How much is an emergency dentist

How much is an emergency dentist

No one plans to have a dental problem, so it’s best to know what to do in advance, so you can deal effectively with a dental emergency if it arises. But if you’re not prepared and wondering whether your toothache warrants emergency care and aren’t sure where to go and how much you’ll need to pay, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s look at emergency dentist prices in the UK and whether it might be worth going to a private dentist rather than waiting for an NHS appointment.

What can emergency dentists do?

Emergency dentists are there to treat any emergency that occurs related to your teeth that needs to be resolved as a matter of urgency. You should see a dentist or dental hygienist at least twice a year for routine appointments so any issues can be spotted and dealt with before they become urgent, such as gum disease or the presence of plaque that may lead to cavities.

However, accidents happen, and a toothache can arise with no forewarning, so emergency dentists are there when you need them. When you see an emergency dentist, they’ll assess the problem with your teeth via an examination and an X-ray if necessary, to decide what to do with your teeth. They can treat you in many different ways, including:

• Performing root canals or draining abscesses (tooth infections).
• Fixing broken teeth.
• Treating missing teeth as needed, i.e. with stitches or gauze.
• Extracting teeth.
• Replacing broken or loose dental crowns and fillings.
• Prescribing antibiotics.

The emergency dentist will strive to treat the urgent issue, so they’ll perform whichever procedure is necessary. However, in most cases, they will stabilise the condition or make you more comfortable until you can come into the practice for a routine appointment. You’ll then have to pay for the emergency treatment as well as the routine appointment.

Can a hospital treat dental issues?

You aren’t recommended to go to a hospital for dental treatment and will be turned away in most cases, as hospitals rarely have dentists or orthodontists. However, hospital emergency departments may provide initial care for dental emergencies, especially if there are associated medical complications or the patient requires urgent attention, for example, if:

• They have heavy bleeding.
• An infection has spread from their mouth elsewhere in their body, e.g. become septic.
• They have severe swelling of the eyes, neck or face that’s making it difficult to breathe, speak or swallow.

Therefore, hospital treatment is only for serious, potentially life-threatening cases, and hospital staff may not routinely provide dental extractions, as their focus may be on stabilising the patient and referring them to a dental professional.

How much is emergency dental treatment on the NHS?

Most NHS services are free; however, the vast majority of people have to pay for prescriptions and dental treatment, although both are heavily subsidised. NHS dental prices are put into bands to make the pricing simpler. So all emergency dental treatment on the NHS costs £25.80.

However, NHS emergency appointments may not cover the complete procedure that’s necessary, and may only provide pain relief or a temporary filling. If you require a root canal, tooth extraction or crown fitting, for example, you will have to pay for this in another appointment. Although you will only have to pay once for a course of treatment, even if it takes multiple appointments to finish the treatment.

Other NHS dental prices are as follows:

• Band 1, examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice, a scale and polish if necessary, and preventative care such as the use of fluoride varnish: £25.80.
• Band 2, everything in Band 1, plus any further treatment, including fillings, root canal or tooth extraction: £70.70.
• Band 3, everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures, bridges: £306.80.

Dental treatment can be expensive for those who pay for it, whether they see a private dentist or an NHS dentist. But fortunately, not everyone has to pay for NHS treatment.

Who is NHS dental care free for?

There are exceptions for NHS dental charges, so those without the necessary finances and children can still get the dental care they need, in theory.

People who don’t have to pay for NHS dental treatment include:

• Those under 18.
• Those under 19 and in full-time education.
• Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months.
• Anyone being treated in an NHS hospital by a hospital dentist.
• Anyone receiving low-income benefits.
• Anyone under 20 who is a dependent of someone receiving low-income benefits.

To receive free NHS dental care, you will have to show evidence to your dentist, such as a certificate of exemption.

How much is private emergency dental treatment?

Private dental care in the UK is often more expensive than on the NHS, although, depending on the treatment, some procedures can work out at more or less the same price.

Generally, emergency dental treatment at private practices in the UK ranges from £50 to £150 for the assessment and x-rays if needed. You will then have to pay extra for things like temporary fillings, crowns or tooth extractions.

Other private emergency dental procedures can cost:

• From £120 to £300 for a tooth extraction.
• From £200 to £700 for a root canal procedure.
• From £50 to £200 for a filling.
• From £450 to £950 for a crown.

Before booking a dental appointment or heading straight down to an emergency dental practice, make sure you consult the price guide for that particular practice, as prices can vary and tend to be more expensive in London. Some private dental practices may also package prices if more than one procedure is necessary, so ask at the reception when making your appointment for more information.

Is it worth going to a private dentist?

While it may be cheaper to have some dental procedures performed on the NHS, it may not be worth getting an NHS appointment when you factor in your wait time for the appointment, the short appointment time, and the lack of personal care that comes with rushed healthcare appointments.

So when weighing up NHS vs private dental care, it’s important to consider a few different factors:

• How much does it cost?
• When can you get an appointment?
• How long is the appointment?
• Can you choose which dentist you see?
• Which has the best equipment?
• Which offers the best range of services?

In most cases, private dental practices come out on top. When you see a private dentist, there are more readily available appointments, so if you need emergency dental care, you’re more likely to be seen the same day and have your issue sorted within the week, while some NHS dental appointments can take months.

Moreover, private dental practices are usually open for longer working hours, so you can get appointments that suit your schedule and don’t have to take time off work or get a babysitter for your appointment.  Private dentists also have a range of employees, who can take time over their appointments, giving you the personal attention you deserve, and allowing you to choose the person that you get on with best. They’ve also got access to more advanced equipment, so more options for dental work are available to you, including cosmetic dentistry.

So the price of an emergency dentist isn’t everything, especially when you consider how much you’re able to see one to have your issue resolved before it gets worse.

Need emergency dental care? Contact the Eye and Dental Clinic

If you need to see a dentist for emergency treatment or a routine check-up, visit the Eye and Dental Clinic. Our team comprises dental experts who can treat all kinds of dental issues with the utmost care and attention. Read more about dental health in our latest news, or have a look at our policies:

• Our cancellation, missed appointment and deposit policy.
• Our complaints procedure.
• Our code of practice for handling complaints.

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