Dental work in pregnancy - should this be free?

[afrikat]

I have had 2 large fillings fall out in the past week and I need to get inlays to fix the teeth (basically half a crown). Because these will need to be white (I don't want enormous metal blocks in my mouth and also worried about the mercury) the dentist said it will not be free and will cost £300+

I have friends who are also pregnant who are saying it should all be free and their dentists gave them white fillings for free.

Anyone any experience or is there somewhere I could get a definitive answer? The NHS website just says that 'if you are pregnant you do not need to pay for your dental treatment' but then other sites I have checked said that cosmetic dentistry (ie white stuff) isn't free...

I don't really have time to find a new dentist to get a 2nd opinion as I currently have 2 teeth with big holes and sharp edges that I am scared will crack more if I leave them much longer...

Both of the fillings that fell out (leading me to need this work) were mercury but I have non now. I am going to pay for the white ones tho - I always hated having the mercury ones so will just credit card it and add it to the baby outgoings...

I had a bridge fitted free when I was pregnant. Had the gap for years but wore braces for years too and my teeth were starting to move so he said he would so or while I got all treatment free. I also needed a small filling during my first pregnancy, as it was near the front I got a white one. Apparently mercury isn't advised in pregnancy?

Or maybe I just have a great dentist

Unfortunately I wasn't registered with a dentist as we recently moved. I needed a filling done only since I've been pregnant and had to go private. It cost me £165 but the service was excellent and it was white. They won't use amalgam there at all.

Worth the money IMO.

My dentist said the silver ones weren't safe in pregnancy (although only a small risk) so did a white filling for free.

Not all white fillings are created equal. I have seen patients who have "paid privately for white fillings" and received glass ionomer fillings which are generally only considered as permanent fillings in children's teeth.

Mrsmorton can I ask you please...? I've recently had braces put on my teeth and my dentist has built up two of my upper back teeth to 'stop me knocking the brackets off ' I am wondering what he has used for this as it is white. Is it likely to be the white filling material? TIA :)

There are lots of different things it could be. Literally dozens. You could ask him?

White fillings in back teeth are cosmetic, the NHS does not pay for cosmetic work on back teeth. If you want free tx you will need to have amalgam fillings.

White fillings will be done on front teeth under the NHS.

What would you make an NHS inlay out of different I've maybe done one inlay this year in Gold.

Ok had DD two months ago and needed a filling re doing in pregnancy.

I was told I would have to have a white filling as mercury ones were no longer recommended in pregnancy and that because of that it was essential treatment rather than cosmetic treatment and so would be covered by my maternity exemption.

Hope this helps

Should add that this was on a molar so not front tooth.

doodlealley do you know if that is written down somewhere official or was it just your Drs opinion?

Solo, the orthodontist does that to my DCs' teeth sometimes, and she uses glass ionomer.

No idea I was so surprised at the time I didn't think to enquire.

I'll do a quick google and see if I can see anything helpful

Thanks Mrs and Toby :)

Pararaph 13 may be of help but it's not NHS sorry

Thanks Mrs and Toby :)