Dentist, is this the right one?

[LostInAFrost]

I avoided dentists for too long and after having a tooth break recently have signed up with a recommended dentist. He is great.

My friend, who recommended him is an NHS patient but I am private. I need 4 fillings and one extraction, with a plan that will cost £400.

Is this average? I am curious as I am out of the loop. I get along fine with them and am two teeth in to my treatment now, but is this a decent price for my plan?
I often see posts on here telling people to get a second opinion, so it got me thinking. Recently I had a filling in what i thought was a very healthy back molar, but after the xrays (which were not too bad) i was told that even after my filling, the decay surprised him and I may eventually suffer decay in the root.
i would love to know if this is normal and if I ought to shop around.

Giving this a bump in case it slid into obscurity!

My issue is having read several MN threads on fillings, many report that they got a second opinion as needing 4 sounds like a lot.

I do know that 2 of them were absolutely pending, as I have not been for so many years, but I have no discolouration or pain, so wanted a few opinions. I had a very, very thorough examination with xrays, he didn't leave a stone unturned. Was very pleased but still shocked that two premolars that are great need filling.

I'd say it is fairly reasonable for private

Go elsewhere. You obviously don’t trust him. I’m not saying you’re right to not trust him just you’ll feel better with a dentist you do. I’m also not saying go for a second opinion - that’s a waste of everyone’s time

That's a very reasonable price. It's not unusual for 'healthy' looking teeth to need filling- the decay is usually between the teeth where you can't see it which is why xrays are needed. But the xrays are 2D so can't always see how much decay is there. If you had 2 teeth that you knew needed filling it was highly likely that there would be others ..

It’s a very good price, I would expect twice that!

I don’t get the impress she doesn’t trust him at all - she admits she hasn’t been to the dentist for many years, so it’s not surprising that works is needed. She said she had a very thorough examination and was very pleased!

What type of fillings? That seems quite inexpensive tbh! I have just been quoted for composite fillings at £210 each and an extraction for £170.

If you haven't been for years (and that's usually my situation as well) then yes it's likely you may need more work done than on a more regular visiting schedule. It's good if you are impressed with the thoroughness of the dentist and they share and explain all x-rays. Sadly a tooth can look fine but still have hidden decay.

My practice charges;

Routine extraction £150
Complex extraction £200

Small filling £150
Medium filling £200
Large filling £250

These are prices for people on the membership scheme, non membership costs are higher.