Your teeth are an important part of who you are. They highlight your face, give your smile character, and keep your entire body healthy. With the crucial role your teeth play, taking care of them is important. But what happens when you aren’t able to pay for the dental care your health needs? Well, if you are looking for TMJ dental treatment in Lafayette, IN go to Allure Dental.
Another solution would be an NHS dentist, especially during an emergency. While there have been several significant strides in the healthcare system, there are substantial pitfalls like inequitable healthcare access. However, through the vast network of organizations, NHS offers equitable and fair access to medical care.
How to Access an NHS Dentist in an Emergency
You can contact the practice directly for medical advice if you have a dentist. But, if your dentist’s practice is closed, several details may be provided on their answering machine that can help you access urgent medical care. If you don’t have a regular dentist, you can access urgent dental services from a dental clinic near you. You can look for a dental practice that offers emergency services.
What Dental Services Does an NHS Dentist Offer?
An NHS dentist will provide clinically necessary treatment that is required to keep your gums, teeth, and mouth pain-free and healthy. The decisions on the treatment an NHS dentist offers are based on their clinical judgment and clinical assessment. It is also important for your dentist to make clear the different types of treatments that are provided by the NHS and those offered on a private basis. They should also indicate the costs of each treatment plan. Some of the common dental treatment plans on NHS include:
Bridges and Crowns
Like any other restoration treatment, you may require replacement in the future. Bridges and crowns are available on the NHS. You can also have these replacement services done privately. You can also discuss alternative cosmetic options with your dentist if you need one. However, it is important to note that these alternative options are offered privately.
Orthodontics
This is a form of dental treatment with the primary goal of helping to improve the position, appearance, and function of abnormally arranged or crooked teeth. NHS assesses whether orthodontic treatment is clinically necessary. They, however, don’t provide treatment for minor irregularities. Your orthodontist or dentist will explain the available alternative options available for you or your child if you don’t qualify for NHS-funded orthodontic treatment.
Dental Abscesses
This is a collection of pus that forms in the gums or teeth due to a bacterial infection. The NHS does offer treatment for dental abscesses. If you have a large swelling or are feeling unwell in your mouth or face, your dentist can refer you to a specialist unit for the right form of treatment. Your referral treatment will also be covered by the NHS.
Polish and Scale
If your dentist recommends clinically scaling, the treatment plan will also be available on the NHS. A dental therapist or hygienist can offer this form of treatment. Most dental hygienists available today work under direct access, as you can request to see a hygienist directly for polish or scale. However, hygienists only provide direct access on a private basis. So, ensure you check the cost of scale and polish before booking your appointment.
What Happens During Your Visit to an NHS Dentist?
The first step you must go through when visiting an NHS dentist is the assessment or examination stage. This stage is always included in the Band 1 charge of the NHS. If you require a cosmetic dental treatment like tooth whitening, the NHS will not cover that.
Once the examination is done, your NHS dentist will:
- Inquire about your medical history
- Carry out a full examination of your gums, teeth, and mouth
- Inquire about your overall health and any issues you may have had with your gums, teeth, or mouth before the last visit.
- Ask about and offer advice on your drinking, diet, and smoking habits
The third stage is the dental plan. Based on the assessment, your NHS dentist will recommend a treatment plan. This plan will outline all the treatments you will have on the NHS and how much each will cost.
NHS has proved quite helpful in bridging the cost of dental care today. However, to take advantage of its costs, ensure you ask for the cost of dental treatments before having them done. This will help you differentiate between private costs and NHS costs.
