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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think it's unacceptable dentist won't see me sooner when i'm heavily pregnant

100 replies

buffythebarbieslayer · 05/03/2014 09:58

I'm 34 weeks pregnant and a filling on one of my teeth has broken. They've done a patch up job three times and each time it's come away leaving me with a broken tooth which is sore.

They claim they can't do proper treatment until the week of my due date so high chance I'll miss that as well.

Am I supposed to live with this for the next few months?

The receptionist said they could do another patch up job but what's the point if it just comes away? At this stage of pregnancy I can't keep going in every week to get it patched up to wait until proper treatment.

She was quite rude insinuating I was making a fuss over nothing. I didn't shout or be rude to her but I was a bit teary as I am in pain.

OP posts:

Bornin1984 · 05/03/2014 13:04

Lots of people suggesting the op finds another dentist, what if they say the same thing but don't offer her the emergancy appts that she has been offered here?

Again the ops permanent filling is to be done in April, she can have temp ones done between now and the ! Nowhere has it been said they won't treat her in between so what difference does it make if she is private or nhs, this dentist or that dentist!

The dentist are looking at the overall picture dammed if they do dammed if they don't, apparently neglecting her because they won't do permanent filling which is at risk to the baby! Where as they are thinking of her and the baby, fair enough the appointment in April isn't appropriate but that can be changed!

ifyourehoppyandyouknowit · 05/03/2014 13:04

Not being allowed to jump to the front of the queue for treatment is not exactly on the same level as getting free prescriptions and maternity services. And you said it's sore, you're not in agony, it's not infected, it is not an emergency. Just wait.

Cravey · 05/03/2014 13:09

Most dentists prefer not to do work on pregnant women. I don't know why but that's the case. Your op did come across as if I'm pregnant I'm entitled. But reading the whole post I can see you're in pain. You either need to pay and go private or go back and tell your dentist it's no good you're in pain and they need to treat you or just suck it up. As an aside it's really hard to get a appt for a dentist now. Really hard. I would be saying to the receptionist that you will take a cancellation maybe. Might be worth a try.

Jolleigh · 05/03/2014 13:13

I'm 37 weeks today and was at the dentist yesterday for my 3rd temporary solution on a problem tooth this pregnancy. No, it's not ideal but the guidelines say that a dentist should avoid certain types of work on pregnant women where possible. I've chosen to call back after the birth to book in an appointment to start proper work on the tooth rather than taken an appointment that I may be forced to miss.

I don't understand your problem OP. They're not leaving you in pain. They're patching you up until they feel comfortable doing the work you need. Why not continue as you have been and call when things have settled after the birth?

NearTheWindymill · 05/03/2014 13:14

I think the OP has been given a really hard time on here. She has said they are doing a permanent repair in the week of her due date so this does not indicate that the work can't be done whilst she's pregnant.

Until the work is properly completed the OP does risk decay travelling to the root canal/nerve and does risk in my opinion developing an absess which will require stronger antibiotics than I would like to take unless entirely essential during pregnancy.

The OP has childcare issues and is heavily pregnant - one of the reasons women are offered free NHS treatment during pg and for the year after is because dental issues for pregnant women are important and should therefore take precedence. If they weren't they wouldn't be offered the free NHS treatment.

If the OP has had a temporary repair three times already and might need it done again after this appointment how is that reducing pressure on appointments or managing time available for others.

I am wondering if the dentist is maximising claims for minor visits whether the OP has a temporary repair or the full filling.

Of course the OP needs this done - the last thing she wants is major dental work with a new born baby, possible stitches, possibly feeding problems, etc, etc.

This thread is Mnet at its worst and very lacking in empathy and compassion.

You are not being unreasonable OP.

Where is Mrs Morton when you need her for a professional opinion and I think there are a few other dentists on here.

Motherhen39 · 05/03/2014 13:22

As a former Dental professional I can totally understand what the OP is saying, going in to the Practice every week is not acceptable so the Dentist needs to use a more permanent filling to at least see you through, (maybe ask about a glass ionomer type filling which sticks to the tooth). However it could be that there is no other option for this tooth until baby is born.

It is entirely possible that the Dentist is unwilling to carry out permanent treatment until they are able to x-ray the tooth to check for hidden problems or if there is a need to do a root filling. Obviously x-rays are not advisable while pregnant.

Viviennemary · 05/03/2014 13:25

YANBU. They should fit you in. Fair enough if there is a medical reason you can't have the work done. But otherwise I think you should be seen sooner.

