In pain - Need Dentist - Cannot afford treatment

hamstercheeks_2

theatretony wrote: »

How can I get round this....

I have had severe toothache for over 2 weeks, one of my teeth has gone a shade of grey!! And another tooth has a filling missing. Taking painkillers everyday to cope, but I really need it sorting.. Those are the problems I know aboout.... Now for the main problem...

I have a fear of dentists (once had a root canal with an injection which hurt A LOT), not been to dentist for years because of it, therefore, I am not actually registered with any dentist...the last time i was in 'the chair' I was drip white with fear....

Plus, I cannot afford £198 (going NHS) for the the amount of work needed. Could scrape the money together over a few months, but not straight away. Thinking of joining the Leeds Hospital Fund but would not be able to claim on that straight away...

Anyone know the best course of action to help me and maybe remove my phobia of dentists at the same time.....

Thanks for anyones help....

tony

n take it from me taking all those painkillers aint gonna do your stomach any good

alison999

hamstercheeks wrote: »

you'll be able to pay it up in instalmentsanyway:cool:

Thats not always true. Usually any work that involves lab work, ie crowns/bridges etc usually have to be paid for upfront, just incase the patient doesnt come back (trust me that happens A LOT).

Even if you can find a NHS dentist you will still have to pay, £16.20 for the exam. Id doubt you'd be able to get in for treatment straight away anyway but be upfront with the dentist, try and get together the £44.60 for the fillings and tell the dentist that you cannot afford to pay for £198 right now, it may be that he/she could do something temporary for you to tide you over until you can afford it.

hamstercheeks_2

alison999 wrote: »

Thats not always true. Usually any work that involves lab work, ie crowns/bridges etc usually have to be paid for upfront, just incase the patient doesnt come back (trust me that happens A LOT).

Even if you can find a NHS dentist you will still have to pay, £16.20 for the exam. Id doubt you'd be able to get in for treatment straight away anyway but be upfront with the dentist, try and get together the £44.60 for the fillings and tell the dentist that you cannot afford to pay for £198 right now, it may be that he/she could do something temporary for you to tide you over until you can afford it.

maybe not but every dentist i;ve bn to has accepted instalments

alison999

hamstercheeks wrote: »

maybe not but every dentist i;ve bn to has accepted instalments

but you cant give him advice based on where YOU'VE been. Does he live in the same area? Even if he/she did it doesnt mean the practice he/she get in at runs the same. Our patients can pay in installments BEFORE they have the treatment but not after. Every practice runs slightly differernt.

theatretony

Thanks for all the words of help. I will look through the various options open to me to get this sorted.

I do actually want to start going to the dentist, but first I have to overcome this deep fear. I have never had pain like it before when the root canal was done. Even the sound of the drills now put me off...

Will check out the fear central site and hope that will help someway.

I have a strong feeling that the tooth that is now a dark grey will need to be extracted... will be glad to see it gone !!!!

Tony