Can I tell my dentist I dont want X

You can use a Health Service dentist with a set scale of charges, or pay for a private dentist depending on the type of dental care and treatment you want. Certain treatments such as cosmetic work are not available on the Health Service.

Índice Show

Private dentistry
Orthodontists
Dental hygienists
Registering with a local Health Service dentist
Cost of Health Service and private treatment
Your rights
Why do dentist always want to take x
Can dentist see cavities without x
Can I refuse dental x

Due to measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, patients are advised to contact their local dental practice for advice and referral for emergency dental care if necessary. More information is available from the Health and Social Care website.

Private dentistry

You can receive additional treatments, or treatment using alternative materials, if you choose to pay privately either with your Health Service dentist or another practice.

As a patient in a private dental practice, you can get some specialist treatment and pay for cosmetic dentistry that is not available under the Health Service. For example, you can have white fillings on your back teeth.

Orthodontists

Orthodontists specialise in moving and straightening teeth by using braces (orthodontic appliances).

Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists work in dental practices scaling and polishing teeth, giving periodontal (gum) treatments and oral health promotion advice. You should check with your practice whether this is available under Health Service or private arrangements.

Registering with a local Health Service dentist

You can apply to register with a Health Service dentist if they accept new patients. The dentist shouldn't assess you before they accept you for treatment as assessment is part of your treatment.

The dentist will decide and agree your treatment with you. They'll give you a treatment plan.

Once registered, you stay on that dentist's patient list for 24 months. This registration period will be extended if you return for another examination or further treatment during that period.

Find a dentist in Northern Ireland - BSO website

Cost of Health Service and private treatment

Private costs are set individually by each dentist and practice and vary from practice to practice. You should get a written treatment plan and estimate of costs before starting any private dental treatment.

Health Service dental charges and treatments

Your rights

Your dentist should:

explain the benefits and drawbacks of any treatment they recommend
explain alternatives that may be available
have your permission before they treat you - you can refuse treatment if you do not want it (although if your dentist considers you need it they may refuse to continue treating you)
explain your dental records to you if you have any problems in understanding them

As a Health Service patient you are:

free to get a second opinion - if another dentist charges you for this, the Health Service will not cover this cost
entitled to stop the treatment if you are not satisfied
able to inspect your records and x-rays at any time (within a maximum of 40 working days of a written request) free of charge - but you may have to pay for copies
entitled to receive emergency treatment from your dentist or another dentist
entitled to refuse payment for the treatment if it is proved to be unsatisfactory

If you are a member of a private dental insurance scheme, the rules of the scheme will usually mean that the dentist has to give you a fixed period of notice to end the scheme.

Your dentist must finish your present course of treatment and provide you with any emergency treatment you need in the meantime.

WHY XRAYS?
Because to see is to know...
Not to see is to guess
And we don't want to guess where your health is concerned!

Why take x-rays?

Dentists can not see what's happening on the inside of the tooth or where two teeth are tight together.
Saves teeth, money and time to find decay early -before it has caused pain or big problems.
To determine the size of decay or caries
To find unerupted teeth (those not in the mouth yet) especially wisdom teeth
Determine health of bone around teeth
Look for signs of infection
Evaluate the size and shape of teeth roots before extractions
Locate the position of cysts and abscesses
Assess broken roots or trauma to the jaws

Types of radiographs

1.Bitewing radiographs are regularly taken to look for decay. These are called 'bitewings' because we get you to bite on a 'wing' to hold the radiograph is position while we take it.
2. Periapical radiographs show the entire tooth so dentists can see the root and bone surrounding the tooth.
3. Orthpanomograms OPG's are taken to show the entire upper and lower teeth including the roots. These x-rays are not as clear as bitewings and periapicals so they are not used to look for decay. These x-rays are most commonly used when looking at wisdom teeth and for orthodontic assessments.
4. CBCT - Cone Beam xrays. These take multiple xrays that are layered so they give a 3D picture of your teeth. These are very helpful for implant placement.

What is the difference between x-rays and radiographs?
The term "x-rays" and "radiographs" are used interchangeable in most medical and dental settings. Technically the x-rays are the type of radiation used to produce the image that the dentist views. The actual image is called a radiograph.

Why does my dentist want to take x-rays when you can see a hole in my tooth already?
It will save time and money to know how far the decay has progressed and where the nerve is in the tooth. Other holes may be found in the same tooth.

I am not keen on the risks of radiation!
Neither are we. Fortunately new technology has meant that we are able to limit exposure to radiographs.The radiation received from one dental x-ray is less than that received from an interstate airline flight. Remember to be careful also with televisions and other forms of household radiation. If you have any concerns with this please discuss it with the dentist.

Revised: 9 September 2022

Why do dentist always want to take x

The X-rays help your dentist to identify various oral health issues such as tooth decay, impacted teeth and cavities. While they may seem complex, X-rays are actually common tools used at your dentist's office, and are just as important to have done regularly as teeth cleanings.

Can dentist see cavities without x

Cavities between teeth are rarely seen without X-rays unless they are very large or when teeth break. The following pictures are the same teeth in the X-rays above: Once cavities are exposed, it is not surprising that they are always larger than they look in X-rays.

Is X

A dental x-ray examination is a must before any orthodontic procedure. Through dental radiographs, your dentists get a clear visualization of any deformities. Dental deformities such as overcrowding, tumors, or the development of pathogens have to be treated first before installing braces.

Can I refuse dental x

You can refuse to have the X-ray if you do not feel you have sufficient information. Age The risks from X-rays are much lower for older people and a little higher for children. Extra care is taken with young patients.