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dental implants on NHS?

My poor boy was assaulted on Wednesday, leaving him with a broken nose and his front tooth was knocked clean out :( His other front tooth is also badly damaged and needs root canal work to save it.

The dentist said they can make him a little plate or he could have a bridge. The other option would be an implant but at a cost of £2000 and not until he is 21 (he's 15). She said that implants are extremely hard to get on the NHS.

Does anyone have any experience of this please?
Some people see the glass half full, others see the glass half empty - the enlightened are simply grateful to have a glass :)

Replies

  • mazza111mazza111 Forumite
    6.3K Posts
    I'd go for the bridge in the meantime, dentures never feel right imo. I'm guessing he'll need to wait until he's fully grown for implants. But there are a few dentists on here who will be able to advise you.
    4 Stones and 0 pounds or 25.4kg lighter :j
  • ToothsmithToothsmith Forumite
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    He would have no chance of getting an implant on the NHS I'm afraid.

    On the plus side, you've got 6 yrs to save up.

    Adhesive (Maryland) bridges are a very good alternative though, and I have many patients that have been happy with these long-term.

    Being only 15, the chances of the damaged and root filled one lasting him a lifetime are pretty slim. It might well be worth factoring in an implant there in 10-15 yrs as well. Maybe sooner depending on the damage.
    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.
  • ToothsmithToothsmith Forumite
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    mazza111 wrote: »
    I'd go for the bridge in the meantime, dentures never feel right imo. I'm guessing he'll need to wait until he's fully grown for implants. But there are a few dentists on here who will be able to advise you.

    Kids are very adaptable! Look at some of the contraptions they get used to in the way of braces!

    He would have no problems with a denture if it was considered the best way to fix things for now.
    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.
  • mazza111mazza111 Forumite
    6.3K Posts
    Definitely!!! Might just have been my plate that was poor fitting. It spent more time in my pocket than in my mouth in all honesty!!

    That's why I said if it was my choice :D I knew you guys would be around to answer soon :)

    Think kids are probably more adaptable to it than adults.
    4 Stones and 0 pounds or 25.4kg lighter :j
  • edited 12 October 2012 at 10:26AM
    brook2jackbrook2jack Forumite
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    edited 12 October 2012 at 10:26AM
    Be aware that if he was assaulted you may be able to put in a claim for criminal injuries compensation for him. This takes a long time to come through and will not pay for an implant but will go a way towards the cost. Ask when he makes statement to police.

    Only cancer patients, thosecongenitally (born without) missing 6 teeth or more , or major trauma patients may get implants. I'm afraid your son won't qualify.

    Dentures can make a good temporary solution particularly if the other tooth next door has been damaged as they put on strain on that tooth , but your dentist will guide you.
  • bright_sidebright_side Forumite
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    Thank you all, he is quite terrified by the thought of root canal work, but hopefully when the shock of everything wears off a bit he will be ok with it. He's not too concerned at the moment about having to have a small denture. I will start saving.....
    Some people see the glass half full, others see the glass half empty - the enlightened are simply grateful to have a glass :)
  • I had to have a baby tooth that never grew out replaced with a bridge, the bridge is very good and does not look like its not my own tooth. Granted the back is not as pretty looking but who other then a dentist checks the back of the teeth. It is my intention to get an implant there when I save and save and save but until then the bridge is fab and I can rip through sellotape like never before lol
  • brook2jackbrook2jack Forumite
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    If it is an adhesive bridge ie the other teeth weren't filed down don't use a bridge to rip sellotape, cotton etc. It is not as strong as a normal tooth and it will come off. Once an adhesive bridge comes off it never sticks on as well after.
  • They filed down my other tooth and put a crown on it to accomodate the bridge x
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