Route Canal NHS Cost

Nesty

Hi

In November I had route canal on a rear Molar.

Beforehand I got the tariff on my options for the tooth.

Extraction (£50) or NHS route canal (£270). The tooth was already crowned.

The option I was given that private was a better chance of success. Either £270 NHS route canal or £350 private route canal. The pitch was they can use better precise tools on the private option, so for the extra £80 it would be worth it as less time in the chair as well!

However I am now thinking why was the £270 NHS quoted in the first place, as Band 2 which covers NHS route canal is £50.65.

The crown was not replaced, as they drilled through it.

The outcome made the tooth pain better, but I still get some twinges from it when drinking cold water so I don't think it's been totally successful.

Has anyone else been charged in simliar circumstances? Do you think I should write to the dentist asking a breakdown of why I have charged so much?

Thanks

Toothsmith

Root canal alone should be a band 2 item.

It would only become a band 3 item if a new crown was provided as well

seven-day-weekend

Just had one, it took five visits to the dentist (without a crown) - partly my fault as I did not make an appointment to go back after the first stage and the filling fell out and had to be done again. Successful outcome though, no pain or sensitivity whatsoever.

Thank goodness for Denplan

Nesty

Hi
Thanks for the replies. I can only assume I was charged that much as they thought they MAY have the replace the crown & that was included into the price.

Though they didn;t so I am a bit miffed to been charged that much. Also added to the fact it's not been totally pain free. Tooth still feels semi live.

I'll write to the dentist.

Undervalued

I started a thread which linked to a Daily Telegraph article about these sort of issues.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5156543

Whilst I can see both sides it does seem to lead to problems.

Nesty

ok many thanks for this.

I am not having a go at dentists, as the conversation beforehand was the intention to keep the tooth.

However had I been quoted NHS route canal £50.65 I would of taken my chances with that then £350 private!

Just somehow this £250 NHS been spinned to make out the private option worth spending that extra £100 and that is where my complaint will be aimed at!

Toothsmith

Undervalued wrote: »

I started a thread which linked to a Daily Telegraph article about these sort of issues.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5156543

Whilst I can see both sides it does seem to lead to problems.

Indeed it does - which is why in 2006 when this ridiculous contract came in - I wanted nothing to do with it!

I see everybody privately now. Adults and kids.

No faffing around with stupid targets. If people need a lot doing, their bill is dearer than if they look after their teeth and don't need much doing.

Once they're stable, I offer them a monthly payment plan.

Everything I do, I do as well as I can - not pay me £X and I will do it, but pay me £Y and I will do it better.

I just charge £Y and get on with it.

Nesty

I thought I'd give an update here. Many thanks for the replies.

Had a meeting with the dentist and supposedly it was either £56 or £350 for the route canal. Though I know I heard £250 NHS mentioned which why I went for the private. Anyway what done is done, not going to pursue anymore.

Anyway. The tooth still is not right. Reacts to hot and cold drinks and can still fill feeling in the tooth & tender at times. It's meant to be dead right?

Anyway dentist X rays states nothing wrong with the tooth etc. It's never felt correct since they filled it up.

Now this is where I want to know the charter rules because I think I will be colliding with my dentist over the next procedure. I've had enough and want the tooth extracted. If it's not right now after 6 months it's likely it will never will be.

I don't want to sit in a chair for another 90 mins only for the same to be done again and probably won't work.

However I know my dentist will not agree with me.

What is the charter? As a customer can I instruct the dentist to extract or can the dentist refuse in their professional view. Toothsmith I know you are a dentist and I am not having a swipe at the industry. I just want to bring this nightmare to a close.

Thanks

pollypenny

I've just had a root canal done privately, as my NHS dentist whom I trust, advised that the guy recommended was excellent.

It proved do, as I had no discomfort during the procedure. However, the tooth was ' topped off' with a soft filling and will need a firm filling at some time.

Perhaps toothsmith can tell me if I will be expected to pay for that or is it part of the root canal treatment?

welshdent

Nesty wrote: »

ok many thanks for this.

I am not having a go at dentists, as the conversation beforehand was the intention to keep the tooth.

However had I been quoted NHS route canal £50.65 I would of taken my chances with that then £350 private!

Just somehow this £250 NHS been spinned to make out the private option worth spending that extra £100 and that is where my complaint will be aimed at!

I honestly WOULDNT have taken my chances on the cheap option because re doing a root filling offers a much lower prognosis if it hasnt worked plus there may be damage to the tooth that hinders re treatment. Personally, if faced with someone not exactly speaking confidently about the likely success in their hands I would want to be referred to someone who WAS confident about the outcome and have it done right the first time.

welshdent

pollypenny wrote: »

I've just had a root canal done privately, as my NHS dentist whom I trust, advised that the guy recommended was excellent.

It proved do, as I had no discomfort during the procedure. However, the tooth was ' topped off' with a soft filling and will need a firm filling at some time.

Perhaps toothsmith can tell me if I will be expected to pay for that or is it part of the root canal treatment?

I see referrals for root canal treatment. I quote for the procedure and provision of an interim restoration so either a new temporary crown if I needed to remove the crown or a temporary filling. I advise them before I start if a new permanent restoration would be needed and that their own dentist can provide that so I would image yes you would need to pay again. Sometimes delaying the final restoration is necessary to ensure the root filling has been successful.