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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed with my dentist?

30 replies

Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 13:53

About 2 days before lockdown/dentists closed, I went to my dentist for an urgent appointment as I had toothache. She did 2 fillings- 1 on top and bottom- opposite each other. She rushed it and was clearly anxious about coronavirus. Fair enough.
But working 2 days, the sensitivity/pain was back. Since March I’ve had to deal with toothache and only eating on one side.

I have jaw issues due to clenching in my sleep, which is what causes my teeth issues.

So when the dentists re opened on June 8th, I wanted to try and get seen for a temporary filling.
But I couldn’t get through to them and you were not allowed to just walk in and speak with them.

So I went private (Who also happens to my dentists husband). I paid one off to get seen as I was at the end of my tether. He said had a huge crack, so he did what he could and temporarily filled it. Within 2 days, the pain was still there. After speaking to him on the phone, he said I probably needed root canal, and to phone to my own dentist as private would cost close to £1000.

So this is where i get annoyed. I phoned my dentist and explained everything. The receptionist was not happy at all with me for seeing a private dentist for relief. Then in the same breath she said they wouldn’t have been able to offer any treatment anyway Hmm
Then I spoke to an actual dentist, who said a similar thing. Questioning why I did that. They seemed genuinely offended.
I was in agony, and had been for 3 months.. I couldn’t get hold them and if I had, it seems they wouldn’t have been able to see me anyway as there was a huge waiting list!

They’ve said they’ll see me for root canal in the next couple of weeks, but were trying to Push me in to having it out :(

AIBU to feel like I did something wrong?

OP posts:
Original poster
Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 13:54

Sorry it should say AIBU to be annoyed?

OP posts:
Gertrudetheadelie · 02/07/2020 19:16

No but you could literally be me! Also filled. Also cracked. Also a night clencher! I totally understand the need for something to be fixed and the frustration at it now being worse for having had to wait. Much sympathy for you op x

bestbrowsintown · 02/07/2020 19:20

When you said to them that you had been in pain for months and couldn't get through to them what did they say?

StudyBuddy · 02/07/2020 19:56

It's just one of those professions. Bitter wannabe doctors who think they're saving lives and feel unloved and unappreciated - ignore.

DishRanAwayWithTheSpoon · 02/07/2020 20:06

What did they say when you called them about the pain in lockdown? They should have referred you to an UDC

Generally you wouldnt see another private dentist and then go back to your own, because then you would have multiple treatment plans but emergencis are an exception to this (also referrals). If I had a massive list of pain patients to see and someone else saw one and treated it Id be greatful tbh

If your tooth is cracked its no wonder you are still in pain, a root canal might not save a cracked tooth tbh, it very much depends where the crack is

Original poster
Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 20:20

When I told them that i couldn’t get through to them they just said “well our phone lines have been open, granted we have been inundated with calls and a huge list” Also, around here, there were huge waiting lists for the emergency hubs. I just thought it’d be easier to pay private and try and get it sorted. I was hoping all that was needed was a temp filling but seems I’m wrong.
I’ve been in a lot of pain today, so I’m going to bite the bullet and get it removed. I’m not very happy about it but it’s better than being in pain. Hopefully they won’t moan at me again, but in normal times I wouldn’t have done that x

OP posts:
Original poster
Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 20:23

I’m just absolutely at the end of my tether with the pain, and the clenching! I’m ruining my teeth Cos of it, but the dentist just says to try and de stress.. if it only it were that simple Grin

OP posts:
DishRanAwayWithTheSpoon · 02/07/2020 20:44

Is it definitely toothache? Its not your jaw?

What tooth is it? If its at the back and your in pain have it out. Its only one tooth

It doesnt seem a great sign to me that they have so many patients in pain. They cant have been that inundated all through lockdown!

DishRanAwayWithTheSpoon · 02/07/2020 20:45

Also have they made you a gaurd for your teeth?

Original poster
Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 20:54

Definitely my tooth unfortunately. If I put any pressure on the tooth it’s sets it off.
It’s a premolar, so fairly near the front. You can sort of see it when I smile. That’s the only reason I’m bothered really. I take great care of my teeth, but the pressure of the clenching is just ruining them. 2 years ago, I had a dying nerve in a molar, and I never want to experience that pain ever again. It was unbelievable, I was banging my head against a wall, pulling my hair. So I just told the dentist to take it out. That was caused by a tiny crack that didn’t know was there and then infected pulp. I’m worried the same is going to happen.
I have a splint, but it cracked, I need a stronger one. Another thing I will ask the dentist when I go for the extraction

OP posts:
Spikeypineapples · 02/07/2020 21:01

It's just one of those professions. Bitter wannabe doctors who think they're saving lives and feel unloved and unappreciated - ignore.

