Dental insurance

christinem

I had tooth sensitivity which my dentist suggested needs a root canal filling, which can't be done on the NHS - says the NHS regard keeping hold of back teeth as 'cosmetic' - she would refer me to a specialisit and it would cost £600. Yikes.
She has gave me antibiotics to see if that clears it up and I am praying it does, and thinking I should get some dental insurance. Or is it too late? Does the fact that this tooth has had a problem mean it won't be covered in future?
Thanks in advance for your help.

christinem

73 views and no replies. Is this normal or have I put this in the wrong place, maybe it should be with other insurance questions rather than other questions about dentists? If so can anyone tell me how to move it please?

sheramber

My husband had a crown done on a back molar under the NHS 6 months ago so not correct that keeping back teeth is considered cosmetic.

brook2jack

If op is in Northern Ireland then you have to apply for prior approval so this treatment may not be available in NI on the NHS , elsewhere yes it is.

Dental insurance schemes like de plan won't cover for existing problems , and this tooth has an existing problem . Cash back schemes will pay out on existing problems but probably no where near full cost of treatment.

christinem

I'm in Surrey. I have asked her to clarify, given what you said, and she says she will try referring me for the root filling to an nhs hospital, since that's the only place you will find the equipment (a microscope) needed. But she thinks the request will be rejected (because it's not high priority being a back tooth) and the only nhs option will be extraction. I'll wait and see, thanks for your comments.
Is it just me or is it hard to find a forum post, I've taken so long to reply because I couldn't get back here easily!

brook2jack

If it is a molar tooth and difficult to root fill then a specialist endodontist is needed and it is virtually impossible to be referred on the NHS for specialist endodontics particularly on a back tooth.

In which case your only option is a private specialist.

pollypenny

My dentist told me that she could do the much needed root canal treatment on the NHS. However, the best chance of it succeeding would be with a specialist, privately.

Well worth it as the treatment was not at all painful and I have the final, permanent filling tomorrow.

McKneff

Im a coward and very impatient.


Just get it extracted .....