Posted by Private dentists in the UK charge quite a bit of money for their services. Therefore while initiating a search for a private dental clinic near me, you should ask for the fee quote for different services. The key thing is to understand that the specific amounts charged are not uniform. They can vary from one dentist to another. The fees may also vary depending on location. It is also worth noting that there are relatively few dentists operating on a purely private basis. Most work as mixed practices which means that they offer some services privately and some under the NHS auspices.
How do NHS dentist fees compare with private dentist fees?
The NHS dentist fees tend to be lower. This is because part of the cost is borne by the government. Conversely, private dentist fees are higher. But if you take the private treatment route, you get several benefits. One is that of having to wait for a shorter amount of time. Another one is that of accessing a wider range of treatment options. Moreover, you have the option to pay through instalment plans. So it is in pursuit of such benefits that one may search for a private dental practice near me.
The actual amounts charged by private dentists in the UK
There are 3 main factors that determine how much one actually pays to a private dentist:
- The dental treatment being undertaken
- The location where the dentist is operating from
- The dentist’s pricing strategy
Here are the specific amounts typically charged for the most common dental treatments:
The fees charged by UK dentists for root canals
This treatment is carried out on damaged teeth and damaged nerves. This damage is generally caused by decay or injury. The amount paid may depend on the number of teeth on which the treatment gets performed. Or it may just be a set amount per appointment.
The specific figure is in the £95 to £700 range. This range is broad because the complexity of treatments varies. Some root canals are deemed to be fairly easy to perform. Others are regarded as very complex.
Sometimes, root canals have to be done on an emergency basis. Thus after searching for a private emergency dentist, it may emerge that a root canal is what needs to be done immediately. When it is performed on such a basis, it may be slightly costlier.
The amounts charged by UK dentists for crowns
Crowns are placed on teeth that are either weak or broken. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes.
If it is to cover teeth that are either weak or broken, crown placement is covered by NHS. But if it is purely cosmetic, it can’t get done under NHS auspices.
The actual amount charged depends on two factors. Firstly, it depends on the crown type. And secondly, it depends on the crown material used. The fee is typically in the £300 to £800 range.
UK dentist charges for fillings
These fillings are performed on teeth that have suffered damage as a result of decay.
NHS does provide support for dental fillings. But one then doesn’t have much choice in the type of filling material to be used. To get that sort of choice, you may need to find one or another private dental clinic near me.
In private dental clinics, fees for fillings typically range from £40 to £250. How much you actually pay depends on the sort of filling you opt for. It also depends on the dental practice’s pricing structure. Further, the specific tooth on which a filling is being done is another factor determining the cost.
What do emergency dentist services cost in the UK?
The dental emergency in question may be a severe toothache that normal pain relief measures can’t sort out. Or it may be some sort of physical damage to a tooth (for instance, after an accident). It could also be bleeding that is in the mouth and is proving uncontrollable. Infections and inflammations which affect your eyes are other causes of dental emergencies.
One normally ends up paying more for emergency services than for regular dental appointments. Private dentists in the UK typically charge amounts in the £80 to £150 (and more) range for emergency services. Therefore while embarking on a search for a private emergency dentist, that is what you need. Then again, if you do belong to a dental insurance scheme, the fee may be covered therein.
What NHS dentists charge for emergency services
Under the NHS system, what one has to pay for emergency dental services is a nominal fee. The specific amount is roughly £23.8 in England. In places like Wales, it can be even lower, at £14.7.
Average costs for dental treatments in the UK
The average costs seem to depend on where exactly within the UK they are sought. So there are differences between the averages in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and so on. Even the charges have no major difference between countries. But when it comes to city and town, costs are significantly different.
Charges for private dental services in England
These vary greatly from city to city in England. For services like checkups, you find the rates at Birmingham very low. For other services like teeth whitening, Plymouth has the best deals. And for the likes of implants, the place to go for the best deals is in Liverpool. So there are these variations, from city to city. Therefore while seeking a private dental practice near me, this is something to be aware of.
Is there any way to save money with dental services?
Yes, there are a number of ways in which you can save money you’d otherwise have spent on dental services.
- Since the fees vary from one dental practice to another, it is a good idea to shop around.
- Having dental insurance may mean ending up paying less overall.
- As the fees vary from one location to another, you may also consider going for dental tourism
- Then there are the payment plans which allow you to pay for bigger amounts in instalments. This can lighten the payment weight.
Are low-income earners eligible for any special help?
The NHS typically pays part of the fees for services that are deemed ‘essential’. There are actually people who may qualify for free dental services under NHS. Those include:
- Minors who are under 18 years of age
- People who are over 18 but pursuing education on a full-time basis
- Folks who are on low-income benefits
- Women who are pregnant, and those who have been pregnant in the last year.
There are also some pensioners who qualify for free dental services.
Private dentist services in the UK are not cheap. However, people who opt for private services get more choices and convenience. You can arrange a visit to a Wimpole Dental Office to get such benefits.