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Original poster

Dental work

37 replies

InterviewGhost · 22/04/2025 17:15

Scenario, posting for traffic and joint incredulity.

You have a dental issue, which urgently needs rectifying.

No dentists accepting NHS patients within a 40 mile radius.

Dentist will not accept a payment plan.

You don’t qualify for finance. You cannot get a CC or loan. Friends and family are unable to lend you the money.

The only way you could afford to pay for it would be to not pay your rent this (or next) month.

What do you do?

OP posts:
Fabulousagain · 22/04/2025 18:17

I am lucky that i do have an NHS dentist having a tooth removed next week ouch.
I have no advice really op you could ring 111.
May i ask what part of the county you live in as i think my dentist is still taking new nhs patients on.

CanelliniBeans · 22/04/2025 18:16

I’ve lived with a broken tooth for about 12 years then I got an abscess and had it removed because the pain was unbearable. But for 12 years it was painless and I didn’t do anything about it. If you’re not in pain then could you save up each month (I know that doesn’t feel right that you have to).
I wouldn’t default on rent

saltinesandcoffeecups · 22/04/2025 18:10

Saving the tooth is always the best option orally if that makes sense. But yeah find another dentist that will do what you want.

Though if it doesn’t hurt can you live with it for a while to save?

Original poster
InterviewGhost · 22/04/2025 18:05

gattocattivo · 22/04/2025 17:46

Sadly no incredulity here - it’s a shit show.

Don’t default on your rent: firstly it might leave your LL in the shit. Contrary to popular belief not all LL are evil bastards and you could just be passing your financial problem onto them unfairly. also, you’ll have a bigger financial problem if you’re served notice because of failure to meet the terms of the contract.

good advice about dental schools. Dose yourself up with strong painkillers, gargle with warm salt water, cordosyl is also effective (though pricey.)

good luck. Toothache is the absolute worst.

There isn’t any pain at all because the root is totally dead, another reason I don’t want a root canal. Weirdly my dentist is dead against extraction and I guess it’s because extractions comprise oral structure? She suggested implants (hollow laugh)

OP posts:
gattocattivo · 22/04/2025 17:48

Just seen your post. I’ve also opted for extraction in the past rather than expensive root canals. It’s fucking awful that this is the state of things but at least with extraction it’s cheaper and solves the problem

gattocattivo · 22/04/2025 17:46

Sadly no incredulity here - it’s a shit show.

Don’t default on your rent: firstly it might leave your LL in the shit. Contrary to popular belief not all LL are evil bastards and you could just be passing your financial problem onto them unfairly. also, you’ll have a bigger financial problem if you’re served notice because of failure to meet the terms of the contract.

good advice about dental schools. Dose yourself up with strong painkillers, gargle with warm salt water, cordosyl is also effective (though pricey.)

good luck. Toothache is the absolute worst.

Original poster
InterviewGhost · 22/04/2025 17:42

Anotherparkingthread · 22/04/2025 17:40

How much is the treatment? What is the treatment?

Poland is a short flight away, the dentist are very good as well as much cheaper but it's better for extensive work. If it's just two fillings it won't be cheaper as accomodation costs and flights.

You can't not pay the rent, if you get evicted it will be much worse.

Complex root canal but I’ve asked for an extraction instead. Former is up to £1200, latter is about £350.

OP posts:
Anotherparkingthread · 22/04/2025 17:40

How much is the treatment? What is the treatment?

Poland is a short flight away, the dentist are very good as well as much cheaper but it's better for extensive work. If it's just two fillings it won't be cheaper as accomodation costs and flights.

You can't not pay the rent, if you get evicted it will be much worse.

Original poster
InterviewGhost · 22/04/2025 17:24

ShanghaiDiva · 22/04/2025 17:19

dental schools?
https://www.dentalschoolscouncil.ac.uk/dental-treatment-by-undergraduate-students/
try another private dentist and see if they offer payment plans?
extend your radius in search of an NHS dentist?

This is really useful - thank you.

I’m in the SE and extended my search to London and the SW, no joy. i cannot believe this is the state of things.

OP posts:
Original poster
InterviewGhost · 22/04/2025 17:19

bestcatlife · 22/04/2025 17:18

Call 111 and see if you can get emergency treatment that way (on the NHS)

I did have emergency treatment via 111 when the issue occurred but the dentist they referred me to was private (and cost £280 for a call out and emergency filling)

OP posts:
bestcatlife · 22/04/2025 17:18

Call 111 and see if you can get emergency treatment that way (on the NHS)

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