Nervous about getting a tooth out, should I pay to go privately

[Stumpedasatree]

I have a back tooth with a root canal that has flared up with infections every 6 months. The dentist is murmuring about taking it out. I have never had any teeth out before. Should I ask the NHS dentist to do it, or go privately if they're likely to do a better job? Is there anything else I need to know?

NHS is fine to be honest. It doesn't take long. Not the most fun thing in the world but pretty straightforward.

Normally the same dentist with the same training. Private dental/medical treatment is not better, just that private can offer some options that might not be covered by the NHS. Have a discussion with the dentist about it and they should explain.

NHS.
A private dentist wrecked my already cracked tooth by using a filling that was completely unsuitable and hammering/chiselling away to make it fit.
Endured a weekend of agony until I discovered my local NHS Dentist would take me back no problem.
They removed the back tooth, which should have been done all along.

What a relief 🫠

Private dentists are just NHS dentists with private slots to see you quicker. Absolutely have it done on the NHS, you’re very lucky to have a dentist. We moved house and the closest NHS dentist is 3 hours away. The strictly private dental clinic in our nearest town is apparently shit and doesn’t get good reviews.

Thank you everyone I feel much calmer about it now.

@IveGotToGoToMeDads are you having a tooth out too?

Thanks all. Saw the dentist today, got prescription for antibiotics, and she is referring me to an oral surgeon just in case the tooth may break which is easier if it's had a root canal. Hopefully will go okay!

@Stumpedasatree yeah i'm having tooth out, posted a thread earlier and got mixed up with yours. Glad you got the antibiotics and good luck with your tooth.

@Stumpedasatree i've got 2 mote antibiotics to take they give me metronidazole.

@IveGotToGoToMeDads same, metronidazole here too. Good luck with yours - not nice but hopefully better than constantly flaring up!

I've had 2 taken out by the NHS and whilst it is traumatic you won't get a better experience going privately.

If it does happen and I really hope it doesn't my two top tips are ... Do not bend over for the first 24 hours because the kind of heal you get will pop and your mouth will bleed. Crouch down instead or get someone else to do your shoes up etc and take paracetamol for two hours, then ibuprofen for the next two, then paracetamol and so on. You can also gargle with salt water.

My dentist treats both private and NHS, so you may end up paying private for an nhs dentist anyway. Unless there's a reason that you aren't confident with your current dentist just stick with NHS.

How longs the wait list for a surgeon? Hospital?

Sorry meant to add, don't use straws for a couple of weeks after, clean with salt water but don't swish it around your mouth too harshly, follow all the instructions as the aim is to let it clot and keep that clot in place for the healing to happen without risking infection or dry socket. I've had wisdom and then one more out at the back, have all been nhs and absolutely fine 🙂

@BillPurchase I was told anything up to a year.

Dentists usually do both NHS and private work. It's not like NHS dentists are less good at their jobs than private dentists!

Hi. I was in this position earlier this year - right down to same antibiotics. In my case I also saw a private maxiofacial (sp?!) and after the antibiotics I was then booked in for surgery, under GA, to have the work done. This was much quicker than if I'd have waited on NHS, esp due to needing it done under GA. Tbh, I've got a massive dental phobia so it was all rather a stressful time. Surgery took about 90 minutes, was given IV antibiotics and also sent home with another week of the same antibiotics you mentioned. I have had complications since, including needing to go back in and be seen, which was instantly - a Saturday evening - and being seen and being prescribed more antibiotics - and was in and out in less than 2 hours. Probably far quicker than if I'd have had to do the same, but on the NHS.
I have since had several follow up appointments with the surgeon, which was also included in the cost of the surgery. It hasn't been perfect, but like I say, I have a serious phobia anyway, and I'm still not healing properly but being able to see someone quickly was far better for my MH than previous experiences with my NHS dentist.

To add, due to my phobia, had I not been able to access private care I'm really not sure I could ever have been able to have the procedure done, or even have been able to force myself to have the work done, so in my case, yes, as a 'nervous' patient I would say it was worth it, so if you can afford it and it would help with the nerves side of things I would recommend it.

Friend’s dentist did the same with her last year. Oral surgeon then removed the tooth after infection died down. She said it was totally painless and free as she’d been referred through NHS.
I also had to have a molar removed earlier this year. Cracked and the filling fell out. Had to pay as only option. Totally painless ( and I’m a wimp at dentist) but cost c£300.