As a private dental patient can my hubby insist he has all of his teeth removed?

Question

Hopefully there may be a dentist out there who can help. My hubby has had bad teeth forever, they break really easily, are crooked and quite badly discoloured. In the past he has had loads removed and is now missing a lot on the top at the front so when he smiles he has a huge gap. When he was an NHS dental patient numerous dentists refused to remove them and replace with dentures but he is now wondering if he registered as a fully private patient can he insist on having the remaining ones out and replaced with false? Serious answers only please as this is a delicate matter and causes him distress. Thanks

Answer 1

I don't know your medical system, so my comments are more general.

He can probably ask, but the dentist has the right and obligation to refuse treatment that he feels is not in the patient's best interest. If your husband has used the same dentist over time, he might be able to convince him to do the work, since this dentist has dealt with your husband's problems, and has seen them first-hand.

I'd recommend he investigate cosmetic dentistry first, however. I'd be a little surprised if a dentist hasn't already suggested this. But if that doesn't work, and he's standing there in the office, cash in hand, the right dentist might take on the job. He'll just have to keep looking.

Answer 2

He can. Unfortunately, if there is nothing wrong with the teeth or gums, most (if not all) dentists won't remove all of them. Any real teeth that he can keep are a benefit to him in the long run. If there is no indication for the tooth to be removed, a dentist can lose their license for doing something like that.

Dentists would probably (or may have already) recommended a removeable partial denture (and crown the "easily broken teeth") or implants. The problem with full dentures is that the jawbone shrinks a bit once all the teeth are removed. Sometimes it shrinks so much that the denture just kind of floats on the bottom gums. It is much more difficult to chew than before.

They're not just trying to gauge him for money, it's a better result if he can keep any of his remaining teeth.

Answer 3

Dentists usually recommend having them taken out because there is a risk of infection or some other reasons, but you really don't have to if you don't want to unless they're causing problems or you want them out before anything happens. I have all four of mine still and I have no problems. the top two have emerged fully and the bottom two are almost there. I'm just not interested in getting them taken out. I hate dentists. lol I'm actually afraid to get needles and stitches and have teeth pulled because I had a bad experience when I was like 6 or 7. That dentist was a wacko and he was supposedly a pediatric dentist too. My pain tolerance is almost zero. The choice is yours whether or not you have them removed. Nobody can force you.

Answer 4

If you do get a dentist to take the your hubbies teeth out it might be more economical at the moment but not in the long run. Let him have a talk to relatives or friends who have had their teeth out along time ago and then he can make his decision. Alot of patients who take their teeth out early later regret it when they cannot cope with the resorbed bony ridges. Best advice is to get a removable partial denture(ideally- metal partial) and maintain the teeth he has with meticulous oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing.
Good Luck
Please feel free to contact me with any dental concerns.

Answer 5

NO i don't think a dentist will pull all your hubby's teeth if he thinks he can save some. Like you i think that if your hubby is paying he should decide what he has done. But look at it from a dentists prospective - extraction about £30 , root treatment and a crown upwards of £300 so why extract when there is lots of money to be made.
Perhaps i am being a bit cynical.
I hope you find a dentist who is willing to carry out his wishes. good luck.

Answer 6

He can always ask - but I would hope that the private dentist would make the same medical decision as the NHS dentist based on the best option for your fella's teeth.

If the dentist does agree to do this and sell your hubby dentures, they MIGHT just be doing it for the money!!

Answer 7

Dentists, both private and NHS, are trained to do what is in the best interests of the patient. They have a right to refuse to do what the patient asks if they feel it is not going to help or improve the quality of life of the patient. Your hubby can of course ask, but its not the duty of the the private dentist to do what he asks - they still have the right to make the final decision.

Answer 8

This is something the dentist has to work out with the private insurance company. There are certain procedures that are covered, based on the existing conditions and treatment options. A dentist has to determine whether or not the teeth should be removed, and if so, the insurance company has to agree to pay for it.
I have dental insurance, but any major procedures have to be pre-approved by the insurance company first, so this could determine what your husband can get done, or if he has to pay out of pocket.

Answer 9

Doesn't matter - dentists are trained to save teeth pretty much at all costs. He can request to have them removed, but demanding will get him no where. Start with phone calls to various offices and find a dentist who will agree to a full mouth extraction. Good luck - you will need it.

Answer 10

My mum is at a private clinic, they are very good! She got all of her teeth drilled down and had caps put on top of them, she now has gorgeous teeth and now doesn't suffer with any problems....you should definatly think about going private and its cheap as well about £10 a month on denplan.
I don't think your hubsand should get his teeth removed or he wont be able to chew on his food...but i defo look into having caps put on.