Dentistry scam?

kr236rk · 23 Mar 2018 at 17:57

This is severely edited. Am an NHS patient & support the NHS. I post here because I cannot find a public NHS forum.

Six months ago I visited a new dentist with a troublesome long-ago crowned tooth. The tooth was x-rayed and the root pronounced decayed and dead. I was told it must be taken out by "a specialist" as a matter of urgency. I then visited my regular dentist who said there was nothing wrong with the tooth, but it needed to be kept an eye on.

At no time did I inform either dentist that I had visited other surgeries.

Six months later I visited my regular dentist again and asked for the tooth to be x-rayed. I was told the x-ray showed the root was 100% healthy although the tooth might need re-crowning.

What is going on?

Thanks.

Bear · 23 Mar 2018 at 18:01

There’s lots of stories of certain NHS dentists stating work needs to be done so they can charge for the work even if it’s not needed.

Minusorange · 23 Mar 2018 at 18:11

One of your dentists is lying

Consult a third dentist to get your answer (unless he is a liar too)

FBi7 · 23 Mar 2018 at 18:15

Have you tried making sure the RAM is seated correctly?

Begbie · 23 Mar 2018 at 18:15

Minusorange said:
One of your dentists is lying

Consult a third dentist to get your answer (unless he is a liar too)

Why would one lie about it being OK? It doesn't benefit them.

I'd go with it's ok. But I'd probably get a 3rd opinion.

Minusorange · 23 Mar 2018 at 18:18

Begbie said:
Why would one lie about it being OK? It doesn't benefit them.

I'd go with it's ok. But I'd probably get a 3rd opinion.

Maybe he's not intentionally lying, he's just a terribly inept dentist ?

Begbie · 23 Mar 2018 at 18:18

Minusorange said:
Maybe he's not intentionally lying, he's just a terribly inept dentist ?

Unless his x-ray machine is broke, I doubt he's that bad.

But yeah, good enough reason for me to get another opinion.

purplesky · 23 Mar 2018 at 20:19

And then you go to your dentist complaining about a very sensitive tooth only to be told they can't find anything wrong after examining it. And I'm sure those regular 6 month check ups is just another way of getting money.

Slam62 · 23 Mar 2018 at 20:39

If in doubt do nothing

x-st · 23 Mar 2018 at 21:21

Maybe send a question to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman?

Dirk Diggler · 23 Mar 2018 at 21:39

This thread is up there with the Bobby Dazzler you posted back in 2008

kr236rk said:
hi,

events have overtaken me - my Dimension 3000 cannot be overclocked

never mind

Ric

LeeUK · 23 Mar 2018 at 22:01

I go to a dental teaching hospital and get seen to by the students, much better true honest service than any highstreet/backstreet dental practice.

JBod · 23 Mar 2018 at 23:24

I always find it deeply suspicious that the dental hygienist is only recommended when there is nothing wrong with my teeth during a regular check up.

something daft already!! · 23 Mar 2018 at 23:30

The best way forward is to always make appointments for 2:30. You can then laugh and laugh about how much it sounds like "Tooth hurty". I am certain the receptionists would not have heard that one before.

LeeUK · 24 Mar 2018 at 02:38

something daft already!! said:
The best way forward is to always make appointments for 2:30. You can then laugh and laugh about how much it sounds like "Tooth hurty". I am certain the receptionists would not have heard that one before.

I bet when you see a shop worker bending down to the bottom shelf you say "Say one for me while you're down there" - they definitely haven't heard that one before.