Would a private dentist do this?

[QuestionableMouse]

I broke a back tooth in March and it's been crumbling ever since. I'm worried that it's going to get painful and want it taking out. If I contacted a private dentist, would they just remove the one tooth? I have a couple of fillings that probably need to be replaced.

(My NHS dentist closed suddenly and I've struggled to find another who is taking patients. I'm on waiting lists for two but seem to be getting nowhere!)

Thank you

I would imagine they will want to give you a general examination/xrays before completing any procedure like removing a tooth. I'm sure you could just have the tooth removed and wait for fillings back with your NHS dentist if you wanted to.

They may want to X-ray it first to check what it is like underneath the gum

Thank you. I just want it gone at this point before it causes any problems. Was meant to have a NHS appointment this week but they just rang to cancel it hence the thread. I'm on a limited budget so while I can probably stretch to one removal, anything else will be a push.

I hate my teeth. I take really good care of them but they're so fragile. My mum and nana have the same problem.

My dd had ongoing trouble with a tooth and the dentist was useless so we moved dentists to a private one. She chose to have the tooth removed so there was an appointment with an x Ray , think that was about £60 , then 2 weeks later an appointment to take the tooth out that was £95.

Thank you. That's very helpful. I suspect they'll want me to have fillings first but honestly I'd rather just get it out.

I had a back tooth removed privately via an emergency appointment, with a dentist I’d never been to previously. I think they did x-ray. It wasn’t cheap but got the job done. It was a really good experience (as much as these things can be!) and I still use that dentist now.

I had exactly the same as you in lockdown. I went through having a filling and root canal and I still then ended up having it removed. Good luck getting it sorted.

Yes. Book a check up explain what you want to happen
They may well do X-rays and suggest other work - but you can chat to the dentist about a treatment plan
They may not do the extraction at the first appointment it depends on what length of appointment you book

Dentists are trained to preserve natural teeth for as long as possible so they will most likely suggest a filling, root canal, crown first. (DH is a dentist) This isn't because they're trying to earn money but because having your own tooth is the best option on the long run. Most people who have an adult tooth extracted end up regretting it many years later and the only way to replace it is to get expensive & time-consuming dental implants.

Of course, a private dentist will agree to pull the tooth if the patient insists. But please bear in mind that the tooth will be gone forever and can affect appearance or chewing ability. When I was 19 I had a very mangled tooth that ended up with so many fillings and eventually a complex root canal. At the time I didn't understand why they kept trying to treat it as I just wanted it gone. However 15 years later I'm very glad that the tooth is still there and I don't need to face implant surgery.

You don’t have to have an implant. You can have a denture, which is cheaper.

Yep, although dentures only have 15-20% the biting strength of implants/normal teeth. They can fix the visual problem but they feel very different when chewing or biting.

One tooth denture is probably not a huge problem if the patient is ok with it. Extensive or full dentures are not ideal at all...you basically have to live on a diet of soft foods and can't even chew meat.

Honestly it's the last tooth in my mouth and I don't have one in front of it anyway (cause apparently I just didn't have an adult tooth there 🤷🏻‍♀️) so I don't feel like it would be a huge loss.

I have only had bad experiences with root canals and 100% do not want to ever have another one.

The very back tooth ? I doubt you will miss it there , good luck hope it's not too expensive .

Yes they will, although they will be obliged to perform full examination, diagnosis and explanation of any other treatment needs.

Thank you. I doubt I can afford to pay privately for all the treatment I need. I just want this tooth gone before it starts to hurt.

The NHS provision in my area is terrible and the waiting lists are huge. Covid hasn't helped, I know, but it's a crap situation to be in.

Yes. I had a tooth taken out privately. Cost me £75 and they did it the next day.

Thank you. Going to ring round in the morning and see if somewhere can fit me in. 😊

Not sure if it would help but have you tried talking to 111. They may help by getting you an appointment with an alternative emergency NHS dentist.
Good luck.

I think they'll do anything if you pay them

@cheekaa

Not sure if it would help but have you tried talking to 111. They may help by getting you an appointment with an alternative emergency NHS dentist. Good luck.

Thanks. I tried 111 a bit ago and had no luck but may give them another try.

Crap teeth really do seem to run in my (female) family - my great gran had all of her teeth out at 17 because they were so bad. Both me and my sister have problems even with taking excellent care of our teeth. It sucks.