Dental costs - is this right?

[tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz]

Had a filling last year which in last few weeks had started to catch on dental floss.

Saw dentist yesterday who checked and it's moved therefore catching. Because it's a significant chunk of the tooth that was filled and there are a couple of chips on the opposite side of same tooth dentist discussed with me filling every 12 months and impact on tooth vs getting it capped. Decided to go with cap and as it's fairly close to the front (bottom) went for more ££ white cap so private option (dentist NHS).

Just had filling taken out (ye gods it was fucking horrible, not just the drilling but the impression taking I'm such a baby) and temporary silver one fitted and paid balance before leaving and booked in for new one to be fitted next week.

I was surprised that after paying £26.80 (NHS Band 1 cost) yesterday this wasn't taken off the £550 white private crown treatment cost. I'd assumed yesterday's consultation would be included in any treatment cost.

Have they overcharged me? I double checked with receptionist who was adamant it was correct.

Would you rather have paid the private consultation fee and the crown cost ?

Youve had an NHS consultation - which you’ve paid for. And separately a private crown. Which you have also paid for.

I was just confused as when I've had treatment before (albeit all NHS) the consultation cost was included in the overall cost. I was surprised this one wasn't.

DH has recently started private work for implants and all of his appointments were mopped up in the private cost.

I'm not quibbling paying what I should it just wasn't made clear that's all. I've a card receipt for yesterday's appointment then a separate one today with my treatment plan specifying £550.

Just looking for some clarity is all

No that sounds totally correct to me OP. You’ve paid for the NHS appointment and then the private treatment, it’s 2 separate “sides” so dealt with separately.

Private treatment and NHS treatment are totally separate things.

The consultation was done under the NHS so you pay the NHS. Your treatment is private therefore the consultation does not count towards the cost.

Yeah that’s correct 👍🏻 (and quite cheap for a private crown!)

Ahh ok thanks all.

I think it was just the fact that I'd be having the same treatment by the same person at the same moment but all that's different for the price is the material.

But thanks for replying and confirming. I shall suck it up! Or rather, slurp in a very undignified manner due to still numb mouth/face.

Private consultation/primary examination and treatment plan would be £50-£70 at my local dental surgery + £20 each for any x-rays required, so getting that done on the NHS is a bargain, no chance of NHS around here. The cost of your crown is nearly £200 less than I paid last year. Sorry, Op, I think you’ve done well there.

I had a white crown fitted last year on a tooth that couldn't be filled anymore. It cost me just over £300 on the NHS. I’m having another tooth crowned next month for the same cost.