root canal treatment - NHS and private costs & pros and cons

hethmar

As alison says, he would have seen it was sound - try not to worry

requiem_3

Thanks for the reassurances!:o

WomBat_3

Hi,

Should all endodontist specialists be registered as such with the GDC?

I was going to have an old silver point filling redone by my private dentist but he was unsure about something and refered me to a specialist who has quoted £670...ouch!

It seems the price is about right after checking out this forum (ouch again!), and I saw an earlier link to the GDC, decided to check my specialist but found he was registered only as a regular dentist!

Now I'm not so sure about going ahead. Are there any dentists here that can tell me if being registered/not registered makes a difference and should I be concerned? Should I be expecing a registered specialist for that price? Thanks.

Toothsmith

WomBat wrote: »

Hi,

Should all endodontist specialists be registered as such with the GDC?

I was going to have an old silver point filling redone by my private dentist but he was unsure about something and refered me to a specialist who has quoted £670...ouch!

It seems the price is about right after checking out this forum (ouch again!), and I saw an earlier link to the GDC, decided to check my specialist but found he was registered only as a regular dentist!

Now I'm not so sure about going ahead. Are there any dentists here that can tell me if being registered/not registered makes a difference and should I be concerned? Should I be expecing a registered specialist for that price? Thanks.

If he claims to be a 'specialist' and isn't (and that means registered) then he's in serious trouble.

There is a sort of 'sub-specialist' level of 'Dentist with a special interest', I'm not 100% sure of the regulations here, but I'm fairly sure that special interest should be registered as well.

I would enquire as to his proper status through the practice, and ring up the GDC if you have any concerns to ask them for clarification.

WomBat_3

Thanks Toothsmith. It turns out my "specialist" is the "sub-specialist" that you described, a regular dentist but only deals with endodontics.

I spoke to the GDC who say they have no problem with this, no need to be specifically registered no problems as long as he never claims to be a specialist. And he has never actually done this.

The confusion is because it was my normal dentist described him as a specialist. So if anyone gets refered to a "specialist" it may be worthwhile to check to see if you are getting a specialist!

Toothsmith, do you have any thoughts on how good a sub-specialist is likely to be compared to a specialist?

requiem_3

Toothsmith, could I ask your opinion on my situation as explained above please?

Toothsmith

In dentist circles, dentists with special interest gets shortened to DIPSYs for some odd reason.

Registering 'specialists' is a relatively new phenomenon, it's not been going for very long.

Some of the dipsys have been 'specialising' in their field for a fair few years, and have built up a lot of experience doing whatever they do. They just haven't gone through the formal training channels that lead to a qualification that can then be registered.

There will be some really good dipsys out there, and I wouldn't be too concerned about seeing one.

requiem_3

requiem wrote: »

Hi all.

I started root canal treatment last Friday. The specialist began the treatment and put a temporary filling over it, my next appointment to have the procedure finished (although when a cancellation comes up I will get a phone call) is not until the 28th November.

I was brushing my teeth this morning and part of the back of my tooth fell off. I can feel into the inside of my tooth with my tounge. I went to see the emergency dentist at my practice who ensured me this is 'normal' and because the specialist doing the root canal work has filled the tooth it should be okay and I can carry on as usual, he filed it down for me so that the jagged edge doesn't catch on my tounge. Is this right? I don't see how I can carry on as usual will a hole in my tooth for over a month until the root canal treatment can be finished. Someone put my mind to rest... Am I just worrying too much?

Toothsmith... Could you please give me your opinion on this? I'm in a rut here!

conquinn

I know The question has been asked loads of times but what is the real difference in treatment for root canal between NHS and doing it privately.

I have had the root killed and cleaned and now with temporary filling in it but need to book another appointment either NHS or Private.
As other people stated my dentist said he advised to go private as the equipment used is much better than NHS.
He also advised the filling and crown would be of better quality than with NHS.
He also advised as I was 28 and it was a molar tooth that Private would be stronger and last longer and I should go for the better quality one as I will need the tooth longer.

Ofcourse the problem is the price , £400 for filling,crown e.tc privately. Is this a reasonable price ??
Or NHS £44.60 .
Is private treatment that much different to NHS? Is it worth it ? If I went NHS would this lower the possiblilty of a successfull treatment i.e would the filling be weaker e.t.c

Just trying to decide but hoping someone can advise of the real differences between the two.

Thanks

Savvy_Sue

Toothsmith wrote: »

In dentist circles, dentists with special interest gets shortened to DIPSYs for some odd reason.

:rotfl: at the idea of a Dipsy Dentist ... but better that than Tipsy!