dentist complaints
in gransha

 

My story started during lockdown when I had a capped tooth work loose then in March this year it came out. I had moved to Northern Ireland in June 2020 and because of lockdown could not access a dentist.

 

As soon as I could I contacted a dentist in Belfast called Gransha Dental. I had seen that they were offering mouth surveys and cosmetic dentistry as well as normal dentistry. I phoned to ask if I could attend to have a check up, explained about my capped tooth and said I thought I might need a filling also, the person I spoke with advised me that I could get an up to date survey including x-rays with the dental surgeon Louise McGuigan, she would essentially examine me, take x-rays and offer a treatment plan, I was advised of cosmetic and remedial plans. I asked if I could be seen as an N.H.S. patient and was told no, I could only be seen as a private patient, so on the 08/3/21 I agreed to an appointment, was asked to pay £65 in advance for the mouth survey / check up which I did. On the 26/03/21 I attended Gransha Dental on the Glen Road, Belfast.

 

Dr Louise McGuigan gave me a full mouth survey and check up, she advised me to have extra x-rays in addition to the x-rays included in the mouth survey as, in her opinion I needed extensive treatment. I agreed to extra x-rays, which were taken, I was talked through the results. I had seen the offer of 8 veneers or composite facia, the price on the advert was £2000, I was interested as I had 2 of my front teeth capped and had some crowding in my lower teeth that I thought could be made to look better.

 

I was dumfounded, Dr McGuigan advised me that I needed approximately £25,000 worth of cosmetic dentistry!!!! I immediately stated I could not afford that and Dr McGuigan said there were several treatment plan options available and she would send me the treatment plan that afternoon. I was booked in for a Scale and Polish and not 1 but 3 fillings, I asked if my cap (on a post) could be replaced Dr McGuigan said to bring it along to the next appointment. I paid an extra £104, to include the extra x-rays taken and the cost of the scale and polish (I believe was £55).I asked if Ursula Molloy could put my cap and post back in after the scale and polish as there was no evidence of infection in the socket on the x-rays, it would have taken some adhesive and I was happy to pay, Ursula Malloy declined shaking her head saying no that’s not allowed more than my job, I was surprised as Dr McGuigan had asked me to bring it in on my next appointment.

 

I was booked for my scale and polish for the 12th of April, I went along was called into a different dental suite and a lady introducing herself as Ursula Molloy called me into her room. I assumed she was a dentist as I have only previously had dental cleans with my dentist in Wales, the scale and polish was done, I had also booked to have 3 composite fillings and Ursula Molloy advised me that they would take several visits as were big fillings and in difficult places. I was surprised as again in Wales any work necessary was done in 1 visit in my experience generally) to minimise the need for multiple anaesthetics and the time slots extended. However I could go in the next day for 1 filling, Ursula Molloy said she would book out an hour to do the composite filling, again I was asked to pay ( I had paid an extra £100 on the 9th of April for the filling. I had the filling it indeed took the Hour I had 2 mouth anaesthetics injections, a lot of drilling and composite filling, I was relieved to be done as I found the experience quite stressful. I am not normally anxious about dental work or do not have any issues going to the dentist. I also agreed to return for the other fillings after a 2 week period (I hoped that the 2 further fillings could be done on 1 visit). On my way out I stopped to make the return appointment and was asked for £130 which I again paid thinking this was for the further fillings and the appointment was made for the 27/04/21.

 

I attended on the 27th of April at 3pm, had the anaesthetic injection, Ursula Malloy began work, again extensive drilling I was still sensitive and I had another injection. Ursula Molloy was quite curt in her attitude repeatedly telling me “open your mouth please or can you keep your mouth open wide“ I was very uncomfortable. My jaw was aching my front lower teeth were very sensitive to the cold air and metal instruments, there seemed to be many, however as I didn’t want to prolong the experience and I did not complain. As Ursula Molloy was getting me to bite down on the fillings I believe to do adjustments, I asked her how long had she been a dentist, she replied I was a History Teacher first, then wanted a change and trained to be a dental nurse, then she told me that the dentist she was working for told her that she had more A levels, and a better degree than he did, she then said she qualified in Leeds University in 2009. An hour and 40 mins later I was finished. I could not feel anything in my back teeth and my mouth was distorted with anaesthetic, but I felt quite exhausted and relieved that the immediate remedial work was over. Before I left I was asked to pay a further £76.

