Lost a lot of teeth?

I have ,over this last year, had to have most of my side teeth, on one side, pulled out, and a few on the other side.


I am unable to chew/eat on one side now because there's no teeth to chew with. %26amp; no smile.


I want to know IF or WHEN or HOW FEW ; before the dentist will replace any missing teeth on NHS?


I am getting so worried , I keep having nightmares about loosing the rest of my teeth too!


The dentist has told me 2 ways of having a "new tooth" put in, both very expensive, one in the thousands!


Do I really have to go without teeth because I cannot afford to pay that much? Or are the NHS required to help and make sure I have some teeth to eat with?


I am not that old, and to be with out teeth already is really upseting.


Anyone know any advice please?


and pls no silly comments about cleaning teeth. apparently it's my arthritis medication thats caused my teeth to weeken so much that they have shattered, even on chewing a soft sweet!


Pls, anyone any help out there?? xx

Lost a lot of teeth?
Hi, The NHS will not pay for tooth implants (I suspect this is the option offered to you that was so expensive). They will pay for bridge work but that may not be an option if all of the teeth on that side are missing.


The only realistic option is likely to be a partial denture which is available on the NHS.


The NHS reorganised dentistry in April 2006 and instead of a whole range of prices, all treatments now fall within 3 bands. Band 1 is £15.90 and covers examination, x-rays, scale and polish. Band 2 is £43.60 and covers for fillings, root canal work and extractions. Band 3 is £194 and this covers bridges, crowns, dentures.


As you can see, unfortunately even a denture is pricey. There are some categories of patient that are exempt from paying such as those on certain benefits. It may be worth seeing if you qualify. If you are not sure call NHS Direct and ask to speak to a Health Information Adviser. They will provide info as to what you may be entitled to. Good Luck
Reply:sorry for you
Reply:I don't know what NHS is, but I have mainecare it's like medicare and they won't pay for any dental work for adults. I think you'll just have to save up and pay for them yourself. Sorry.
Reply:Implants are the best answer, not available on the NHS, cost about £2,500 + per tooth. You can have a partial denture which is available on the NHS - particularly as your tooth loss is due to the arthritis medication. Sounds like your dentist is not NHS. I had something similar, maybe not quite so bad. Chewed on my gums for years! After a while they did quite well. Finally saved up and am now the proud possessor of some implants.


I am sorry this is miserable. Could you ask your GP if anything is available and how you find an NHS dentist. Good Luck.
Reply:if you are NHS then you can get dentures even if you are missing just 1 tooth so if you are having problems eating then you deffinately should get some. Implants are very expensive but very effective but that would depend on the condition of the bone. maybe you should discuss with your GP if their is any other meds you could take or anything else that could improve the condition of your teeth, don't just worry about things - talk to the appropriate people!
Reply:I really feel for you, because of bulimia I had to have all of my teeth taken out as they were badly eroded and were causing almost constant infections. I now have full dentures at the age of 32. I was embarrassed at first, but it's not too bad now that I'm used to them. On the NHS, they won't do teeth "implants", but they will do partial dentures that can replace the lost teeth. I do however foresee that if it's your medication causing the problems, you may have to have them all taken out sooner or later and get full dentures. I realise that you don't want to hear this, but this is the truth, your shattered teeth will cause nasty infections. Talk to your dentist more about this as soon as possible.
Reply:Try this link....very helpful and some good advice.
Reply:Hope to give a glimmer of hope. I too have the same problem. In 6 years I have lost all but 3 of my upper teeth. Again, like you I am not old and I have cared for my teeth. Yours is due to your medication, mine, according to my dentist, is hereditary (my mother lost all her top teeth at 27). I have a partial plate at the moment and in Jan will have the remainder out, replacing with a full plate. I know how distressing it can be - smiling is the last thing on your mind. I stopped going out for the last 6 months. However, cost- wise I have been lucky. I have a great NHS dentist who has fought 'tooth and nail' (pardon the pun) to save my teeth and, have a great dental plan with a company called NDP. I pay £13 per month and that entitles me to £500 worth of treatment within a year. I have had no problem with NDP - I simply get my dentist to fill in the appropriate form and send it off with the receipt. Within 2-3 weeks the reimbursement cheque arrives. However, the downside is that you have to pay the dentist up front first, then get your money back from NDP. So, obviously you have to find/borrow the money first. The telephone for NDP is: 020 7480 7201. Email: ndp@nationaldental.co.uk. Obviously when contacting them don't mention ongoing treatment - simply say that you would like to become a customer. Hope this helps and I wish you all the best.



opera.com