Would you say something?

[twothirtyy]

I (used to) see a private dentist here in the UK. A few months ago, he insisted that I needed a dental surgery (to the tune of nearly £1,000) to take out an upper wisdom tooth - apparently it was growing the wrong way based on a bite wing x-ray. He told me to make an appointment for the surgery and sent me on my way.

A few weeks after the appointment, I went to my dentist in my home country for a second opinion. He asked me for the x-ray from my UK dentist - when he saw it, he said that he couldn't even see the wisdom tooth properly as it was a bite wing x-ray, not a panoramic one. He did the panoramic one and, lo and behold, that wisdom tooth is growing absolutely fine and in his opinion doesn't need to be extracted.

I'm really disappointed and actually quite angry that my UK dentist was ready to perform an unnecessary surgery on me - presumably because it's good money - without even knowing how the tooth was actually growing. Surely this goes against some kind of code of ethics?

I feel like I should say something to the clinic, but I don't know if this would just be a waste of my time. It's a clinic with multiple doctors - a few of whom I see for other issues - and I don't want to get a bad reputation there.

Any thoughts?

I'm in a similar situation, but hesitant to ask my private UK dentist for the X-ray in case if affects future care/work/pricing.

@ChickpeaCauliflowerSalad they were a bit difficult about sending it to me - it took very long, and they were pushing to find out why I was asking for the scans. I didn't tell them, because like you, I was worried it would affect my future care in case I decided to go back (although I guess that simply by asking for them, they could figure out what was going on).

I think they have to send it to you by law, though!? As it's technically your information?

@ChickpeaCauliflowerSalad totally get your hesitation though - same reason I haven't said anything to them yet, I don't want to cause a stink when I have really good care from other doctors there.

I had my wisdom teeth out when I was late teens - it was very common in those days. But my understanding is that they don’t do that any more because it causes more problems than it solves. They would only take it out if there was a pressing need rather than just because it was growing the wrong way or crowding your mouth.

I should find out if they're legally obliged to or not. But either way I'm still worried about it affecting treatment/cost going forward.

im a bit stuck as I can walk to them (due to health issues travelling anywhere is difficult) & they do come recommended by family/friends & they mostly seem ok, but this one procedure seems to be £££ driven & id like the dentist I trust to have a look at the x ray.

Due to my health I can't actually travel to my dentist, so if he agrees it needs doing (is the best option? I'd get it done at the one here anyway.)