NHS/private dentist question

[sthitch]

I was devastated to find out I need a very old filling taking out and replaced as it has cracked and there is a cavity showing.

The dentist explained whilst she thought it was highly likely it would work, until its drilled out she wouldn't know. I opted for a white filling for £130.

My friend has now said if I did end up needing a root canal it can be like £800...if that was the case would I not revert back to NHS? My original check up was on NHS prices. Feel sick with worry and hoping it will work out OK.

Your friend is correct that root-canal treatment (RCT) can cost in the region of £800 though £400-£700 would be more typical if you're outside London. The good news is that a root-canal treatment is available on the NHS and you should be offered this within your original course of treatment (in this case and depending on the time lapsed between your exam and needing a root-canal treatment, youd pay the difference between the band 1 cost of your examination and the band 2 cost of the root canal treatment).

Thank you, it's not guaranteed that I even need one I was just thinking worst case, the filling is due in a months time. I'm hoping that's all it will need! I was just concerned I'd suddenly be put on private costs even though it was just for the white filling I did this.

No, you should be offered an NHS option and if you're not, I would politely ask why not (remembering you catch more bees with honey than vinigar). If the tooth is symtom free now, it's likey a root canal treatment wont be required. Best of luck.