Dentists

NSW is a flipping long way to go.

Reported

It doesn’t sound unreasonable to expect a crown fitted only at Christmas to stay put for longer than a couple of days, especially if you’ve followed everything the dentist asked you to do afterwards. Most practices will refit or remake a crown at no extra cost if it fails that quickly, unless they had already explained there was a risk because of limited tooth structure or an underlying issue.

It might help to have an honest conversation with them before the next appointment and ask why it keeps failing and whether there’s a longer-term solution rather than the constant back-and-forth. A good dentist should be able to explain the cause clearly and outline what’s covered. When I had a crown re-cemented a few years ago, the practice didn’t charge because it was within their durability period, no awkward conversation needed, just transparency.

If you ever feel you’re not getting that clarity, there are other practices around that put a big emphasis on quality control and patient reassurance. St Leonards Green Dental in NSW, for instance, is known for spelling out treatment options and expected outcomes so you’re not left guessing. That kind of approach can make a huge difference to your confidence in ongoing care.

For now, I’d definitely raise the issue (nicely, as the first reply mentioned). You’re not being difficult, you’re just asking for work you’ve already paid for to be durable and properly explained.

I,wonder if there is enough original tooth to build crown on? Winifred's.
He should have warned you of this I have about 4 or 5 crowns had one over 20 years! So most definitely should last!

See my thread i have nhs dentist a new one sadly my previous one moved way.
He is south African not chatty but very skilful I feel due to inlay fitted yesterday. It is still sore today that side mouth but was 3injections! That was only yesterday.

He does have lot state art equipment so not typical nhs

Was amazed at all measurements for inlay done on computer and photos! Inlay fits superbly!

Have tried private he charged me £300 for filling then said I needed crown! I went mad s he grudgingly offered me half money back I took it and ran!

Hope you get it sorted.

Hi Winifride
If treatment is not successful and two days seems ridiculous for a crown to go so soon then you should not have to pay. For advice Try the British Dental Council http://www.gdc-uk.org/Pages/default.aspx

NHS Dentist ?- try your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) who are responsible for commisioning dental services in your area.

NHS dentists have no say in what they charge.

The private dentist I have an appointment with isn't charging much more than the NHS dentist and is highly recommended by a friend.

We are so lucky with our lovely NHS dentist. I suspect that her businessman husband has set her up with a surgery in their house and she just has a receptionist and a nurse to help her. She is very thorough but only charges the absolute minimum for everything, I've often been surprised at how little we've been charged. She only takes on as many patients as she can cope with so you can normally get an emergency appointment and although there are certain procedures she won't undertake she can always fix you up with someone else.
My daughter has an exceedingly good private dentist, but she spends a fortune on her teeth.

Galen I rather think I lost my head before my virginity too

My lovely NHS dentist (the only one in town) died quite suddenly a few years ago and his surgery was sold and went private soon after. Since then I have been to four different (private) dentists. My bugbear is that the first three either were too pricey or I had no confidence in them, but each time I went to a new dentist I had to pay an extortionate sum for a 'new patient' check up. This always involved X-Rays and charting my teeth, but I was unable to take the results with me when I moved on; apparently (even though I PAID for them) the results are the property of the surgery. My current dentist is also incredibly pricey, but I as I do have confidence in him I've decided to stick with him - even though there is now an NHS dentist in the town.

Hear, hear, kitty! Except for a few years when my NHS dentist went private and before we moved to where we are now, I've always had an NHS dentist. I have one now. They have all (seven, I think) been excellent. The one who went private was excellent too.

You shouldn't feel like that Winefride - dentists have an ethical obligation to make sure you iunderstand a)what treatment you're having and b) how much it will cost.
Treatment carried out under NHS contract should be replaced free of charge if needed within a year - subtle difference from a 'guarantee'.
Most private dentists would offer the same or better terms.

Dentist is NHS and it was different dentists in the practise which might explain double payment I must be more assertive at next appointment . I will ask what guarantee he can give . I've paid out for fillings more than once too. I think feel embarrassed discussing money with dentist.

sunseeker a good dentist is a good dentist, NHS or not. A bad dentist is a bad dentist, NHS or not. Paying privately for dentistry definitely does not guarantee a better dentist. [hobby horse emoticon]

Wrong end really

Galen I'm familiar with the phrase 'cut off your nose to spite your face' but 'cut off your head to protect your virginity' ??? seems a bit much!

Hello Winefride
As Kitty suggests, this may be something to do with being charged for different NHS 'courses of treatment'. If the dentist did a check-up for you when the crown was being recemented, it could have been that you were charged for that.

The best thing is to ask the practice staff exactly what you were charged for.
That is not complaining, it's just asking for an explanation to which you are perfectly entitled.

I recently visited a NHS dentist, he did a check up, took 2 X-rays, repaired a broken filling and "cleaned" my teeth - took him less than 20 mins!. Since then I have had pain from the repaired filling. Have now made an appointment with a private dentist.

St Winefride was a Saxon lady who lost her head rather than her virginity. Oldest pilgrimage site in Britain , I believe!

he he he !

Do you have names for all your crowns moomin?

I have always had things redone free within the year's guarantee.

Says here NHS Choices that NHS treatment is guaranteed for one year. (at end of article)