Dentist: Second Opinion

Dentists aren't the same as GP's and you can go to any that you like, but I'm not sure that you can actually register at more than one NHS dentist. When I needed a complicated root canal job done I used a combination of private dentist and my NHS one. I aw a private dentist originally, had most of the work done by another private dentist that she recommended then had a gold crown fitted by my NHS dentist to save a bit of money [at that time my tooth became worth more than my car].

All I wanted was to make an appointment with a different dentist, and let him have a look and see what he thinks, but I can't really afford to pay through the nose. I have no idea what it costs just for an examination. It's not that long since the media was full of stories about people finding it almost impossible to get dentistry on the NHS.

Phone a dentist, explain the situation and see if they will give you an appointment for a second opinion.

I googled dentistry cost examination and on the first page was this website (it looks as though their centres are near Tiverton and Cullompton) I would assume that their prices are round about average.

www.dentalcentres.co.uk/dentist-fees-nhs.php

An internet search would turn up other dentists who don't mind advertising their prices. It would give you a general idea.

Ring your local Healthwatch and ask them for advice.

As Tegan says, patients are not actually 'registered' with a dentist any more but, obviously, they like to regard you as 'theirs' so will send reminders etc.

I recently had to change dentists,wasn't happy with previous dental treatment ( long boring reason ) and found another one recommended who charged £28 for a 15 minute new patient appointment where I ran through my problems and he gave his opinion as to what treatment I needed. Both dentists private.

Thanks all, perhaps I'll give someone a ring next week (I thought it was going to be a lot more that £18).

Most private dentists now have websites and you can book online.

I ended up paying £42 as he took several x rays.

Finally got round to it this morning.

It seems that the bad taste coming from my new crown really is just trapped food, and not rotting tooth. I'm now trying to get to grips with wangling one of these in between my back teeth.

I was in just this situation recently. I am an NHS patient with one dental practice and wanted to go to another to check out what they had done as I was not happy with it. I rang the second practice and they said I could see them privately and did not have to deregister with my usual NHS dentist. As I understand it, you cannot get a second opinion from another dentist on the NHS unless you register with them and take yourself off the list you are already on. Hope this helps.

"you cannot get a second opinion from another dentist on the NHS unless you register with them and take yourself off the list you are already on"

That's what I had been thinking, but apparently not. I just rang up and told them I was looking for a second opinion, and they made an appointment. I filled in a new patient form when I got there, and then paid the £18.80 NHS checkup fee. If the receptionist hadn't understood what I was asking for, I suppose the NHS might write later and tell me that I can't have two checkups in less than six months.

There is no registration as an NHS patient.
That stopped in 2006 when the general dental services contract was changed.
You are free to go to any dentist who will see you under NHS Contract, but they will ask you at some point how long it is since you last saw a dentist, as this could have clinical significance.
If you say '3 weeks ago when I had this crown fitted' they are within their rights to politely suggest that it might be better if you returned to the dentist who fitted the crown to deal with any problems.

I'm putting off going back to my dentist with my sensitive tooth as I'm going away for a few days and don't want any treatment that could, potentially make it worse. I did ask if I could go to see the private dentist that did the root canal filling next to the problem tooth but was told that I had to be referred to him. crun; be careful with that tooth cleaner thingy. I do use them myself but I have a suspicion that it was using one between my two back teeth that has caused the sensitivity [I do get a bit carried away with dental hygiene sometimes]. Then again it might be a cracked filling due to biting on something [seem to recall eating a date that still had a bit of stone in it; so much for getting my five a day ].

"I'm putting off going back to my dentist with my sensitive tooth as I'm going away for a few days and don't want any treatment that could, potentially make it worse."

There's a similar story attached to my crown.

The tooth had had periods of being sensitive to bite on, but the last one came to an end suddenly when a piece broke off. The relief was instant, and after it was re-filled there was no bother until the dentist told me one day that the filling needed replacing because it was leaking. I was loathe to meddle with it whilst it was causing me no bother, so I put it off. Eventually I thought better of it, but by then it was beyond filling, so I had to have the crown. He's told me that I'll lose it when the crown fails.

Jane: my crown was done Feb 2014, I last saw the dentist Feb 2015, (they did ask).

I have been pleasantly surprised over the years how little private dentists charge for routine appointments and procedures.
I think it is the big stuff where they make their money.

My hygienist recommended these inter dental thingies too and I conscientiously used them. Developed unpleasant sensitivity, eased back a bit on their use and started to use a 'sensitive' toothpaste.
Discussed all this on subsequent visit.
She explained that some dentine was more exposed, that the sensitivity should wear off and meantime to rub toothpaste onto the affected area.
Short-term, this local application of Sensodyne or Colgate sensitive might help you.

My dentist found I had slightly inflamed gums around my many crowns. He suggested interdental brushes dipped in Corsadyl Daily toothpaste. It tastes disgusting, but I have got used to it and my gums and sensitivity have improved.

I have had inflamed gums, my dentist prescribed Corsadyl gel, on prescription. You rub it on after brushing, very soothing and does the trick. X

I've used the interdental sticks for a long time but only when I remember to do so, but bought some the check up before last and used them all the time for several months. That's when the sensitivity started; however my dentist says that my gums have never looked healthier [pity about not being able to eat, though ]. I've always flossed but was amazed how much gunk was still left between my teeth that only the sticks could get to. I only bought them to use as a tooth pick when I'm out and about so I don't get the 'finding cabbage stuck between teeth after you've been chatting to someone for ages' thing. I use Sensodyne, Colgate and Corsodyl on a regular basis, but I'll give all of them an exta go for a week or so.

Have you tried the brushes Tegan, which come in different sizes - to fit the gap, as it were!

I use the little brushes too. My dentist recommended them.
As you say you need to get the right size.

I was getting a pain in my neck and behind my ear, and my doctor, who thoroughly examined me suggested that perhaps my teeth were the cause (I do have sensitive gums and dodgy teeth, which are looked after regularly). I already had a dental appointment, with an NHS dentist and saw a foreign lady who shouted at me because I said I was deaf, assured me that my teeth were "Very good". After about a fortnight, I was still not happy, my mouth was aching, so I asked for another appointment, and was given an appointment with a mature man who was obviously from this country, he again said there is nothing wrong. I was charged for both these appointments. I have since had another appointment asking about my dentures, in case these are causing the trouble, not so, and in this case no charge was made. Still have an aching face, which I can only assume is because I clench my teeth.

Did anyone see the macaque monkeys on BBC4 (3m30s) plucking tourists hair and using it to floss with?