 

I was asked if I wanted to proceed with further dental work, I replied I would have a think as I had only received the extensive mouth survey / treatment plan a few days before (to be honest it was still hugely expensive) I knew I would benefit from either implants or a bridge to replace my front upper teeth caps, but I knew I could also have the work done on the NHS. for considerably less, to be honest I was alarmed at the extensive dental work ‘required. 9 Including invisible braces?? I am 57. The result of the survey after I had made it clear the £25 thousand pound initial amount was too expensive the new treatment plan was still over £10, 000 not including any dental laboratory work!

 

As I left the dental surgery I was uncomfortable, my front lower teeth were sensitive, my head was aching and I was again exhausted, I was also very concerned about the extensive dental work needed I have always been fastidious about attending the dentist and keeping oral hygiene. My previous dentist I had gone to for 14 years had never suggested any necessary braces etc, I knew during Covid things had suffered a bit but I was suspicious as to my dental need as opposed the Dental practice’s need.

 

I could not believe it within a few hours of leaving Belfast ( and Gransha Dental ) I had real sensitivity and I felt my teeth were crowded and not closing properly, I thought it may be the anaesthetic, so rubbed dental gel into my gums and used sensitive tooth paste to help relieve the sensitivity in my mouth. I looked on the internet about sensitivity after fillings and it said it may take several days or weeks to settle down and further dentists visits to adjust the filling size and improve the fit / bite. On the 29th of April, I felt a hard piece of material in my mouth it was a composite filling and what looked like some tooth and I could feel my back bottom tooth (the original filling was gone) and it felt like the back of my tooth had sheared off too.

 

It was after hours so I emailed the practice and informed them and I also said I would be interested in having some bridge work, this was mainly to get a response as it was a bank holiday weekend. I did not receive any reply?? I called the surgery on Tuesday the 4th of May and was told someone would call me back, I assumed as they had my phone number they would but no one did, I again called on Wednesday the 5th by now I was very disappointed in the treatment and service of Gransha Dental, I had been a nursing sister and clinical nurse specialist in the NHS a ‘Duty of Care’ is just that a duty. The lady I spoke with suggested I wait till Monday 10th of May for an emergency appointment, I could not believe it, I said I was not happy with their service as I was in pain and could not wait another 5 days, this lady became quite ‘snippy’ and her attitude was rude she said I’m sorry you’re not happy with our service, I said I was not and asked to speak to the Dentist I was then told they were too busy with appointments. This lady then said I could go in for a temporary dressing on Friday 5th, which I agreed.

 

On Thursday the 4th of May I purchased Temparin emergency dental filling and more dental anaesthetic gel and clove tincture to ease the tooth and my general discomfort. At this time I decided not to return to Gransha Dental. I was anxious, uncomfortable and no longer had any confidence in their Practice. I emailed the practice manager Debbie to explain my decision and cancel the emergency appointment, I received no follow up phone calls from any Dentist. I requested my account, all pertinent X-rays and to know Ursula Malloy’s date and nature of her Dentist qualifications, I was assured of her of her numerous qualifications and additional courses undertaken and it was stated that “she was more than competent in her job“. It was at this point I realised that Ursula Malloy was in fact a Dental Hygienist / Therapist and to my surprise not a qualified Dental Surgeon.

 

I had paid a total of £475 for 3 fillings, one of which had broken and was left with poorly fitted fillings and now pain and sensitivity. I have now to find another dentist to have the filling replaced and adjust the other fillings so I can bite down evenly. I am hoping that the anxiety I felt at returning to Gransha Dental does not continue and that all other work required can be sorted out.

 

I hope this Dental nightmare will serve as a warning to others to avoid this practice and their very poor standard of care.

 

 

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