NHS v. Private dentist query

[ARocketupyerSmartArse]

I have SERIOUS issues with my teeth. I'm lucky enough never to have had a filling, but I'm nonetheless completely obsessed with my them! Unfortunately, I brush too hard (I do try not to, honest!) and I've brushed away the gum so that the root is exposed on 3 of them. The dentist has filled them, but the fillings keep falling out, and because I'm frighted to death of dentists, I'm not good at making myself go back to have them re-done. I've been going to the same NHS dentist for years (I say the same dentist ... same surgery but different dentist each time!) and don't really have an issue with them, in that they are friendly, the surgery is clean,etc. etc. But I'm now thinking of seeing a private dentist just for a 2nd opinion and to have the exposed roots covered again. My question is this: if I do so, will I lose my place at the NHS surgery? Anyone know? Sorry, bit of a ramble, but I really do have dental ishyoos!

[TimeForMe]

Hi

If you register else where as a NHS patient your previous surgery will be notified and yes, you will be reoved from their list and have to re register.

You can however, go to another practice as a privae patient and pay for a consultation. It might be costly though

Good luck!

[mazmack]

Just what I was about to say ( I am a dental receptionist) - you can have a private consultation, just don't register at the other dentist...

We charge £45 for a second opinion consultation (in Edinburgh).

[Furball]

do you mean the gum has shrunk down exposing the root? If so, I have the same, my dentist told me it happens with age hence the saying 'long in the tooth' He said it happens and just to leave them like that. they are my bottom front ones so no-one can see.

I asssume that the root has then decayed for you to need them filled?

[Notquitegrownup]

Hi Rocket

I have different issues with my teeth (terrified of dentists after a bad childhood experience.)

Just wanted to encourage you to go for that consultation. It may not be as expensive as you fear. I changed last year to a private dentist, and have found that the extra time they spend and the extra care taken in consultation, means that I am having had less work done than I did in a similar period on the NHS, so I've saved money there. I have also received helpful advice for me and my sons on issues which were never mentioned by the various NHS dentists I've seen.

Well worth a visit, and your NHS dentist doesn't need to know.

[ARocketupyerSmartArse]

Oh thanks, everyone - that was incredibly helpful (as usual!).

Furball, yes, I think that's exactly what I have. How interesting that your dentist said they didn't need covering. Mine covered them because she said they would otherwise decay! I'm definitely going for that second opinion. To be honest, I have some private dental insurance anyway, so I might as well. I'm going to be brave and make the appointment this morning. I'm like you, NQGU - absolutely terrified, to the point that DH has to take the children now because I'm too frightened to do so!

Thanks everyone, off to make that call ...!