Need Dental Treatment

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I am registered with a private dentist. I last went about a year and a half ago, and found the treatment expensive and not as good as I would have expected.

I now have a little toothache. It is mild at the moment, but I know it will get worse. It is caused by a loose crown, and I think an abscess is forming.

I live from pay-day to pay day and have no savings. Loans are not an option (I have no overdraft facility and I can only take out hefty, unsecured pay-day loans, which I would struggle to pay back). I have looked at the cost of an extraction and it averages £315. I cannot afford this.

What happens to people when they cannot afford dental treatment and there is no access to an NHS dentist? Is there a facility whereby emergency extractions can be made, and how can I ever afford dental treatment (I already have three jobs (one full time and two part time)?

This sounds stressful op.

Are there any dental schools near you?

I had my wisdom teeth removed for free (an actual qualified dentist did it, but there were 2 students watching) I wasn’t bothered about that at all.

Another time, I asked my children’s nhs dentist if they do anything similar - to my surprise, they do. I had some treatment done by a student but just paid nhs prices. It is all throughly checked by a senior dentist. The student did an excellent job.

My private dentist charged £95 for an extraction recently and I'm in London. Are you sure it's that much?

Extractions tend to be cheaper than fillings etc, it might not be as much as you think.
Ask if they offer instalments?
Enquire about dental hospitals in your area?
Borrow from family?

Most private dentists offer option to pay in installments.

In England , in an emergency (severe pain /swelling etc) phone 111 who should be able to direct you to NHS emergency services. It may be quite a distance to travel and may not be that day but will be the cost of a band one treatment. It will only be emergency treatment though.

Otherwise keep on the phone , you can travel out of area to see a dentist so be prepared to travel.

Hello,

Thank you for these replies. I checked on the practice website for the price of an extraction. I think it cold be correct, because they charged £500 for a crown! I will call them tomorrow to see if they can fit me in, how much treatment may cost, and if I can pay in instalments. If I cannot sort things out that way, I will go down the emergency dentist route.

Thanks again for the very helpful advice.

Ask your dentist about a payment plan, ours did that, then think about another monthly expense you can do without if possible while you pay it back. Or is there anyone you can borrow the money from and pay back monthly?

Just a quick update. I popped into my dentist on Monday. They did not have a routine appointment until January, but they offered an emergency service if I called at 8.30 am the next morning. I was in a bit of pain, so I decided to call.

I got an appointment for yesterday afternoon, and the total cost of X ray and extraction was £99, which I could (just) afford. (I do not know where I got my original figure from!). The tooth was extracted, and although the injection site and socket are a little tender, the relief is tremendous.

They also offered an instalment plan, if I had needed this. The service was good this time, so I am happy to stay with the practice.

Thank you for all the advice and support.