NHS Dentist

[bonnygirl]

Is it possible to get NHS dentist to do bridges where there are recurrent absences above one of the tooth of the bridge, it is a large bridge and appears that they do not do that amount of teethes on one single bridge anymore. She has been to the dental hospital where student do work, but the consultant there said that they cannot do it, I think it was because they could not replace bridge for her and was and was advised by the consultant at the teaching hospital to get a local dentist to do it, but is finding it impossible for any dentist practice to do it on the NHS, they want thousand of pounds for the work. She cannot afford that and it is causing her major health problems now.

 

Any advice on this would be great please.

[scotgal68]

What major health problems?

[bonnygirl]

She get lots of head pain. Also she get very depressed when this happens. She also suffers from arthritis and has osteoporosis. She also has lots of glads problems.

[scotgal68]

Those major health complications your friend has won't be helped by a bridge. If it was her lack of teeth that were causing these problems then the chances of getting what is essentially cosmetic dentistry, are slim. The NHS is stretched to bursting, if there is a genuine medical need then her doctor could refer her to a maxillofacial consultant

[bonnygirl]

Thanks for reply, she has a large top bridge and the problems is that they will needed to removed the whole top bridge to get to the tooth that needs to be removed that is above a tooth on the top large bridge. The absence that keep recurring and need to have the whole top bridge removed and to replace it will cost thousands, which she will never be able to afford. She cannot get this on NHS dentist, but they are willing to do it privately.

 

Would her GP be able to referred for the reasons mentioned above.

[scotgal68]

What I meant was her illness' haven't been caused nor will they be helped by getting a bridge. Bridges and implants etc are only cosmetic and the NHS is really there for essential healthcare. NHS dentists are on the whole, good and will give you the best treatment available to you, but your friend has to be realistic, what she wants is to get cosmetic dentistry for free. If she were really unwell due to her oral problems then the dentist would probably offer her dentures, which are available on the NHS. No harm in asking her GP, for a referral.