ReallyTired · 05/03/2014 13:33

In late pregnancy x-rays are not such a risk of the patient wear a lead apron to protect the baby. The radiation dose for digital x-rays is tiny and is aimed at the tooth rather than the baby.

fallon8 · 05/03/2014 14:29

Have you got access to a dental hospital,,,,you'll have to out up with students tho

Original poster

buffythebarbieslayer · 05/03/2014 16:55

So I phoned another practice nearby on the off chance.

Lovely sympathetic receptionist who couldn't believe they couldn't do proper treatment before then.

The tooth has actually broken more this time so quite sharp and sore. They'll see me tomorrow for check up then she was sure they could do treatment before April.

Just her nice manner helped rather than the other receptionist who was down right rude.

OP posts:

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 05/03/2014 18:10

That's good OP. I hope they are either to do the treatment v quickly or at least make a decent repair pending the treatment. Tooth pain is no joke and I there are some very unsympathetic posters on here.

ukatlast · 05/03/2014 18:20

Sounds good buffy...Y were so nbu. People think because it is 'free at point of use' (to some extent) that really crappy service is somehow acceptable from NHS and worse still that we should be grateful.

whatareyoueventalkingabout · 05/03/2014 20:44

I am really sorry for you having had both tooth problems and pregnancy problems but not at the same time. I am very sympathetic to your plight and will keep my fingers crossed that you get it sorted x

Mrsmorton · 05/03/2014 22:13

I'm a dentist and I am booked solid for six weeks, I have three emergency slots every day and by 0815, they are full. I can't work more hours as my nurses' contracts don't allow it and I often work from 0800-1700 with only a 15min break. I can't see why you didn't just phone another dentist when you decided that this was bothering you.
Do you actually have toothache (like that keeps you awake at night) or is the tooth sharp and hurting your mouth?

Also, don't forget that your pct or lhb is responsible for providing OOH care and in my PCT, OOH is every day from 0900-1230 and Sundays.

Ooh would always be an option for you.

deakymom · 05/03/2014 22:26

i think if they can find the time to patch it they can find the time to fix it i totally understand why you want this done before you give birth do you have a walk in dentist in your area that will do the job xx

Graciescotland · 05/03/2014 23:13

I know my dentist would squeeze me in. TBH I'd try shifting dental surgeries. Six weeks is an outrageous amount of time to wait. Lovely dental nurse also volunteered to cuddle baby when I was in last so he could be in a quieter room.

NobodyLivesHere · 05/03/2014 23:28

I don't know where people get this idea you can't take painkillers in pregnancy from, you can.
I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed when I was 9 weeks pregnant with dd2 (had been on a waiting list for ages, and they gave me horrendous pain and infections as they were partly impacted, so the dental surgeon agreed it was better to get them even with me being pregnant). I took 30/500 strength co-codamol.
I think the OP is BU to think the pregnancy is anything to give her priority.

kelpeed · 06/03/2014 09:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AmberLeaf · 06/03/2014 10:05

NobodyLivesHere you were 9 weeks though, OP is in late pregnancy, you can't take co-codamol in late pregnancy.

OP YANBU and some posters have been right wankers here.

Glad you've gone elsewhere, hope it gets sorted V soon.

ReallyTired · 06/03/2014 11:07

NobodyLivesHere

Just because you took pain killers while pregnant does not mean its advisable. Most health professionals will not take the risk of prescribing pain killers. I had SPD while pregnant and I was not allowed to take anything more than paracetanol. It was total utter hell.

I hope the OP gets her tooth fixed soon.

gamerchick · 06/03/2014 11:20

I was on prescribed co codamol through pregnancy as well as other stuff.. just had to stop during the third trimester.

Some drs don't like to take any risk but it doesn't mean that it's not safe enough.

Bornin1984 · 06/03/2014 11:35

36 weeks u can't take co codamol

AmberLeaf · 06/03/2014 11:42

My GP told me that co codamol shouldn't be taken in the later stages as it can cause breathing problems for the baby.

1-2nd trimester is ok though.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 06/03/2014 12:20

The rules have recently changed about codeine in pregnancy I think.

Bornin1984 · 06/03/2014 18:27

Ok! No later than Tuesday I was
Prescribed 30mg codine to take 4-6
Hourly and paracetamol to take inbetween 1g dosage! I'm 31 weeks!

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