Private dental checkup contradicts NHS checkup

[Guest2]

Around 6 weeks ago I had a checkup with my NHS dentist i’ve been going to for years.

They said I had mild gum disease and needed 3 fillings, plus a scale and polish. One of the fillings has been replaced twice already and is slightly chipped on a corner.
I booked in the two appointments and paid the £70.70.

I decided to book a private appointment (new patient consultation) locally at a cost of £60 to see what they say.

I had appointment today. My teeth were xrayed (which ive only had once ever with nhs) They said my gums are fine and don’t need any fillings based on the checkup and xrays but did recommend a scale and polish.

I told them about the nhs recommendations and asked for the consultation notes and xrays to be forwarded to me.

Needless to say im not going to have 3 fillings but will have the scale and polish. Can I claim back the £44.90 as the 3 fillings are not needed?

Guess it pays to double check before going ahead with work. Also, don’t pay up front like I did - lesson learned!

 

[Guest2]

Why don’t you ring them and find out?

I will, awaiting notes and xrays. I obviously dont want to lose my nhs dentist

 

[Guest2]

Good luck with that - they seem to be using any and every excuse to get NHS patients off their books around here - total joke when even kids aren't getting proper access to a dentist.

Probably best not having one if they charge you for 3 fillings that are not required!

 

[Guest2]

I get x-rayed every 2 years at my dentist which does NHS and private work.

Yours sounds a bit **** to be honest!

It used to be owned by one guy but he retired a few years ago and it seems to have gone downhill since.
One if the fillings i have has needed to be replaced twice. First it was too high so has to have some taken off, then it cracked so had to have it removed and put back in.

 

[Guest2]

Why would you voluntarily have teeth and jaws x-rayed if there was no apparent issue with them?

Clearly didnt read the thread at all.
Nhs dentist said I need 3 fillings

 

[Guest2]

Well, I went to the NHS dentist yesterday.
Total mess up on their part.

I arrived just before my appointment at 2pm and the guy on reception said he couldnt find my appointment. I had cancelled the one for the filling and left the one yesterday for the gum treatment & scale and polish.

I did receive 2 cancellation notices on Wednesday but these were for April 2022 when i never even had an appointment?!

Anyway, reception said i could book in for 2:30 (haha!) I complained a bit and showed them the appointment email for 2pm, then asked for the refund which he gave me straight away surprisingly (£44.90)

I sat down and was immediately called to the operating room much to the surprise of reception.

Once in the room the dentist said “right, you’re here for gum treatment and a filling” I said no and explained again why im not.
Had the gum treatment and scale and polish which took all of 5 minutes. Im sure a scale and polish used to be a good 15-20 mins where they thouroughly cleaned your teeth, including inbetween the gaps, not just front and back.

I left to reception and someone else was on who asked about my refund, the original guy appeared and said id been given it already. I asked if i was all done and left.

It seemed like a circus parade, not what it was like when the practive was privately owned by a guy who has now retired and since sold it on.

Think i’ll try joining the waiting list for one in Leeds and if not go onto a private work dental scheme (which doesnt refund all cost of private work, only some)

Disappointed with the 5 minute gum treatment and scale and polish. Id rather pay prive for routine (£65) or extended (£90) S&P at least it’ll be a proper job instead of a rushed one for £25.