mortified by trip to dentist

wheretheresawill

I hadnt been to dentist for a year, went today and got told I need 8 fillings:(; , I have periods of severe depression - when i'm depressed i struggle with brushing my teeth which i'm embarressed about. Anyway this was first time i've been to a private dentist - he quoted £690 or £990 as 1 may need root canal. i have no probs with teeth at present so was pretty shocked and also that my teeth were ok 12 months ago. There are plenty of NHS dentists in my area, can anyone tell me how much all this will cost on NHS?

I went private as I have a niggling feeling that nhs dentists maybe are not so thorough as it doesnt pay to do big jobs.......but then i'm thinking is this private one taking the P***?

KittyPryde

I would personally book an appointment at an NHS dentist just for a second opinion/exam if nothing else to see if they say the same needs doing. Then you can get a quote from there too and decide what to do.

I'm sure the NHS would be much cheaper (where do you live as it differs between England/Scotland etc).

coldstreamalways

KittyPryde wrote: »

I would personally book an appointment at an NHS dentist just for a second opinion/exam if nothing else to see if they say the same needs doing. Then you can get a quote from there too and decide what to do.

I'm sure the NHS would be much cheaper (where do you live as it differs between England/Scotland etc).

What if the NHS dentist says you don't need any work doing/just one filling etc? Who will you believe? You will probably believe them because deep down, that's what you want to hear, it might not be correct though. You need to find a long term dentist who you trust, who knows you and your depression, and will do the best for you. Not shop around like you're looking for a loan or a bank account until you get the answer you want.

brook2jack

This would be £46 ish England £39 Wales and £100 plus in Scotland.

If you are having problems with control of your depression and therefore have problems brushing teeth I wouldn't spend out on top class treatment as it probably need replacing soon.

Get the basics done and no complicated treatment that you will find difficult to maintain. This may mean an extraction rather than rootfilling, and look at high end stuff when your health improves long term.

Nb no two dentists will ever agree on treatment needed. It would be a miracle if another dentist entirely came up with the same treatment plan.

KittyPryde

coldstreamalways wrote: »

What if the NHS dentist says you don't need any work doing/just one filling etc? Who will you believe? You will probably believe them because deep down, that's what you want to hear, it might not be correct though. You need to find a long term dentist who you trust, who knows you and your depression, and will do the best for you. Not shop around like you're looking for a loan or a bank account until you get the answer you want.

Or.......they might say they need the same and then they will know. I didn't say shop around, I said get a second opinion if you don't seem happy with the first.

If they stick with this same Dentist then the only option is to have it all done there (or nothing of course).

Best to explore other options in my opinion, same as getting a second opinion at a DR.

wheretheresawill

Thanks for the replies, the depression is under control 95% time, I now have a life and a job but I get occassional dip. I have an excellent psychiatrist. My medication also makes my mouth very dry.

brook2jack

Lucozade is kiss of death for teeth ...12 spoons of sugar in a small bottle and most acidic of all drinks.

Dry mouth even more of a kiss of death , ask about being prescribed high fluoride toothpaste , chew sugar free chewing gum and stop now drinking sugary drinks including sugar in tea and coffee.

wheretheresawill

havent drank coke or any thing like it for years thank god

brook2jack

Sugar in tea , coffee? Eating between meals or nibbling instead of a meal and a dry mouth are equally disastrous.

If a hole is so large it may need root treatment you do have a problem. But as I said before no two dentists will agree on what treatment is necessary , interpretation of xrays etc may vary.

boozercruiser

I feel really sorry for you. Teeth problems can be a pain anyway without rip off charges. It sounds like one way and another you have been having a really difficult time.

I do hope that it all sorts itself out , so best wishes and good luck to you.

jenniewb

Can you not see a dentist who is private but takes on NHS patients? that way you may be able to get the essentials done and pay vai the NHS and if there is anything additional its made very clear and you have the option of getting it done later.

Feel for you- I had anorexia and bulimia, the first bout and when I was 17-19 I didn't visit the dentist after she found out what I was doing my looking at my teeth! (dietition explained it is apparently very obvious to dentists). When I did return at 19 I went in for a checkup and had to return for 5 fillings and root canal -prior to that I had 'very healthy teeth'- the injection scared the life out of me and I was shaking but I did keep going back and now don't shake when I visit, (I get a little anxious but am basicly fine). It does get easier!

Well done for going back and getting things sorted- its not easy I know! But does get easier the more you return.