Nhs dentist Shaved too much off teeth, bite wrong

Oral and dental care
1

I went to see my dentist about a slightly aching recent composite filling on a pre-molar. He ground some off the tooth/filling, and as he was doing it commented I'd got a high bite.

when I returned home, I realised very quickly my bite was off - my front teeth are now hitting each other in a weird place and all the biting pressure is on the front part of mouth. Jaw ache is now present.

i spoke to him on two occasions once on phone and once in person, and he denied his work was too blame and said it was my long term tooth grinding which has caused the issue and that it may go away. 

The change was very obvious after that day, and I remain with a very uncomfortable bite position a week later. I have no doubt the treatment that day has caused this, and was looking for a solution rather than to allocate blame. The response of denying any treatment caused the issue concerns me as it may suggest long term damage which may not easily be put right.

i am very concerned that this is now causing other problems like tooth pain and jaw issues.

What should I do? Where and what sort of dentist would give me a second opinion, and would it be confidential?

thanks in advance.

2

I woul contact your local NHS PALS that's Patient Advice and Liaison Service. You can find this on the NHS Choices website. They will advise you on the best course of action. They can also liaise with the dentist on your behalf.

Hope you get this sorted and your mouth made more comfortable.

3

Hi Cindy,

My only concern about this path is anatoginsing the dentist, as I have other treatment remaining. I used PALs for a GP once and they just reported to him and it was him that called me, rather angrily.

Besides, I'm doubt very much he would change his view - i.e. that my teeth grinding have cause the issue, and not work he did this last week.

 

4

Right, I understand what you mean. If it was me I would still discuss with PALS telling exactly what you've just written and asking for them not to pass this on to the dentist at this stage. They will conform to your request for confidential advice. Ask their advice and maybe ask if you could discuss with the Head of Profession for Dental Services in your area with a view to a second opinion.

I hope this is helpful.