Can't afford my dentist bills

[Jacky202]

Hi there,

 

I'm new to the group and have just started to fight back from living off credit!

 

I just discovered this part of CAG and thought it's wonderful to have this so that people can share the other parts to being in debt! Talking about this stuff is always so useful.

 

So my message title... I can't afford my dentist bills. I've always had terrible teeth problems and I think it's all stress related. I have a lot of muscle tension and clench my jaw which causes lots of dental issues So when I'm in debt or trying to work harder than usual to pay my bills (or have some money left over for a change - there's a joke!) I get more tense and end up with more and more dental problems! So guess where all that money goes that I've just earned - the dentist.

 

You might be wondering why I don't find an NHS dentist? I had an NHS dentist when I was a lot younger and they did the most awful root treatment. I've always had problems with that tooth since. I know that how good a dentist is doesn't necessarily depend on whether they're NHS or not, but with the number of problems I have I feel I need someone who's going to spend the time on my teeth that's needed - and time is something you can only seem to get if you pay for it.

 

Recently I tried the NHS route again, because I had just paid so much money for private dentistry and found that my private dentist wasn't as good as I first thought - proving it's all a gamble. But OMG!!!! With this NHS doctor I had the most terrifying experience of my life.... and I've had a lot of dentistry done, so I'm not generally a wimp about it.

 

I was having two teeth prepared for crowns and ended up being restrained in the chair by the assistant while the dentist worked on my teeth because I gagged and he was afraid he'd cut my mouth if I kept trying to stop him working!!! I was so frightened and humiliated and never went back. Could I have a case for this?? It's just my word against theirs...

 

So after that I'm too afraid to go NHS again. I've found a very good private dentist now who's exremely patient - it took ages for me to build up the confidence to even have a mouth xray after the NHS man's handywork. I had lots of work done but I'm still left with one badly crumbling tooth that desperately needs removing, and now I have my first two wisdom teeth coming through as well - I have a hole in my cheek where there's not enough room for one tooth to grow! I can't even imagine how much these extractions will cost me, especially with my new fear now, so I'll need extra care. I can't afford it, my health is definitely suffering, and I'm too afraid to go to the dentist for the work because of my recent experience. I think I'll need to be totally out of it to get through these extractions... I wonder if they can do a general anaesthetic!!

 

Agh! So that's the way my debt is affecting my health.

 

If anyone has any advice i'm all ears, but I really don't see a way other than wait until I have some money for my private dentist. But goodness knows when that will be, and right now my wisdom teeth are still growing.......!

 

Thank you for listening to me.

xx

[tendogs]

Hi there,

 

I'm new to the group and have just started to fight back from living off credit!

 

I just discovered this part of CAG and thought it's wonderful to have this so that people can share the other parts to being in debt! Talking about this stuff is always so useful.

 

So my message title... I can't afford my dentist bills. I've always had terrible teeth problems and I think it's all stress related. I have a lot of muscle tension and clench my jaw which causes lots of dental issues So when I'm in debt or trying to work harder than usual to pay my bills (or have some money left over for a change - there's a joke!) I get more tense and end up with more and more dental problems! So guess where all that money goes that I've just earned - the dentist.

 

You might be wondering why I don't find an NHS dentist? I had an NHS dentist when I was a lot younger and they did the most awful root treatment. I've always had problems with that tooth since. I know that how good a dentist is doesn't necessarily depend on whether they're NHS or not, but with the number of problems I have I feel I need someone who's going to spend the time on my teeth that's needed - and time is something you can only seem to get if you pay for it.

 

Recently I tried the NHS route again, because I had just paid so much money for private dentistry and found that my private dentist wasn't as good as I first thought - proving it's all a gamble. But OMG!!!! With this NHS doctor I had the most terrifying experience of my life.... and I've had a lot of dentistry done, so I'm not generally a wimp about it.

 

I was having two teeth prepared for crowns and ended up being restrained in the chair by the assistant while the dentist worked on my teeth because I gagged and he was afraid he'd cut my mouth if I kept trying to stop him working!!! I was so frightened and humiliated and never went back. Could I have a case for this?? It's just my word against theirs...

 

So after that I'm too afraid to go NHS again. I've found a very good private dentist now who's exremely patient - it took ages for me to build up the confidence to even have a mouth xray after the NHS man's handywork. I had lots of work done but I'm still left with one badly crumbling tooth that desperately needs removing, and now I have my first two wisdom teeth coming through as well - I have a hole in my cheek where there's not enough room for one tooth to grow! I can't even imagine how much these extractions will cost me, especially with my new fear now, so I'll need extra care. I can't afford it, my health is definitely suffering, and I'm too afraid to go to the dentist for the work because of my recent experience. I think I'll need to be totally out of it to get through these extractions... I wonder if they can do a general anaesthetic!!

