How do I see a dentist?

[Elliegeez]

This may seem like a stupid question, but I need help. I'm not registered with a dentist because I don't understand how they work anymore. I used to be with an NHS dentist years ago but I lost my place. I no longer qualify for NHS.
Now I've noticed I have a receding gum so I need to see a dentist but I don't know where to start. Do I go privately and set up a monthly payment plan then ask about my problem? Is it going to be really expensive to fix the problem? Will my monthly payments be more because I need this? Can I just see a dentist and fix this problem without having a private membership? Should I just ring 111 and get an appointment that way? I'm so lost and the longer I leave it, the worse it's getting

Sorry but what does no longer qualify mean.
Are there any NHS dentists in your area just ring them up and ask if they have any vacancies you never know. Even bupa take some NHS patients as DM goes to one on the nhs. If not you could go for a private check up and explain your problem. Just because they offer you a plan you don't have to take them up on it.

Thanks for your reply. All the NHS dentists are only taking on children or anyone who falls below a certain income

They are not allowed to do that.
No Discrimination:
Dentists cannot refuse treatment simply because you have a high income or because they think you might be able to afford private treatment.
quality of Access:
The NHS is designed to provide healthcare to all, regardless of income. Refusing treatment based on income would be discriminatory and against the principles of the NHS.
They can be reported for doing that.

Loads of dentists advertise that they only accept private patients or nhs patients for people on benefits. And that’s on the official national dentist search website.

op, you can pay as you go with private dentists. You don’t have to pay a monthly fee.

None of the dentists round here are currently accepting NHS patients, they all have a waiting list. You have to pay to go private.

You don't have to pay monthly for a private dentist. You can pay as you go.

You do not need to be in a catchment area for a dentist like for a gp , you can travel . So you can ask friends , family, social media etc for a dentist taking on NHS patients.

For receding gums you can also see a hygienist who does direct access ie you do not need to see a dentist first . That will be private and in most areas will cost £60 to £90 . They can advise and start treatment on the receding gum . Ring around practices that have hygienists to find out if any do direct access.

Personally I've found denplan to be the most cost effective but you will need to be dentally fit so to speak before you sign up. Book a check up with your local private dentist. A new patient exam should cost around £90. Receding gums is typically a symptom of periodontal disease but can also be caused by bruxism and brushing your teeth too hard.

Periodontal disease is serious though and can result in loss of teeth and bone structure long term so definitely get a check up soon.

Do you floss and clean your gums with interdental brushes? If it is gum disease/periodontal disease you will need a cleaning treatment to remove and tartar and possibly root surface debridement to allow your gums to re attach to the tooth structure. Then it'll be up to you to keep on top of the cleaning to keep the disease at bay.

Had the same problem a few weeks back. Booked a private examination with x-rays as I hadn’t been for years, cost me £49. Gotta go back to see the hygienist which will be £79. Worth it imo, especially if it’s your gums that are causing issues.