I have only just discovered this site, but my story is unforgettable and is still worth telling.
Nearly 2 years ago, I visited Advance Dental Care as an NHS patient. My gums were bleeding profusely on a daily basis, and I could hardly chew even soft food. In addition, I had lost a filling. I desperately needed dental treatment. The waiting in the reception was horrendous. At lunchtime, the receptionists just disappeared leaving no one to see to the phone or to patients. The practice still used brown envelopes for patient records, and computers seemed to be used only for making appointments. It felt like they were 20-25 years behind in terms of technology.[The reception area was also very small and uninviting]
As for the treatment, I was on the edge of my seat throughout. After treatment, I kept spitting lead bits for hours. And when the filling was done, it felt like it was sticking out sharp and uncomfortable [I had to use a fine file to smooth it out myself at home, clearly a botched up job!]
The treatment was stretched over 6-7 visits (as far as I can remember), without a doubt totally unnecessarily. The dentist also kept forgetting that I was an NHS patient, repeatedly quoting prices for each part of the treatment for me. I kept apologising for being an NHS patient. I felt like crap, and was treated no better.
The worst thing about it all is the dentist's verdict when she saw the X-rays. She advised that I should have 8 teeth out !
To cut the story short, after the shock, I sought a second opinion, and guess what? I did NOT have to lose a single tooth!! The dentist who saved my teeth (on NHS) gave my teeth a thorough cleaning, plus a 10day treatment of antibiotics. That's all it took. Now, 2 years on, my teeth are all sill there as healthy as they can be, and no gum bleeding whatsoever.
That's my story. I stand by every word in it. read more
