Dental work for pensioners

[glowgirl]

My dad needs several teeth replacing at the back of his mouth he has been told by 2 different dentists that the only treatment available on the NHS would be a removable plate, he doesn't want this and would like crowns instead but he has been told he will have to pay privately for these. Both dentists have said the NHS will not provide crowns where a cheaper alternative is available, is this correct? My dad is 73 and believes that if he were younger he would have been offered something other than a plate, this is his opinion, he hasn't had this confirmed but is he right?

The best price he has been given is £1800 for six crowns plus £50 for everything to be put in writing before work starts, he wants to pay this as this particular dentist comes highly recommended (by me:)) and he wants the work done. Just thought I would ask for any opinions or comments before he commits himself. Thanks for any help.

[Toothsmith]

If that dentist comes recommended, and it's the treatment he wants, then go for it.

Not sure about what the NHS dentists were on about with 'lowest cost treatment'. The NHS contract states they should provide whatever is necessary to secure dental fitness.

Now - within that, they are allowed to provide the most cost effective item, so if a gap needs a tooth in it, then a plastic denture, rather than a metal denture or a bridge is fine.

But - if something more complex like a crown is necessary, then to refuse to do it because taking the tooth out and making a denture is cheaper is very very wrong.

It may be that the dentist felt that the level of self-care demonstrated by your father was poor, and that to do complex work would not be in his best interests, and removing teeth and a denture was the correct treatment. If that was the case, then that too is OK.

BUT - if that were the case, then it would be exactly the same - and equally inappropriate to offer the complex treatment privately. If it's going to fail on the NHS, then it's going to fail privately.

[glowgirl]

Thank you for an interesting reply, both dentists have offered him the treatment on a private basis, one charging over £4000 the other as stated. My dad had a bridge put in many many years ago and this has since needed renewing, due to normal wear and tear rather than lack of care on my fathers part, he also has some of his own teeth that need replacing I believe, the dentist who did this for him originally is now out of my dads reach financially. My dad has always looked after his teeth almost to the point of obsession but strangely has had a lifetime of dental problems.

But - if something more complex like a crown is necessary, then to refuse to do it because taking the tooth out and making a denture is cheaper is very very wrong.


BUT - if that were the case, then it would be exactly the same - and equally inappropriate to offer the complex treatment privately. If it's going to fail on the NHS, then it's going to fail privately.


Both of the dentists he has visited have said that crown treatment would be fine but that the NHS would not pay for it as there is a cheaper alternative available (removable plate) are you suggesting that this is not correct information/practice? I though this myself but don't know the ins and outs of dentistry hence my post. If this is the case would you be able to advise me of the next step to take, I'm guessing that it would be as simple as hunting around for a suitable dentist willing to undertake this work on the NHS, thank you for your help.

[Toothsmith]

Are you talking about crowns? Just single teeth, - or bridges? Teeth joined together to replace gaps?

If you're talking about bridges, then it would be right to offer a plastic denture on the NHS as the most cost-effective treatment that would ensure dental health.

If you have a bridge already, then it would really depend on individual circumstances as to whether a bridge would be an appropriate replacement on the NHS.

In all honesty, I think you may as well look for the Holy Grail as a dentist to take this stuff on on the NHS.

Far less stressful for all concerned if you just go somewhere you know and trust and pay whatever it takes.

If any dentist has indicated that the crowns are a NECESSARY treatment but then won't provide it on the NHS, then a compllaint to the PCT might get a result.

[glowgirl]

Thanks Toothsmith, your replies have been very helpful, I believe my father is referring to both a bridge and single teeth although I would need to check this with him, I'm going to have a chat with my dad tonight and read him some of your comments then he can make a more informed decision himself:T