Understanding NHS Dental Costs

HandOfIke

Hi

I moved back to my parents home to look after them during the pandemic.

My local dentist wouldn't take me on as a patient as they were not opening their books during the pandemic, I'm likely to be taken on in 2-3 months.

I've had 2 crowns fall out during this year one of which I saved the other I think I swallowed, and now I've chipped a tooth. I'm not in pain (the dentist would see me if I was) and have managed to temporary fill the gaps in my crown with commercial dental filler.

I'm trying to understand the band pricing for NHS work but I'm confused. I might need both crowns doing and the chip might need to be filled (I'm not sure I'm just guessing) obviously the crowns fall under band 3 which is approx £280 but I can't work out if this is inclusive of all work or per tooth/treatment? Also if the chipped tooth needs filling this would be band 2 cost, would I pay band 3 for the crowns and then band 2 for the filing or will all of it fall under band 3?

Last question if I need more than one visit but for the same work will that fall under a one charge or will I need to pay a band charge each time?

Just wanting to manage my money which has been hard during the last year.

Thanks for reading.

brook2jack2

If you are on a low income you may be able to get help with dental costs. This link explains how to claim as well as how dental bands work in England and Wales. The price is slightly different in Wales. 

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/get-help-with-dental-costs/

Scotland and NI have a different system and each item is charged for seperately. 

On a seperate note two crowns falling out and another tooth"chipping" is a lot of treatment. You may want to look at your diet and what you are eating and drinking as preventing problems is a lot cheaper than fixing them . 

HandOfIke

Thanks for your reply 

I just want to know how much to expect to pay due to the banding so I can put aside enough money to cover it.

As for how it happened the 2 crowns fell out at the same time they are both rear mollars next to each other and with chewing etc and movement it's not the first time one has fallen out, they are just in an arkward location and my previous dentist has said this is normal as they are close together and where the jaw pivots. And I chipped my tooth on a boiled sweet I was taking for a sore throat, which anyone could do. So nothing extreme or complacent happening thanks.