Cost of wisdom tooth extraction - private

Hi everyone.

I have a private dental plan through work. I pay £25 from my net income and there is a list of benefits per treatment. It doesn't cover everything, but comes close. For example, a visit to the hygeinist costs £62, I can claim £60 back. A check up with the dentist is £37, I can claim £30 back.

The dentist has recommended that I have two wisdom teeth out. Each is going to cost £150. Looking at my benefits schedule, simple tooth extractions have a benefit of £44, surgical have £68. This means that I will have to pay £300 and will get back either £88 or £136. I could be £212 out of pocket. I have asked the receptionist if the prices are higher for Covid and she says that it is the normal price.

Does anyone know if £150 is the going rate for wisdom tooth extraction privately (in London)? Is my dentist too expensive, is my dental plan not paying out enough?

Thanks

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,101 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 13 October 2020 at 2:44PM
    It's pretty much the same as my charge. I'd say it was pretty good for London.

    That's a 'non-surgical' price for me. 
    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.
  • Undervalued
    Undervalued Posts: 9,459 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If they were done on the NHS it would be a Band 2 charge which, from memory, is around £60 (that would be for both and include the initial check up and most other necessary treatments done at the same time.
  • Not if it's a surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth. That would be referred to hospital or specialist service as a surgical extraction would not be generally done in practice. 
  • Undervalued
    Undervalued Posts: 9,459 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Not if it's a surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth. That would be referred to hospital or specialist service as a surgical extraction would not be generally done in practice. 
    In which case it would be completely free!
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,101 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Not if it's a surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth. That would be referred to hospital or specialist service as a surgical extraction would not be generally done in practice. 
    In which case it would be completely free!
    Only at the point of delivery  ;)
    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.
  • I recently paid £220 for one extracted as a private patient, outside of my monthly plan (which is about £12)
    It was more expensive than the original quote because it was a tricky one apparently. I think £150 each is a bargain!
  • welshdent
    welshdent Posts: 1,999 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Not if it's a surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth. That would be referred to hospital or specialist service as a surgical extraction would not be generally done in practice. 
    In which case it would be completely free!
    In which case they can chose wait on a waiting list or pay privately to have it done sooner. 
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 349.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.9K Spending & Discounts
  • 242.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 619.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.3K Life & Family
  • 255.6K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.