Dentist needed

DS's BBF has serious phobia about seeing dentist, but for last couple of months she's suffered terrible pain - we tried everything to arrange access to help. Her own dentist is closed, all other emergency services either not answering phone or unable/unwilling to help. We eventually arranged for DS to go with her to local hospital's Urgent Care centre, where she was at least given pain killers and antibiotics, but we think it's an impacted wisdom tooth, so she's got to get proper treatment as soon as possible. But for those in a similar situation, recommend A&E as stopgap measure. Good luck, everyone.

I broke a piece off a top back molar and was told that my dentist wasn't treating anyone.They are trying to set up an emergency hub.I was told that if it was catching on my mouth to use a nail file.I was also told to phone 111 if things got worse.I wouldn't be a risk to the dentist as I have been in isolation since the start of lock down and it would be a staightforward job.There would be more of a risk to me than to the dentist.Just trying to keep the area clean.

There are some dentists that are doing emergency treatment . I believe each town is supposed to have at least one available, but finding one on a Bank Holiday as well might be more of a problem.
Hopefully you will get a call back but dealing with implants is slightly more different to normal teeth!

Corsodyl is the best mouthwash, will help clear up gum problems, do try it. There is a toothpaste too.

I think Denplan have offered either a reduction or payment holiday. But private dentists will also be subject to the spray.

Some private dentists will probably go bankrupt, I expect.

Call 111 (wait a long time) but eventually when you get through they will assess you to see if you need an emergency dentist and will then give the number you need to call to arrange an appointment. It's unlikely to be your dentist and could be a fair distance away but likely that you'd be seen on the same day if they felt your symptoms were severe enough.

I’m surprised to read that some of you have accessed treatment at emergency hubs. I broke part of a crown a few weeks ago and rang my dentist for advice. I was told dentists can only prescribe analgesia and antibiotics and that there weren’t any of the emergency hubs that were supposed to have been set up actually operating yet. I was given an appointment with my regular dentist for the end of July, fingers crossed my tooth hangs on until then!

I have a damaged tooth. Fortunately not yet causing any pain. I have ordered a temporary repair kit online but it will not arrive until at least the 13th. Hope it doesn't get worse.

Cossybabe is correct. Most chemist do dental repair kits also, I know that my Tesco Extra usually has them. Rather than run round try to find if anyone has it in stock. Have a ring round or ask at a local pharmacy and they should get one ordered for you.
I believe the repair kit works a bit like chewing gum but then sets. This obviously is only a temporary measure but at least you won’t do any more damage.

I suppose it doesn’t make any difference if you are on Denplan. Still paying the insurance premiums, but not getting the service.

I absolutely dread losing a crown or getting toothache. I have had a few twinges, and am flossing and rinsing with corsodyl.
It’s unbelievable that you have to fill your own teeth with a cement mix from chemist. Getting to a chemist is another hurdle.

Dentists in the private sector are generally better paid than doctors, and dental treatment has become eye wateringly expensive. Can't see many leaving what in 'normal' times is a lucrative profession.

You can get temporary crown/implant cement for leading chemist

crafty, I haven't heard of any dentists saying they will leave the profession.

I had a problem my dentist prescribed antibiotics and brushing with Sensodyne and it all settled down maybe I was lucky for now!.

I'm using Corsodyl toothpaste and mouthwash at the moment in the hope that it will nip any problems/infection in the bud. Thankfully I stocked up ages ago as I never seem to have any when I need it eg on holiday.

dentists cannot do emergencies because of the aerosol risk to themselves, their staff and to other patients. Emergency centres are very few and far between. It will be a long time before dentists are allowed to get back to work. Dentists are only allowed to give advice, antibiotics and analgesics.

The emergency centres are staffed by seconded nhs dentists and each surgery has to be thoroughly deep cleaned between patients so they might see 5 or 6 in one day. I doubt if they will be open during holiday periods. It is very frustrating for dentists but safety first. I have it on good authority that a percentage of dentists will be leaving the profession. The last straw for them

I’m very careful of taking another antibiotic if I need one I had four antibiotics while in hospital and they compromised my gut causing an upset stomach for months resulting In me losing 3 stone not nice

I lost part of a large filling a few weeks ago. I tried my dentist only to be given the same advice as posters above. I ended up buying a filling kit online and tried DIY.

It was very tricky, the filling material set as I was mixing it and trying to get it into a back tooth required more than one pair of hands. The filling gradually broke up but lasted two weeks after which I replaced it again (this time it was even more difficult to put in so I have a partial filling).

During this time, I was contacted by my specialist re shielding, so I asked about dentistry. As my immune system doesn't work, it was suggested that I contact my GP to get a standby prescription in case I have a dental infection. So far I haven't but at least I know what to do.

What worries me is that it will take some time for dentists to get up and working again, my shielding lockdown is going to go on a lot longer. By the time I can make an appointment, it will be at the end of a very long list. I would have thought that dentists would have had some sort of triage system for when they do start again - I guess that is too much to hope for!

I won’t hesitate to ask my dentist for antibiotics if I think I need them.Will be interested to hear what advice you are given Elizabeth.

Infections are a real worry.

MisAdventure I was told the advice centre will phone my dentist and see what they advise eh I’ve already told them but in my confused mind they’re going to do it themselves however as previously said dentists will only see the most critical cases..

Good point!
I'm going to carry on rocking and pacing, for now.

My painful tooth is right near the front, so I don't want it out unless there is no other option.

But there isn't enough PPE for the dentists to be equipped.

As risky, I would say.
The ppe is another subject altogether, but even with it, the dental patient has to open their mouth, and the dentist has to look in.

More risky than nursing the sick with no PPE ? Or the care home staff or carers going from house to house
The dentist could dress in full garb couldn’t they people can get very very ill from bad teeth

I would think it really must be the most risky job, though?

All that spray that comes off the drills..