Nothing like a sweeping generalisation Confused

Why would a dentist be a wannabe doctor? Higher wages, less hours and not usually dealing with serious illness.You sound quite bitter yourself @StudyBuddy

Alicesweewonders · 02/07/2020 21:06

In the same boat, my filling came out & have just had to buy myself a temporary filling kit & do it myself. Hoping it will stick until phase 3.

DishRanAwayWithTheSpoon · 02/07/2020 21:07

I think just another splint, you definitely need to be wearing a gaurd at night if you are damaging your teeth. It will need to be replaced regularly but better the gaurd than the teeth!

Its a really shit time for toothache, sorry OP. Flowers

Original poster
Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 21:17

It is, my dentist said that people have been really suffering and lots of teeth had to be extracted when they could’ve otherwise been treated in normal times.
I think with my tooth, I have a crack on the root. The dentist said it’s unlikely to be saved by root canal, but if I wanted them to try, then to wait. But with the pain I’ve had today, I can’t be bothered. Life is too short to deal with pointless toothache Wink

OP posts:
Givingup123456 · 02/07/2020 21:46

I had a pre molar removed the day before dentists could do root cabals. You don't notice it front on when I smile only if you stand the side of it. I have got used to it now. But would 10000000% have preferred the root canal. However the relief of pain was worth it. I have another tooth doing next week. Hopefully root canal. I have 7 bad teeth due to years of acid reflux and 4 pregnancies in 6 years on top of that. I feel your pain. I also look after my teeth. I had horrendous morning sickness and was sick for 8 out of 9 months in each pregnancy. About 6 times a day. I brushed my teeth straight away every time plus the acids reux voilà now my teeth are rot!

Original poster
Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 21:51

Yeah I’m hoping it won’t be too noticeable. I don’t think root canal will be beneficial to me right now anyway. I think it’s gone past that.

I have a mouth full of fillings. Mainly due to clenching, though I do wonder whether I have acid reflux also.

I think pregnancies can ruin teeth! My mum is adamant of that!

OP posts:
Givingup123456 · 02/07/2020 21:56

Yes the throwing up six times a day spread over 6 years and brushing after. Plus the acid reflux caused by the pregnancies which never went away!!! GP not interested in helping. I think I may end up with a couple more out because I just can't afford the treatment! About 600 per tooth! I pick and swap and change dentists for second opinions and to suit my budget.

SparkLee · 02/07/2020 21:59

You did what you had to do, they weren't willing to help (as they wouldn't even answer the phone), and even admitted there wasn't much they could do anyway. Don't worry about it. They are acting as if you "cheated" on them with another dentist 😂

Original poster
Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 22:07

Givingup123456 that’s awful that they won’t help. Do any foods trigger it? I only really get it if I eat too late..which is quite often!

SparkLee that made me 😂 that’s exactly how they’re acting! Like I’ve cheated on them with another dentist 🤣 and I feel the guilt! 😂

OP posts:
Reedwarbler · 02/07/2020 22:09

I had a cracked tooth removed today. It was beyond repair and because I lost the tooth behind it many years ago it had moved and displaced, so wasn't really worth saving. I have put up with the, albeit intermittent but severe, pain since April. It's a back one so you can't see the gap. Have it removed op. I don't know why your dentist didn't refer you for emergency treatment earlier. Looking at my removed tooth it was cracked right through. The relief from pain is wonderful! I will have some implants done in due course so at least I will have something to chew with on that side.

Tinamou · 02/07/2020 22:10

God knows who is voting YABU. What else were you supposed to do?

Original poster
Whatismyproblem1 · 02/07/2020 22:12

I have a gap behind the tooth that is cracked, as I had a molar removed 2 years ago. I do wonder whether it’s Cos of that!
I think that considering I have a filling in it and it hasn’t improved, says to me that it is cracked beyond repair.
What I need is an X-ray to see exactly what is going on

OP posts:
RB68 · 02/07/2020 22:12

The thing is tooth pain is one of the worst - you did it for pain relief as they were not available.

The issue now is that root canal is one of the worst aerosol inducing treatments so they don't want to do it because the risk is extremely high with drilling etc. Also this treatment type is now very very limited - having it taken out might well be the best solution at the moment - but you need to be aware of the impact on your jaw and teeth down the line and it may mean you want to look at having an implant etc Even on NHS its near enough 300 quid - guess who badly broke a tooth mid lockdown - same sorts of issues as yourself bar the pain - luckily I had sensitivity but no pain

Reedwarbler · 02/07/2020 22:17

OP, my dentist told me that my tooth cracked because it had moved. Like you, I already had an adjacent missing tooth, the offending molar had moved forward into the gap and this slight change of angle puts different pressures on the biting surface of the tooth, causing it to crack. Hope your get it sorted. I think I would have done the same in your place.

lljkk · 02/07/2020 22:18

My dad in California has had 2 root canals in the last 7 weeks. I don't get why, either.

My private dentist (in UK) still isn't doing any fillings, much less root canals. I feel for OP.