NHS dental treatment in Wales

Need_To_Sort_It

Hello, I'm new to this part of the forum, I am usually in the debt part :rolleyes:

I am getting a bit of a panic going here and could do with some info if someone doesn't mind giving it.

I live in Wales, have a NHS dentist and get free dental treatment. A bridge I had done 12 odd years ago is starting to play up, its beginning to hurt and I am panicking that if the tooth underneath is no good then they may tell me that it will have to be replaced with 'plink plink fizz' - dentures :eek:

I cant seem to find a 'list' of what NHS dentists have to offer - I have found a bit about white fillings at the back etc but cant find out about bridges and if they are now deemed 'cosmetic' - hence my panic they will make me have dentures.

Can anyone help me or refer me to some guidelines please before my forthcoming check up, I'm too young to be looking out buy one get one free on sterident and fixodent

Also a couple of months ago I lost what feels like half a tooth at the back, if they pull it I will have no big teeth on that bottom side, are crowns deemed cosmetic too?

Any help gratefully received

Toothsmith

The way the NHS fee structure is set up, dentists are 'encouraged' to provide the lowest cost item that will do the job.

That's because the fee they get is fixed.

So, do they replace a missing tooth with a denture that costs them £20 to get made, or do they replace it with a bridge that will cost the dentist £200+ to get made?

Given that the fee the dentist will get for the entire treatment will be about £170 - £220 whichever option he goes for.

smartsuit

Yeah as above. I am Smartsuits other half posting under his name and i work in a dental practice in wales. We are a private surgery but i have spent many previous years in NHS practices as a dental nurse. I have found most dentists will replace with a denture as cheaper but you may find the odd dentist who will do it. Unlikely i suppose now in the new current nhs situation. If i were you i would find a dentist that offers independant treatment as well as nhs and pvt. I dont know where you would look but were i worked a year ago we had this option. It basically ment you could have an independant option which was almost private but a cheaper version. It was treatment carried out outside of the nhs but not as expensive as private work but you also have to bear in mind it wont be as high quality either. If you decide to go for private work some practices offer an interest free payment plan. I dont think my post will help but it gives you a bit more info. Good luck and if i hear of anywhere in south wales i could let you know.

Need_To_Sort_It

Wow that was quick, thank you very much

Ok, now I am panicking lol

I may have stood a chance with my old dentist I have been there years but he has left and I haven't even met the new one yet ..................

Need_To_Sort_It

smartsuit wrote: »

Yeah as above. I am Smartsuits other half posting under his name and i work in a dental practice in wales. We are a private surgery but i have spent many previous years in NHS practices as a dental nurse. I have found most dentists will replace with a denture as cheaper but you may find the odd dentist who will do it. Unlikely i suppose now in the new current nhs situation. If i were you i would find a dentist that offers independant treatment as well as nhs and pvt. I dont know where you would look but were i worked a year ago we had this option. It basically ment you could have an independant option which was almost private but a cheaper version. It was treatment carried out outside of the nhs but not as expensive as private work but you also have to bear in mind it wont be as high quality either. If you decide to go for private work some practices offer an interest free payment plan. I dont think my post will help but it gives you a bit more info. Good luck and if i hear of anywhere in south wales i could let you know.

TBH, I could not afford any treatment right now (long story on debt board) but thanks for the info

Oooh, just a thought, does The Heath still do teeth surgeries d you know?

smartsuit

You may be able to get a referal from your dentist for nhs treatment at the heath but i am not sure how strict they have become on things like this. Worth asking your dentist though. Good luck

Need_To_Sort_It

Thanks, I will see what she has to say, thanks ever so for your help