My NHS dentist told me he can't do my root canal himself as it has been done before and not done very well. He says it can't be done on NHS, the only thing he can do is to extract my tooth and now he is reffering me to a specialist, private and it'll cost £500.
Does that sound right? Is it true what he says, that it can't be done on NHS?
Do you think it would be better for me to take out insurance and change my dentist to a private one? I feel sometimes he can't be bothered with me, like he knew long ago I'd have this problem but never adviced me to take out insurance, surely that would save me quite a lot of money?
help! I don't have a clue about dentists. :-(
2007-02-03 09:24:22 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
Root canal treatments CAN be done on the NHS but your dentist is talking about reroot treating the tooth. This is very difficult. If it's failed the first time then you really need the work to be done by a specialist and £500 is about the right fee. It might be worth you looking at a scheme such as Denplan to cover your future dental work. This is a monthly fee that would cover you for Most (but not all) of your dental costs. You can only join this when you are 'dentally fit' Denplan could give you a list of their accredited dentists in your area. You couldn't have joined in the past if your dentist knew this treatment would be needed
Hope this helps
2007-02-03 09:48:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Root treatments are carried out under the NHS although they are not always successful. Your dentist may have tried to re-root treat the tooth although sometimes the canals can become blocked and the only other option would be for an apisectomy to be carried out (removing the tip of the root surgically)and usually specialists carry out this procedure.The local dental hospital usually deals with cases like yours but you would be on a long waiting list. If you are not happy with your dentist you should have a second opinion.
2007-02-03 09:33:56 · answer #2 · answered by stacie_yst 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A failed root canal needs procedure called apicoectomy. Your dentist is doing the right thing referring you to a specialist - Endodontist. Now, why can't it be done with NHS specialist is for you to make another attempt to find out. The cost £500 at private dentist is more or less correct though it should not be more than £300 at NHS. I was quoted very attractive price for similar procedure by Dental Care India Tour. Just in case there are more issues in your oral region it would be worth traveling abroad to Dubai, India, Thailand, etc where costs are very low. Look for more options making your internet search for: affordable dental treatment and tourism.
2007-02-03 18:35:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you get another dentist! An NHS one! You can get root canals on the NHS! And why is he sending you to a specialist to have a tooth extracted? Even if the tooth does have to be removed any general dentist can do that for a fraction of the cost. It doesn't cost £500 to have a tooth extracted. It cost more like £50!
2007-02-03 12:05:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your dentist is lying when he says a root canal can't be done on the NHS cos I've had two. HOWEVER it may be that as you had one done previously he will need to extract the tooth if the previous work is failing - normally root canals last about five years.
2007-02-03 09:40:56 · answer #5 · answered by Jude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is not right as i have had a root canal done on the nhs,took about half an hour and six injections in the gum,private? i dont know but if you can i would consult another dentist first even if you have to travel besides most prices are fixed now so if you need 1 / 21 its the same cost sorry i havnt heard about dental insurance unless its covered in one of those health plans shown on tv one thing is certain you will have to act soon or you will be in agony
2007-02-03 09:36:02 · answer #6 · answered by TEL BOY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest you see another dentist because that doesn't sound right! I got a root canal done under the NHS and it was free. Eek...I'm getting shivers thinking about it :-s
2007-02-03 09:29:48 · answer #7 · answered by Mrs. Miller 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a root canal can be done on the nhs as iv had it done cant u ask to see someone else or go to a different dentist.... he doesnt sound very good to me
2007-02-03 09:30:13 · answer #8 · answered by Don 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have just had some root canal treatment done on the NHS so i think your dentist might be telling you porkies
2007-02-03 09:39:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had two root canals done on the same tooth last year. I can't see why there would be any rule against it.
2007-02-03 09:31:17 · answer #10 · answered by epbr123 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