Dental bridge on NHS

gillholiday_2

I have had a tooth extracted as it was loose due to the gum separating at the front of it. I have had a denture fitted and had to pay level 3 costs of £233. I wanted to have a bridge fitted but my dentist says that a bridge is only covered under level 3 if it is clinically necessary. The denture is only temporary as I will probably have to have another one fitted in 3 - 6 months time when my gum has healed. The dentist is telling me that if I want a bridge it will have to be done privately and will cost a further £500/600. Why can't I get this done under level 3 of the NHS?

brook2jack

The NHS is there to cover what is clinically necessary to return you to dental health, which may not always be what you prefer.

If you lost the tooth due to gum disease , which is what it sounds as if you are describing, then the teeth either side may not be sufficiently healthy to support a bridge.

If you have active gum disease, which it sounds that you have, then other teeth may need to come out in the future which can be added to an existing denture but can't be added to a bridge.

If you have other teeth missing a denture may be the best solution. If it is a back tooth missing then again it is difficult to justify a bridge on the NHS .

Toothsmith

What Brook said!

Although if dentist is happy to offer it privately, then it must be possible, just not the most efficient use of NHS dental funding.

Ilona

Going back a few years my bridge had to be changed at the front from one tooth to two teeth, supported on both sides. I had the option of NHS at £200 or private at £800. I paid private, money well spent in my opinion. Probably cost more now, but I would still consider private for any dental work, my emergency fund would cover it.

Ilona

MichaelViscione

I think dentist should advice you so its better to check your teeth privately .

Ilona

Fed up with these spammers who have no useful suggestions.
Ilona