changing dentist

jordanpetra

I’m thinking about changing my NHS dentist to private one. Before doing that i would like to know if that’s a good idea for me, I have 2 implants done by 2 different dentists (both referred by my current dentist) and the current dentist did put crowns on both implants. These implants are about 2 years old (quite recent). My question is if this will complicate the situation for me to find a new dentist? I’ve read somewhere you have to go to the original dentists who placed the implants (my current dentist put the crowns on)…if anything happens. Thanks.

silvercar

I imagine your current dentist offers private and NHS work as I'm unsure that a crown can be fitted to an implant on the NHS. Implants would have been private other than in rare circumstances, if you had a problem with the implant you would go back to the dentist that fitted them, irrespective of whether you are with your existing dentist or a new one.
The more important question is finding a dentist that you are happy with.

Toothsmith

It shouldn't cause too much of a problem.
A bigger problem might be finding a new dentist to take you on, as with the reduced capacity we're operating with at the moment, just keeping on top of existing patients can be quite a struggle.
So long as the implants are decent and with no problems, getting them looked after by a new dentist shouldn't be too much trouble. If problems crop up, particularly with the implant bit rather than the crown on top of it, then the new dentist might recommend you seek out the dentist who put it in, as they would be the one with the notes & records of it and probably best placed to help you. If that's not possible, or the new dentist places implants themself, they might try to help sort out the problem. If they don't, they may well refer you to the place they normally refer patients to for implants, to let them cast a more experienced eye over it.

jordanpetra

Thank you so much silvercar and toothsmith. It was very helpful. It had been a bit of stress for me whether I should change my dentist or not for a while... I will try to look for some more informations.

Undervalued

You don't say whether you are looking for a private dentist on a Denplan type arrangement or pay as you go?
If it is the former they will insist that you are "dentally fit" before the plan starts so they will insist on doing a full checkup and any work they consider necessary before accepting you onto Denplan or similar. What they find will also dictate what price band you are in. That much is fine and understandable, like any insurance.

What I was unhappy with was that the practice I went to would not quote a fixed price for this but insisted it was open ended if they found more work once they started. The dentists that post here regularly have explained the dentist's perspective on this. However I was unhappy in a number of ways so didn't proceed. The practice had taken X-Rays (at my expense) and claimed that I needed three fillings. In the end I went to a different NHS dentist who felt that only one of these needed attention. Almost ten years on the other two teeth have not needed any attention at all, so I remain suspicious of the private dentist's motives and am glad I stuck with my gut reaction and walked away.

lemontarts

I think what's important is to
1. Check with the new dentist whether they are open to taking your case
2. Check with the new dentist if there will be any issues if they take your case
3. Make sure the new dentist has your dental records and scans.

You should be able to retrieve your dental records if you ask your previous dentist though they may ask for a small fee.

Maybe this article can help you if you need more information?

Phil4432

My private dentist will not work on the implant I had from another private dentist, which is a bit of a pain.  His reasoning is that ne doesn't work with that brand of implant.  He's happy to work on other things; fillings and crowns, just not the implant.

Check with the dentist you are thinking of going with, before committing.