Dental work after cancer treatment

Hi Ali 

I haven't been on here for a while, I had tonsil cancer that had spread into my lymph node. I had radio therapy and chemotherapy, and spent 2 weeks in hospital. But that was 3 years ago and I am doing really well.

The issue I'm having now relates to my dentist. I have always had a NHS dentist, however despite me visiting 4 times in 6 weeks before my diagnosis they completely missed my cancer. When I emailed them to inform them of my diagnosis. They didn't respond. 

I decided to change dentist, however due to the lack of NHS dentist I have had to go private, something I'm not happy about. But I have no option. 

However, I have an infection under an old crown that needs replacing and I've been told by my private dentist that she can't do this and needs to refer me to another private dentist and the cost will be be between £800 and over £1000.

I was told that this work could be done under NHS, through the dental hospital but I don't meet the criteria due to my teeth not being decayed. 

The dentist I go to is mainly NHS, they will accept new NHS patients but only those who can access free treatment.

When I was first diagnosed I had 3 teeth removed, and since then a further 3 have had to be removed due to breaking. I'm desperate to keep my remaining teeth and attend the dentist and hygienist regularly.

I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has been through something similar.

Thanks,

Sue