 

Agh! So that's the way my debt is affecting my health.

 

If anyone has any advice i'm all ears, but I really don't see a way other than wait until I have some money for my private dentist. But goodness knows when that will be, and right now my wisdom teeth are still growing.......!

 

Thank you for listening to me.

xx

 

Evening chuck,

 

I've an idea that might help. Bruxism is a common symptom of anxiety and, as you've learned, can cause all sorts of damage.

Nocturnal bruxism is the major precursor to adult headache and can, to some extent, be prevented by using a tooth shield which can be made by your dentist.

There are dentists who work specifically with dental phobics and people with anxiety related dental issues and you will, most commonly, find these in dental hospitals.

Your GP should be able to refer you to a cognitive behavioural psychotherapy service that ought to have contact with CBT trained dentists. It's worth a try.

[Jacky202]

Evening chuck,

 

I've an idea that might help. Bruxism is a common symptom of anxiety and, as you've learned, can cause all sorts of damage.

 

Nocturnal bruxism is the major precursor to adult headache and can, to some extent, be prevented by using a tooth shield which can be made by your dentist.

 

There are dentists who work specifically with dental phobics and people with anxiety related dental issues and you will, most commonly, find these in dental hospitals.

 

Your GP should be able to refer you to a cognitive behavioural psychotherapy service that ought to have contact with CBT trained dentists. It's worth a try.

 

Hi tendogs! Thanks for replying so quick and with interesting ideas!

 

Yes I think bruxism is my problem - you're spot on there - and definitely caused by anxiety which I am working on I looked into getting a tooth shield and discovered that ones made by dentists are the best to get, so of course that's where my trail ran dry because I don't have the money to visit the dentist at the moment - not even to just sit there and say hello LOL! So although I know this will help - again you're spot on - I can't afford to right now. I can't even afford a cheap naff generic one off ebay.

 

Ooo CBT trained dentists!!!? That's not something I've heard of before, but I'm a great fan of CBT. Went to see a therapist a few years ago for anxiety and it really helped.

 

Only thing is I bet they charge more because they're so good! It's generally the way isn't it.

 

Denist hospitals... I've not heard of them before. Is that different to a dentist practice or are there specialists there? My current dentist mentioned that there are such things as root treatment specialists which I hadn't heard of before, but again they're more expensive than even the normal private dentists.

 

Why does everything have to come down to money? :-|

 

Thank you - I'm not trying to shoot down all your wonderful ideas, and hope it doesn't come across that way. I'm just really up against it financially at this point in time (as I'm sure you all understand!). I will definitely squirrel away your ideas for hopefully a sunny day when I have some money.

[tendogs]

Hi tendogs! Thanks for replying so quick and with interesting ideas!

 

Yes I think bruxism is my problem - you're spot on there - and definitely caused by anxiety which I am working on I looked into getting a tooth shield and discovered that ones made by dentists are the best to get, so of course that's where my trail ran dry because I don't have the money to visit the dentist at the moment - not even to just sit there and say hello LOL! So although I know this will help - again you're spot on - I can't afford to right now. I can't even afford a cheap naff generic one off ebay.

 

Ooo CBT trained dentists!!!? That's not something I've heard of before, but I'm a great fan of CBT. Went to see a therapist a few years ago for anxiety and it really helped.

 

Only thing is I bet they charge more because they're so good! It's generally the way isn't it.

 

Denist hospitals... I've not heard of them before. Is that different to a dentist practice or are there specialists there? My current dentist mentioned that there are such things as root treatment specialists which I hadn't heard of before, but again they're more expensive than even the normal private dentists.

 

Why does everything have to come down to money? :-|

 

Thank you - I'm not trying to shoot down all your wonderful ideas, and hope it doesn't come across that way. I'm just really up against it financially at this point in time (as I'm sure you all understand!). I will definitely squirrel away your ideas for hopefully a sunny day when I have some money.

 

Hi, just off to bed but I thought I'd reply first.

 

Glad you're a fan of CBT, Dental Hospitals are, most commonly, part of teaching hospitals and it's where they train dentists, treatment used to be free. Put "dental hospital (name of your town)" in Google and see if you have one close to you. CBT treatment is also free on the NHS or should be according to NICE guidelines, ask your GP. Referral from a cbt therapist to a cbt trained dentist should also be free. I know things are never that simple but it's worth a try.

