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Chiped tooth - To go prvate or not to go private

favanu
favanu Posts: 2 Newbie
in Health & beauty MoneySaving
Hello all. Had a look at threads on this forum a fair few times over the years but never really had anything to post. Until now.

A couple of days ago I noticed a small crack/gap in the top of a previously filled tooth, along with some accompanying pain. I phoned up my NHS dentist immediately, but they aren't able to give me an appointment for three weeks. I'm very worried that in that time I might have damaged it further quite a bit.

I was offered an 'emergency' private appointment tomorrow. Unfortuatly just the appointment woudl have been over £40, and I've no idea how much a replacement filling (or worse - the tooth was filled pretty deep as far as I know) would cost. I'm a Postgraduate student, so I've basically no money. I could just about afford to pay from savings, but I'm really keen to try and keep them to pay off my contribution to next years course fees.

So I'm asking if anyone else has been in this situation, and whether anyone might have advice as to how important it will be to get this seen to quickly?

Thanks very much in advance.

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,097 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Can't tell how important it is without seeing it.

    I really do hate this sort of 'hostage' private treatment arrangement though.

    Try ringing the PCT and see what arrangements exist for that practice to see emergency patients, it might well be that offering to see you private more quickly breaks their agreed NHS terms.

    If your going to go private go to a place that offers good service.
    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.
  • favanu
    favanu Posts: 2 Newbie
    Thanks, I'll try the PCT thing. I tried phoning again and managed to get a cnacellation appointment for two weeks. Also had a look at the crack in a mirror with a torch and it's pretty small and near the top of the tooth, although already going a bit dark, so I think uness the PCT people tell me different I'll just hold on for two weeks.

    Thanks again!
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,097 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Sounds reasonable!
    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.
  • Beenie
    Beenie Posts: 1,634 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    I hope this doesn't sound ignorant, but what is the PCT please? Where would I find the telephone number in case I needed to contact them? i.e. is it in the directory under its own title, or is it part of a larger bureaucracy??
  • kindofagilr
    kindofagilr Posts: 6,825 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    PCT - Primary Care Trust, I think lol
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  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,097 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    That's right. What used to be your Health Authority many name changes, and expensive logos ago!
    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.
This discussion has been closed.
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