Should you trust a primarily cosmetic dentist with general dentistry? Advice for dental phobe

[VisitingSeahorse]

I'm totally phobic, just to get that out of the way! But i have been going to a practice for the last few years that has made me feel more comfortable. However, I've not needed any treatment done. I decided to consult about how I might think about improving my teeth and now regret it as I've been overwhelmed by the recommendation. A lot of work basically. This mainly involves replacing old fillings with inlays and composites. They're fine at the moment but they're old and I know at some point I will have to replace them. But...after a terrible experience I had these done a long time ago by a dentist I trusted. I am so frightened about placing my trust in this new place. Their identity is mainly cosmetic though of course they practice general dentistry. Online reviews are good though of course I'm focusing on the 1-2 that aren't.

Thanks if you've made it this far. I suppose it's my anxiety that's writing this, it would be a big step for me and I don't know how to trust them and if I can. Would you get this kind of thing done somewhere else or can I trust a mainly cosmetic dental practice with general dentistry?

Cosmetic dentists have qualified in general dentistry so yes, I would very much trust them.

I started with a new practice recently that is 90% private and does all sort of cosmetic things and I find them to be more professional than my previous NHS practice.

Thanks, I'm in a horrible teary panic about this. I can't be rational and it's like I've regressed to being a teenager again and reliving all that horror!

I get scary stuff done under sedation. It’s brilliant. You just don’t care and feel totally mellow.

Not all practices do it. You need to have a discussion about health issues you may have to ensure you are able to get it. I get it on the nhs. I think is an extra £20 or something manageable.

It’s soo worth it. Especially if you get a bunch of stuff done in one go. You feel like your are there for ten mins and are actually there for the whole morning but time means nowt as you’re so chillaxed! It means you therefore only need a couple of visits. And as you know, if you have a good experience it lessens the gear of going back another time.

It sounds like it is primarily a recommendation of how you can 'improve your teeth' cosmetically.
Amalgam fillings can and do last for decades - they do not need to be replaced until they fail.
If you are happy to just keep your teeth decay-free and clean, there is likely no need to 'improve anything'. You should insist on being a rationale for any work and for a priority order from essential (if any) to cosmetic.
Have a browse on this website: www.dentalfearcentral.org where you can also post on the forum for advice.

Thank you. I think it is primarily cosmetic but their line is "they're old now and will fail eventually so you might as well replace it while there's no pain". One of them also goes round the side of my tooth and they said while the X-rays looks fine they can only see from one angle so you never know with a tooth like that. It's all anticipatory

@noway100 that's so useful re the 'priority order' thank you - that gives me a really great starting point

www.dentalfearcentral.org/fears/unnecessary-dental-work/

www.dentalfearcentral.org/fears/unnecessary-dental-work/cosmetic-dentistry/

www.dentalfearcentral.org/help/find-a-dentist/good-vs-bad/

I think 'one tooth at a time' can be a good approach. That way you don't commit yourself to anything too extensive.

Yes I think that's all I could cope with :-( My main issue is trust.

Thanks for the links :-)