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dental advice needed

I could use some advice about dental bridges.

I've returned from my six month checkup where i was told i need four bridges fitted. I was also informed by my dentist that the NHS would not cover the cost of fitting bridges as they come under the heading "Cosmetic surgery".

Frankly the cost is prohibitive if i have to pay myself so i started looking at insurance plans only to find that which ever way i cut it, i could not afford the treatment.

While researching insurance i looked at various NHS websites and have found that dental bridges are supposed to be covered by the NHS, my dentist tells me they are not, so which is right?

I'm in Scotland by the way, Edinburgh to be exact.

cheers
david

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,098 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    It depends why you 'need' the bridges.

    Did you go in worried about the gaps? Or were you happy with the spaces, and your dentist has told you there is some functional reason or them?

    Technically, everything 'necessary' should be available on the NHS. Up in Scotland, you're still on the older system where treatments above a certain value need prior approval before the dentist is allowed to do them.

    The people doing the prior approval will almost certainly argue that a partial denture could do exactly the same job at much better value to the taxpayer.

    The dentist SHOULD have a long conversation with you though about all the options: implants, bridges and dentures, and give you the pros, cons and costs of each.

    It's important that you know just why he feels it's necessary before you sign up to anything, and it's important you know what alternatives are available to you.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • Hi toothsmith, thanks for the reply.

    I wasnt worried about the gaps till my dentist mentioned them, she says she can see that the shape of my jaw is changing and that will/is putting undue pressure on my remaining teeth.

    We did have a chat about the options, she said that the nhs would cough up for dentures but not bridges or implants. No way am i using dentures, i'm thirty six now and have just got my head round the fact im going bald :rolleyes: falsers as well could push me over the edge.

    If partial dentures do the same thing as bridges then i suppose i understand why the nhs wont pay for bridges. There may be a bright future ahead of me as a gurner.
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,098 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Sounds like your dentist did everything they should have, and has given you accurate information.

    Up to you what you do now.

    I doubt it's URGENT urgent though, and so you could put it off for a little while and save up.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
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