Yes, I suffered from the same quandary but eventually decided I would only visit the dentist if something seemed to be wrong. However I did let my dental practice know this and they (being a much nicer practice than the one you originally visited during this saga) accepted my decision.
So far, so good. I've been back once (for quite a lot of work as some teeth which were all originally sorted out at the same time (enamel erosion due to drinking hot lemon juice every morning for years...!) all needed re-enamelling at the same time, inevitably) and at that time one filling was found to be in need of replacement in addition to the work for which I visited. All done and dusted in one (very long) visit.
You do need to find a dentist who will accept your decision - and who is fine with it. After all, you're the customer!
Otherwise (and this is what I'd do if I didn't have a decent dental practice nearby) what about trying an holistic dentist? They practice much more along 'our' lines and seem as a whole to be more 'honest' than the majority of mainstream dentists in assessing what does and does not need doing.
The very best of luck - tooth problems are a right pain in the, er, jaw.
yes that seems to be the conclusion I have come to - don't visit unless in pain or something definitely needs doing. I didn't know lemon juice could damage your teeth, maybe you drunk it too hot?? Glad you have found a nice practice. Holistic dentist - wow - didn't know they existed - I go to a homeopathic vet who is brilliant and cheaper than normal vet so if I knew a holistic dentist would go for it. Will check that out. I am in the south west now, not sure if there are any round here ...
No, the lemon juice wasn't particularly hot - it was just the constant drinking over a long period of time wearing away the enamenl, particularly given that I cleaned my teeth immediately afterwards (you should drink a glass of water a short time after drinking hot lemon juice, then leave it a while for the tooth enamel to return to normal before cleaning your teeth, apparently - either that or drink the lemon juice through a straw). My dentist brought up the matter at a dentists' convention and it was much discussed amongst the attendess as they found it an interesting and novel topic. The solution decided on was the above!
I sympathise. We have given up on UK Dentists. Ours is in, of all places, Alcala de los Gazules, about an hours drive from Gibraltar. Recommended by a friend in Gib years ago. Much cheaper, more advanced, white fillings. (I hope you didn't have mercury. It's poison.) We are on our way there now. Currently in Portsmouth. Also holiday.
If you drive, a flight to Gib and hire car will get you there. Or if you fly when we are nearby we could transport you. Best to get a few days accomodation as well. Instant appointments. Argentinian Dentist with Austrian mate!
My first visit, I had a broken tooth. I just wanted it smoothed off and a bit of filling to keep me going till I was back in UK. (At that time I had a good UK Dentist.) He didn't seem to understand I wanted CHEAP! Talked about doing x-ray, blah, blah, blah. Eventially I said "How much for all that?" Answer, 50 Euro. So, obviuosly I went ahead. Brilliant job. Temporary according to him. Seemed permanent to me.
May not be the answer for you, but I thought it worth a mention.
cheers Keith, I am really tied at the moment , cannot travel due to having a very elderly dog (16) who has been incontinent for a long time and back legs not great, although she has good and bad days. I would love to be able to get out of UK, really had it with this place but just can't at moment. Someone else mentioned getting dental care abroad I can't remember which country they said but tbh UK is such a rip off for everything and the standard doesn't seem to be better . I know people who never go to the dentist and their teeth dont seem too bad so not sure what to think any more. Probably will have this tooth taken out eventually as the drilling has made it less stable and prob having root canal will be a waste of time anyway .... such is life. ...
You poor thing!
Yes, I suffered from the same quandary but eventually decided I would only visit the dentist if something seemed to be wrong. However I did let my dental practice know this and they (being a much nicer practice than the one you originally visited during this saga) accepted my decision.
So far, so good. I've been back once (for quite a lot of work as some teeth which were all originally sorted out at the same time (enamel erosion due to drinking hot lemon juice every morning for years...!) all needed re-enamelling at the same time, inevitably) and at that time one filling was found to be in need of replacement in addition to the work for which I visited. All done and dusted in one (very long) visit.
You do need to find a dentist who will accept your decision - and who is fine with it. After all, you're the customer!
Otherwise (and this is what I'd do if I didn't have a decent dental practice nearby) what about trying an holistic dentist? They practice much more along 'our' lines and seem as a whole to be more 'honest' than the majority of mainstream dentists in assessing what does and does not need doing.
The very best of luck - tooth problems are a right pain in the, er, jaw.
yes that seems to be the conclusion I have come to - don't visit unless in pain or something definitely needs doing. I didn't know lemon juice could damage your teeth, maybe you drunk it too hot?? Glad you have found a nice practice. Holistic dentist - wow - didn't know they existed - I go to a homeopathic vet who is brilliant and cheaper than normal vet so if I knew a holistic dentist would go for it. Will check that out. I am in the south west now, not sure if there are any round here ...
No, the lemon juice wasn't particularly hot - it was just the constant drinking over a long period of time wearing away the enamenl, particularly given that I cleaned my teeth immediately afterwards (you should drink a glass of water a short time after drinking hot lemon juice, then leave it a while for the tooth enamel to return to normal before cleaning your teeth, apparently - either that or drink the lemon juice through a straw). My dentist brought up the matter at a dentists' convention and it was much discussed amongst the attendess as they found it an interesting and novel topic. The solution decided on was the above!
as they say everything in moderation, but they learned from you, you deserve a commission!
I sympathise. We have given up on UK Dentists. Ours is in, of all places, Alcala de los Gazules, about an hours drive from Gibraltar. Recommended by a friend in Gib years ago. Much cheaper, more advanced, white fillings. (I hope you didn't have mercury. It's poison.) We are on our way there now. Currently in Portsmouth. Also holiday.
If you drive, a flight to Gib and hire car will get you there. Or if you fly when we are nearby we could transport you. Best to get a few days accomodation as well. Instant appointments. Argentinian Dentist with Austrian mate!
My first visit, I had a broken tooth. I just wanted it smoothed off and a bit of filling to keep me going till I was back in UK. (At that time I had a good UK Dentist.) He didn't seem to understand I wanted CHEAP! Talked about doing x-ray, blah, blah, blah. Eventially I said "How much for all that?" Answer, 50 Euro. So, obviuosly I went ahead. Brilliant job. Temporary according to him. Seemed permanent to me.
May not be the answer for you, but I thought it worth a mention.
cheers Keith, I am really tied at the moment , cannot travel due to having a very elderly dog (16) who has been incontinent for a long time and back legs not great, although she has good and bad days. I would love to be able to get out of UK, really had it with this place but just can't at moment. Someone else mentioned getting dental care abroad I can't remember which country they said but tbh UK is such a rip off for everything and the standard doesn't seem to be better . I know people who never go to the dentist and their teeth dont seem too bad so not sure what to think any more. Probably will have this tooth taken out eventually as the drilling has made it less stable and prob having root canal will be a waste of time anyway .... such is life. ...