Dentists

Since your dentist understands your problem, I think it's worth asking her. You can explain that the hygienist feels unable to do the treatment with you sitting up and that you'd like some advice. No need to sound critical of the hygienist.

If the dentist can't do it she might be able to guide you to someone else who can.

I’d definitely have a word with the dentist - the hygienist sounds very unpleasant and unprofessional, and it would be good to highlight this to the dentist as a learning opportunity. I’ve got to see the hygienist for the first time in my life and the dentist is going to do the work as the hygienist has a long waiting list. It’s definitely worth asking or see if they can recommend another one in the area.

My dentist did the deep clean when I needed it. Did you have to pay privately for the hygienist? Not very long ago there was another thread about deep cleaning and dental charges, so this is why I ask.

I’d tell my dentist about the hygienists attitude. Deep clean can be quite unpleasant and an unkind operative is the last thing you need.

Judy what an unpleasant experience, I do sympathise ?
I had a fabulous dentist who specialised in ‘gentle dental treatment’ and helped me overcome a bad dental phobia. However, I tried several hygienists before finding one who was sufficiently gentle and in whom I had confidence.
My dentist understood well that I had to find the right hygienist with the right approach.

The hygienist clearly isn’t providing the service you need. It’s unlikely you are the only patient to experience her unpleasant approach.
I am with Septimia and SirChenjin here and would suggest seeking further advice from your dentist. Good luck.

What is a dental deep clean?

My dentist does mine, I have never seen the hygienist since having him as my dentist.

Yes but what is it?

Does it mean a scale and polish?

No, it’s a clean under the gums. It can be quite sore so sometimes they’ll give you a local anaesthetic

Bloody hell! It even sounds sore! I'd want a local for that. Fortunately such digging has never been suggested.

I've just had it done and it wasn't too bad. What really hurt was paying £110 for an hour - ouch!

I’ve had it done and I’m severely dental phobic. Luckily I was going private at the time so I had it done in 4 apt’s , with lots of injections and I can safely say it was the most unpleasant experience .

It removes plaque from all the pockets round your teeth and under your gums ☹️

Is there more than one hygienist in the dental surgery? We’ve got four in ours. Speak to the dentist, say how much you appreciate their approach but regret the hygienist does not meet your needs. It’s worth sorting out, the dentist is the most important professional for your treatment and as they are excellent don’t let the hygienist spoil things for you. Good luck. Let us know how it works out.

I am interested in this thread ( I started the other one about costs) as my new dentist is very gentle and caring, but the hygienist causes pain and her attitude is unpleasant.
My husband has bought himself a neck cushion as he cannot lie down on the seat provided because of the shape of his spine.

We don't have a hygienist at the dentist. I asked him why not and he claimed it's too complicated expensive to employ an NHS Hygienist as they would also need a dental nurse.
It all sounds unlikely to me but my rather new, NHS dentist who was trained abroad, and is Middle Eastern is always encouraging me to spend extra to have the best materials...and of course I comply because I want the better option. When you are told the awful things about amalgam fillings, you don't argue.

Now he's talking about flexible dentures, as unfortunately I will need a few false teeth sooner rather than later.

I have already said I can't afford implants, and anyway not everything you hear about them is good, including the cost.

Has anyone tried these flexible dentures? Should I start a denture thread
www.dentures.org.uk/flexible-dentures/

Thanks everyone for your responses. My Dental practice is a small local one, by small I mean one Dentist, One Dental Nurse, one Hygienist and one Receptionist. Although my Dentist is lovely I am now considering a larger practice a bit further away which seems more state of the art. There are a number of Dentists and 4 Hygienists so surely one of them will be right for me. My next step is to call them with a view to arranging an appointment for early in the New Year.

I go to an NHS dentist and private hygienist so you don't need both together

Judy DH had to have the dental deep clean and, although there is an excellent hygienist at our surgery, he was sent to the dental hospital to have it done. It was rather a trek and they did not do it all in one go but, because it was at a hospital, it was free.

Our hygienist always stands up, as does the dentist.

Thanks chelseababy I will try to find an independent hygienist. That way I might be able to save my teeth a little longer.

Our dentist is quite happy to do a full scale and polish, I would just ask. No one should be treated how you have been.