My teeth seem to be made of chalk - despite brushing twice a day without fail most of my back teeth are filled. I am now worried because my single wisdom tooth is now at a funny angle and seems to be heading towards my lower gum! I believe it is somewhat painful to have them removed (any stories?).

The dentist I am with hasn't taken NHS patients for many years, though I pay the standard rates. I think it's about £20 ($32) for a 5 minute check-up and about £30 ($50) for a amalgam filling.

They are not exactly local either (1/2hr drive), but when you find a good dentist you don't let them go!

When I was youger, a friend went to the "local" dentist for some extractions due to having crowded mouth. After several injections he complained he could still feel the area where the teeth were. She ignored him and removed them anyway, and he was not pleased! Interestingly, she was actually jailed for defrauding the NHS a few years back.

Gareth