[Jacky202]

Hi, just off to bed but I thought I'd reply first.

 

Glad you're a fan of CBT, Dental Hospitals are, most commonly, part of teaching hospitals and it's where they train dentists, treatment used to be free. Put "dental hospital (name of your town)" in Google and see if you have one close to you. CBT treatment is also free on the NHS or should be according to NICE guidelines, ask your GP. Referral from a cbt therapist to a cbt trained dentist should also be free. I know things are never that simple but it's worth a try.

Many thanks! Especially as you're just off to bed Sound advice. I will look into these options

Sleep well!

[Tawnyowl]

Hope you manage to be treated soon.Few comparisons,good luck.Dental work required Private Prices NHS Prices * Apiectomy £401 £198.0 Braces £1105 £198.0 Bridge £574 N/A Cancellation fee £38 N/A Combined Treatments £413 N/A Dental Crown £378 £198.0 Dental Examination £43 £16.5 Dentures £446 £198.0 First Consultation £53 £16.5 Hygiene Clean £68 N/A Implants £1086 N/A Large tooth filling £105 £121.8 Root canal £354 £198.0 Sedated tooth removal £141 £45.6 Small tooth filling £78 £45.6 Tooth Extraction £91 N/A Tooth Scale and Polish £46 £16.5 Veneer £342 N/A Whitening £306 N/A Wisdom tooth extraction £179 N/A X-ray £28 £16.5 Data until 2009-04-27It can be seen from the figures above that the private prices can be easily be more than double the cost of the NHS ones. Usually more than that even. If these average prices really do reflect the true difference in cost one of two conclusions can be drawn.

 

• Private dentists are absolutely raking it in.
  
• NHS dentists have really had the screw turned on them in terms of what they can now charge. The maximum amount you will pay in any continuous two month period for any number of treatments is £198. Basically you only pay for the treatment that is in the highest band. It is likely then that it will be economically undesirable for dentists to treat some patients.
  

It will be interesting to see if this dental charges gap negatively effects the number of practices offering NHS treatments in the next few years.

*NHS dentist prices have been estimated based on the NHS dentist guidelines. The band may vary depending on the exact dental treatment needed

[Tawnyowl]

Hope there maybe some info here for you.Dental Phobia and Dental Anxiety

[sillygirl1]

I too had a dental phobia but went to the Dental Hospital at Guys hospital in London, they extracted two teeth and were brilliant, and it was free. Basically you get there at 8.30ish, fill in a form and then they assess you and you either get work done the same day or come back another time. They are on the 23rd floor of Guys Hospital tower and have great views of London to look at. I always need a double dose of anasthetic so they were really good about that too... highly recommended.

[Tawnyowl]

Free Dental Care | Moneymagpie good luck bit concerned about your hole in cheek-tawnyowl

[Tawnyowl]

The Bruxism Association - Teeth grinding and clenching might help.

[Jacky202]

Hope you manage to be treated soon.Few comparisons,good luck....It can be seen from the figures above that the private prices can be easily be more than double the cost of the NHS ones. Usually more than that even. If these average prices really do reflect the true difference in cost one of two conclusions can be drawn.

 

• Private dentists are absolutely raking it in.
  
• NHS dentists have really had the screw turned on them in terms of what they can now charge....

Thanks Tawnyowl, and believe me I know! That's exactly why I returned to NHS treatment last year because I needed more work done but couldn't afford the dentist bills then. But I had such a terrifying experience with that NHS dentist that I returned *mighty* swiftly to private treatment even though I can't afford it. I then racked up another £1,000 credit card debt on private treatment I'm happy with the private work and the dentist was extremely patient. I'm a firm believer that you honestly get what you pay for.

 

So yes the private dentists are raking it in. Very much so, I think. But when they're good (and believe me not all are either), then it's worth paying for the extra time, care and attention you get private. But Oh how I wish this kind of *care* was available through the NHS because otherwise you're stuffed! (or rather, I am!)

