentist, even letting him have a good look in his mouth.

I was asked when I would like to have a scale and polish, they could do it there and then. Or if I preferred to come back in when I had childcare, to make an appointment with the hygienist to suit. I went today for that, I only remember having this done once in the last 10 years.

I will now be having 2 check ups a year, 2 visits to the hygienist, x-rays and my 2 year old and 4 year olds teeth checked on also for £9.80 a month with Practiceplan including Worldwide Trauma and Emergency Call out insurance.

I am so happy with my treatment.

Lisa

Toothsmith

A perfect example there, likabu of why dentists are going private.

From our side of the fence, a day spent like that is so much more rewarding professionally than a race to get through too many patients in too little time.

As I have said before - private dentistry IS more expensive - but hopefully the patients should always feel it is much better value for money.

Kinnairdy

Until you can see yor dentist and get the abscess drained you could drink diluted lemon juice daily, although lemon juice is acid when it enters the mouth it becomes alkaline and acts as an anti inflammatory which may take some of the sting out of the abscess in the meantime.
I have been told lemon Fanta works too although I would not rcommend it due to the sugar content but having said that if it works temporarily.
Toothsmith please don't Flame me for this post, I am only offering a suggestion that I know has worked for family and friends and given relief in the short term and given the state of the NHS Dentistry surely anything that helps is a bonus?.

Toothsmith

I'm afraid that chemistry is chemistry, and an acid entering the mouth remains an acid in the mouth.

There is nothing anti-inflammatory about lemon juice, but it is very errosive to tooth enamel.

I realize you mean well, but doing this will have a more detremental effect on the teeth than any potential benefit (Of which I have heard nothing, and I thought I had heard the majority of the 'old wives tales' for want of a better phrase.)

Please do not try this at home!!

Kinnairdy

Firstly my apologies Toothsmith, I was not concentrating fully on what I was typing, the word I wanted was antibacterial not anti-inflammatory, my fault for not paying attention.
Secondly I have no desire to enter into long and pointless discussions on this subject, it is obvious we are at complete odds in our beliefs on the possible benefits of alternative medicines or 'old wives tales' as you choose to call this ancient subject.
This link explains in far more coherent detail than I can the benefits of Lemon Juice http://www.supplement-directory.com/article/Lemon:%20Benefits,%20Uses/
and another snippet from one of the many web sites relating to the benefits of Lemon Juice
Oral Diseases
Due to its high content of vitamin C, lemon strengthens the gums and teeth. It is also very effective for preventing and curing acute inflammations of the gum margins, pyorrhea, dental caries and other oral diseases.
But Hey! everyone has an opinion which I am willing to respect and accept.

Toothsmith

Sorry - I missed an important bit in the first line of your post.

DRINK diluted lemon juice DAILY.

From the rest of the post I was under the impression you believed that lemon juice had a topical effect and were suggesting it should be used IN the mouth, and more frequently.

The teeth will not be harmed by a diluted drink of lemon juice once a day, especially if it goes in with a meal.

Vitamin C is indeed good for the supporting structures of the teeth, and for the body in general.

Lemon juice helping an abscess - not convinced!

Under no circumstances wash any fruit juice around the mouth! (I know you realise not to, but bits of advice like that are picked up by certain people who think " If a glass a day can help - think what a mouthwash of the stuff 5 x a day would do")

Miroslav

Toothsmith wrote:

I would generally agree with that too.

Proper private dentistry is a whole surgery thing.

You have a lot less patients to look after, and so there is always more room in your appointment book which will mean a much better service.

The vast majority of dental practices these days are 'mixed' as few can survive on NHS revenues alone.

Purely private practices are still quite rare as most places see kids on the NHS still, and a lot still see adults exempt from dental charges.

This is why you really need to visit a few. The NHS/Private proportions will make a big difference to the 'feel' of the place.

Some NHS places have 'Private' sessions, in which they book more time for each patient. This can be fine, but be aware that if you have a problem outside those sessions, you might still have quite a wait to be seen as an emergency.

Some places have the more senior dentists as private only with NHS being seen by the associates. This would be fine.

One of your questions for the reception staff could be 'How many NHS patients do you have, and how do you seperte you time between NHS and Private?'

Well, I need to be treated properly with no more rush jobs. Can't believe I paid £369 or whatever the charge was in 2002 for a bodge job

My current NHS Dentist offered me private dental work. He wouldn't do a filling for a tooth with a hole as I was/am "Considering private work" on that tooth, possibly a veneer.

I'll be sure to ask that question, although, if I went totally private (surgery) it wouldn't be an issue.