A Christchurch family is facing thousands of dollars for dental surgery – after a young boy’s missing front teeth were deemed cosmetic.

Nine-year-old Lucas had publicly-funded surgery to get his front baby teeth removed – because he had a few extras that were getting in the way.

But his mum Lisa Winchester told Newstalk ZB Christchurch, ten months later – his adult teeth haven’t descended.

She’s been quoted $2500 for corrective surgery after the public system told her it was a cosmetic treatment.

Lisa says it’s ridiculous – because they serve an important function as biting teeth.

She told Chris Lynch “I’m am outraged at the dental care system in New Zealand and the fight I have had to undertake just to get my son two front teeth.”

“We have had no guidance from the public system, it seems the community dental clinic have no power when it comes to referrals through to oral surgeons.”

Lisa Winchester says her family had to pay for orthodontic treatment to bring down his adult teeth as this is not covered by the public system.

“We’ve had to act now because one of his adult teeth is actually decaying the root of the adult tooth next to it and he could end up needing a root canal or the tooth might die altogether, something we will probably have to pay for ourselves.”

The New Zealand Dental Association declined to comment.