Dentist charges...can this be right?!

gmbunn

Hi folks

I have been suffering with my wisdom teeth and went to see a private dentist today as i cant find a NHS dentist in my area taking patients. She told me I needed a filling and to have the 2 wisdom teeth out. Apparantly this is going to cost £540 in total?!

Does anybody know if this is correct or not? I need them out but i simply cant afford to pay that! Ive looked at dental cashplans but its no use as its a pre existing condition and they ont generally pay out that high claims!

Any advice or opinions would be gratefully received!

Gary

themull1

do private dentists not have a set charge for things, so one filling up to three fillings is so much etc? it probably is the right price, dentists charge a fortune! ask for a list of their charges, and then go to a different dentist to see how their prices compare.

jog

Have you rung NHS Direct to find out which dentists in your area are taking patients on? I think they normally hold the up to date list of dentists.

Also ask if you have a dental access clinic in your area. Where we live in Wiltshire there are NHS clinics which will see patients who haven't been able to register with an NHS dentist and will do emergency dental treatment.

Hope it helps

Jog

Jake'sGran

You can check NHS prices on the Internet and see that it is very much worthwhile finding an NHS dentist who does take patients. The prices you have been quoted are ridiculous. In this area it seems quite easy to find an NHS dentist so it must be a case of where you live but don't give up!

purplepardalis

Those are ridiculous prices. My dentist's office is right by St Paul's Cathedral and he has mega rich city worker customers and he doesn't charge that much!!!!

McKneff

Luckily i am with an NHS dentist but he has a private price list on the wall

1 x extraction is £94 :eek:

Moomum

For wisdom teeth I would find you local walk In MHz dentist or local dentist hospital and ask them to remove them. Those prices are ridiculous!

jugglebug

Private dentists are like any other business.
They can charge whatever they like, it is up to you if you wish to accept their services.
Wisdom teeth extractions can range from dead simple, for which I would charge the same as any other tooth. To very complex, which would require more surgery time, instrumentation etc so to ask is this a fair price is an impossible question.
Same for fillings really.
What material is being used, how big is the filling, what surfaces are involved.

I am not saying the fee you have been quoted is correct.
I am not saying it is wrong.
We don't have enough info to answer accurately

[Deleted User]

Private dentists can charge as they wish. Although you can probably shop around and ask for price lists in advance.

You should find an NHS dentist. Look up through here (http://www.nhs.uk/ServiceDirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx?ServiceType=GP&InputError=Default) to find one taking NHS patients in your area. There's also a number to call if you can't find one in your area, and they will find one for you.

Deep_In_Debt

Have you tried your local hospital? They may have dental students and often need patients to "practice" on. I had some work done that would normally have cost me loads pivately and did it for a small cost...no problems.

Like hairdressers who wish to practice at their local college...best hair cut I've ever had.

littleme1982

I use a private dentist and he charges no way as much as you have been quoted!

I had 2 wisdom teeth out about 4 years ago and this was done at the same time in the chair. It cost £55.

My check up costs £55 (every 6 months) and for this you get check up, descaling, polish, xrays if needed. If you need a filling then this is usually included in the price.

I have had to go back before for a filling because he did not have time to do it there and then in my appt and this cost a standard £55 for the 15 min appt.

I think it may be worth checking with other dentists in your area as this does seem very non MSE!