Question:
Does anyone know how I can find out what treatment I'm entitled to under my
UK NHS dentist? I've been having trouble with one tooth and after several
attempts, the dentist has finally said that either I can have it taken out,
or I can undergo private root canal treatment.
She has recommended one private clinic. My questions are:
- Is root canal treatment not available on the NHS?
- If I want to shop around for a better price, is my dentist obliged to give
me details of the treatment required or do I have to use the place she is
recommending?
Answer:
RCT is available on the NHS. Try a different dentist who is capable of
doing it. Phone around.
You can get RCT on the NHS . Your Dentist may think that your tooth needs
treatment by a specialist. There is little specialist NHS provision . It may
be that a local Dental School or Dept of restorative dentistry can provide
this if you are very lucky.
If she has already attempted RCT it would sound like she has done her best.
Also remember that the NHS fees for RCT are very low in relation to the work
needed to get a good result so that you may find difficulty finding another
dentist to take you on especially if the treatment is not straight forward.
I dont see why you would have to see any particular specialist nor why your
dentist wouldnt be happy to give you the details you want
I bet its a fee issue ....... We have insurances here that believe the fee for a root canal might be $45 .......... Gee, funny,
those cases always need to be referred!!!