 

I just couldn't return to NHS, not after what I went through I wonder actually if I can sue this NHS dentist for damages??? They refused to give me antibiotics for an abscess that then doubled in size as a result. Then they wanted to build a crown on top of the abscessed teeth!! They prepared both teeth and that's when I was pinned down in my chair by the assistant :( I went back to have one of the crowns fitted, and that tooth is now fine, but I didn't go back for the other crown because the tooth collapsed and I needed a post fitting, and I refused to go through any actual surgery with them again. Plus I still had this awful double-headed abscess!! So I went to a private dentist, had the abscess treated and a whole lot of other work done that the NHS dentist overlooked. But I'm left with this collapsed tooth still because I was always too afraid for my new good dentist to work on it. And now I'm too afraid for him to work on my wisdom teeth too...

 

So, because of the NHS experience, my health is suffering further and I'm left with this phobia! Nice! So can I sue, or is it my word against theirs? Is there some kind of royal denistry society or something I can start a complaint with? Obviously this needs to be free too - there's no way I can afford a solicitor.

 

Thanks for the continued advice and support x

[Jacky202]

Hope there maybe some info here for you.Dental Phobia and Dental Anxiety

Thank you - I'll have a look at this Looks useful!

x

[Jacky202]

I too had a dental phobia but went to the Dental Hospital at Guys hospital in London, they extracted two teeth and were brilliant, and it was free. Basically you get there at 8.30ish, fill in a form and then they assess you and you either get work done the same day or come back another time. They are on the 23rd floor of Guys Hospital tower and have great views of London to look at. I always need a double dose of anasthetic so they were really good about that too... highly recommended.

 

That sounds good! Wow work done for free and you were OK with it, even with a phobia! Thanks for sharing this.

 

My other problem, which I forgot to mention, is that I have to have anaesthetic without adrenaline in it normally. I'm too sensitive to the adrenaline and it sends my anxiety rocketing through the roof! (My boyfriend has the same sensitivity, only his tension comes out as anger....!) Neither of us drink caffeine because it affects us massively, so I think it's a general sensitivity.

 

Trouble is that non-adrenalin injections are fine for like fillings and stuff, but for an extraction I'd apparently need the adrenalin ones because it's the adrenalin that stops excessive bloodflow apparently. So not only do I have to deal with the anxiety I already have, but I know that I'll be terrified all over again because of the sudden rush from the adrenaline injections - no matter what I do to calm myself down So this all makes me think there's no way I can handle it unless they literally knock me out! Is that still possible these days??

 

Thanks x

[Jacky202]

Free Dental Care | Moneymagpie good luck bit concerned about your hole in cheek-tawnyowl

Thank you Tawnyowl for all your messages - it's very kind of you. I'll have a good look at the links. Not sure I qualify for any free care because I'm not on any benefits, and not a prisoner (LOL! Maybe I should be just for the treatment!! Joking.)

 

Believe me, I'm concerned about the hole in my cheek too! It's right next to the wisdom teeth that's partly grown, and it gets a tiny bit wider each time the tooth grows I had a wisdom tooth infection on this side at New Year and when the swelling went down and the infection cleared, I was left with this hole. There's just not enough room in my mouth for these teeth so they're going to have to come out somehow... I dread the other one erupting because I don't want the same problems. It's a nightmare - honestly it is! And I have no idea how to make it better because I'm too frightened and broke to do anything. If it was just one or the other problem then I'd see a way. If I had the money I'd pay for whatever it'd take to get over my fear or to be knocked out fully with a trusted dentists LOL! Or if I was broke but not scared stiff then there would be so many options - like just getting it pulled on the NHS! Just don't know where to turn with it.

 

Thanks for your concern - it's good to talk about it because it's awful, and embarrassing to be honest! x

[Jacky202]

Aha - I've just looked online and it's possible to complain. It was an NHS service and apparently there's a new complaints procedure out from 1st April 2009. Going to look into it. If anyone knows anything about complaining about NHS services please let me know!! Never done this before.

Thanks x

[marie6666red]

i dont understand the last post from mcrandi...it seems no more than an advert for selling a product....has anyone else noticed this?

[Tawnyowl]

Any updates Jacky202.Managed to have any treatment yet.Hope so.Tawnyowl.

[Jacky202]

Any updates Jacky202.Managed to have any treatment yet.Hope so.Tawnyowl.

Hi Tawnyowl. Thanks so much for your concern. I wish I could say yes, but unfortunately I don't have any money spare at the moment. Even didn't have enough for my rent this month Got to sorn my car so I could almost meet my bills, because the tax is due! One of my two pets is really ill at the moment too, which is costing money I don't have. Agh! Things are a bit of a mess... I know I'm on the right path though, it's just a case of time and keeping my head above the water while I get my new business going. And hoping nothing gets worse with my teeth!

Sorry it's not good news.

Hope you're ok. x