Visits to the Dentist
Discussion
I go, from time to time, to an NHS dentist - the same practice, not always the same dentist.
They want me to go every six months. O.K. I understand that, but I can't understand the need to see the hygienist every time.
Does anyone else have this problem? 1. Being nagged to go every six months. 2. Nagged to suffer the hygienist - is it really necessary?
They want me to go every six months. O.K. I understand that, but I can't understand the need to see the hygienist every time.
Does anyone else have this problem? 1. Being nagged to go every six months. 2. Nagged to suffer the hygienist - is it really necessary?
The Mad Monk said:
I go, from time to time, to an NHS dentist - the same practice, not always the same dentist.
They want me to go every six months. O.K. I understand that, but I can't understand the need to see the hygienist every time.
Does anyone else have this problem? 1. Being nagged to go every six months. 2. Nagged to suffer the hygienist - is it really necessary?
No, it's a fairly recent thing - dentists seem to be backing away from carrying out basic cleaning and making hygienist appointments instead. A visit to the hygienist is good as a one-off consultation if you have specific issues like plaque build up in the same place - they can advise on better brushing techniques and cleaning accessories. After that, can't see the point and they are not cheap.They want me to go every six months. O.K. I understand that, but I can't understand the need to see the hygienist every time.
Does anyone else have this problem? 1. Being nagged to go every six months. 2. Nagged to suffer the hygienist - is it really necessary?
bigpriest said:
The Mad Monk said:
I go, from time to time, to an NHS dentist - the same practice, not always the same dentist.
They want me to go every six months. O.K. I understand that, but I can't understand the need to see the hygienist every time.
Does anyone else have this problem? 1. Being nagged to go every six months. 2. Nagged to suffer the hygienist - is it really necessary?
No, it's a fairly recent thing - dentists seem to be backing away from carrying out basic cleaning and making hygienist appointments instead. A visit to the hygienist is good as a one-off consultation if you have specific issues like plaque build up in the same place - they can advise on better brushing techniques and cleaning accessories. After that, can't see the point and they are not cheap.They want me to go every six months. O.K. I understand that, but I can't understand the need to see the hygienist every time.
Does anyone else have this problem? 1. Being nagged to go every six months. 2. Nagged to suffer the hygienist - is it really necessary?
I always put it back to them & ask if what they see means they think I need one.
They will also do full hygenist appointments if you want one.
craig1912 said:
Would have thought six monthly hygienist appts were more important than a dentist check up.
I would agree as they are very knowledgable about oral health and have the time to give you advice as it's usually a 30min session. Whereas on a check up my arse has literally just dusted the seat then it's all over. A dentist will obviously explore further if you have a problem so it's really both rather than one or the other. Pre Covid i'd always had an NHS dentist and had a scale and polish included, never offered a hygienist.
I've recently got dental insurance through work so have had the full check up and then separate hygienist, who were surprised when I said i'd never seen one before, but they did do a thorough job. I don't think I'd pay for it every 6 months out my own pocket and make sure I spend the time cleaning my teeth properly and getting it less regularly.
I've recently got dental insurance through work so have had the full check up and then separate hygienist, who were surprised when I said i'd never seen one before, but they did do a thorough job. I don't think I'd pay for it every 6 months out my own pocket and make sure I spend the time cleaning my teeth properly and getting it less regularly.
I go to the hygenist every six months but I ask them to not use the ultrasonic descaling tool, so they do it manually with hand instruments which is infinitely more comfortable and pleasant.
I go to a private practice, not sure if an NHS dentist would do it by hand as it takes a bit longer but there’s no harm in asking.
I go to a private practice, not sure if an NHS dentist would do it by hand as it takes a bit longer but there’s no harm in asking.
I've just binned my NHS Dentist and gone private with a different practice.
I just couldn't get my NHS dentist to do any work. I needed a tooth removed which was infected. My original dentist said it needed to be done in a hospital as clawed roots. Waited for weeks, chased dentist, told in system. Eventually chased hospital and told it was rejected the same day.
Getting desperate, so I went private. The dentist had it out in under five seconds.
I still need to see the hygienist, as I did with the NHS one, but it is about £20 cheaper and I only need to go once a year instead of six months.
I just couldn't get my NHS dentist to do any work. I needed a tooth removed which was infected. My original dentist said it needed to be done in a hospital as clawed roots. Waited for weeks, chased dentist, told in system. Eventually chased hospital and told it was rejected the same day.
Getting desperate, so I went private. The dentist had it out in under five seconds.
I still need to see the hygienist, as I did with the NHS one, but it is about £20 cheaper and I only need to go once a year instead of six months.
Obviously the dentist is going to recommend a hygienist (at their practice) for the £££.
My NHS dentist recently went private only, they were pretty rubbish though so I am now a free agent.
Need some restoration work done but can't afford it. Might go for a private check up next year somewhere else just to see what the score is.
I've had some bad experiences in the past so I'm generally not keen on any kind of treatment but do eventually get it done once it reaches the absolutely necessary point.
My NHS dentist recently went private only, they were pretty rubbish though so I am now a free agent.
Need some restoration work done but can't afford it. Might go for a private check up next year somewhere else just to see what the score is.
I've had some bad experiences in the past so I'm generally not keen on any kind of treatment but do eventually get it done once it reaches the absolutely necessary point.
Fess-up time. Last time I saw a Dentist was 1983 (IIRC), out of absolute necessity.
I'm terrified of Dentists because of the school dentist in the 1950s. Strapped in a chair, gas mask applied from behind, teeth extracted and left with bleeding, infected gums for weeks afterwards and in absolute agony. Never known trauma like it even when I had a rather spectacular heart attack on a motorway 45 years later.
I still have (most of) a mouthfull of teeth, one of which is probably broken 'cos of eating some Bombay mix waiting for a takeaway in 1998(ish).
I'm terrified of Dentists because of the school dentist in the 1950s. Strapped in a chair, gas mask applied from behind, teeth extracted and left with bleeding, infected gums for weeks afterwards and in absolute agony. Never known trauma like it even when I had a rather spectacular heart attack on a motorway 45 years later.
I still have (most of) a mouthfull of teeth, one of which is probably broken 'cos of eating some Bombay mix waiting for a takeaway in 1998(ish).
Edited by littleredrooster on Friday 24th July 22:11
C70GT said:
Wife and I go every six months to an NHS dentist. Both get a clean and polish as part of the standard check up fee - about £27 IIRC.
Dentist has a wonderful chairside manner, always has time for a chat and talks through any recommended work - not that that is necessary very often.
One of the lucky ones (or unlucky) depending on how you view it. Lucky in that you get your teeth seen to at a low cost but, NHS treatments and materials (if you need stuff doing) are miles away from state of the art. I’ve had numerous crowns and implants and the investment has been well worth it- virtually none of it would have been available on the NHS bu I’ve been private for 25+ years.Dentist has a wonderful chairside manner, always has time for a chat and talks through any recommended work - not that that is necessary very often.
I changed my dentist (not NHS ) a couple of years ago and the hygienist was the nicest I’ve seen for years so happy to see her every 6 months when I also have the check up with the Dentist.
Previously I had always gone every 9 months.
My wife on the other hand has always seen the same NHS Dentist who occasionally might do a bit of extra cleaning but she hasn’t seen a hygienist in years apparently.
Previously I had always gone every 9 months.
My wife on the other hand has always seen the same NHS Dentist who occasionally might do a bit of extra cleaning but she hasn’t seen a hygienist in years apparently.
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