Toothache - no dentist, what do I actually do?

[alkel2730]

Hello all

I don’t normally ask medical stuff on here but I’m not sure I know the score with this and you guys are my go-to!

I’ve had toothache now for two weeks and it’s really annoying me now. Oddly enough it’s now hurting top and bottom. So two teeth.

I’ve come to the conclusion I really need to see someone but I don’t have an NHS dentist any more. They struck us all off over lockdown. I’ve no idea why but they cancelled 3 of our appointments and then it looks like they went private. I really didn’t like going there either.

So, here I am first time in 43 years, no dentist and of course i have toothache!

What do I actually do? Call I private one? Will this cost me hundreds? I don’t have hundreds of pounds right now so could do without this!

I’m sat here googling but it’s not super clear, some say call 111, some say call round the local area, some say they’ll see me for £120 - I’m guessing that doesn’t include treatment either! No one round here taking nhs.

Has anyone else been in this position?

I know we do need to get one and I had every intention of sorting it over the summer but my hand is being forced now!

Thanks

[Tigger71]

nhs.uk/nhs-services/dent...n-nhs-dentist/

Try finding a dentist first as per info in link - if none available, call the number further down the page.

For private - they will likely do an examination first and then decide treatment and will give you a price quote before they do anything. Some practices will put prices on their websites so you can have a look as a guide.

Whilst waiting I can recommend “Orajel” dental gel which you put on tooth and it helps with pain. Great to put on if you cannot sleep for example.

[alkel2730]

Thanks for the tip on orajel, I’ll get some.

I did look on that link before posting - a lot say ‘only taking on nhs with referral’ what does that mean? How do I get a referral?

[alkel2730]

With private one near said their emergency treatment was £120. I can ring them tomorrow but surely that can’t include treatment? I paid £90 for a filling on nhs!

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Originally Posted by alkel2730

With private one near said their emergency treatment was £120. I can ring them tomorrow but surely that can’t include treatment? I paid £90 for a filling on nhs!

See more...

Toothache is dreadful, I feel your pain and hope you get something sorted soon.

However don't discount a Private Health plan as they aren't as expensive as you think.

I'm not sure of the exact figure as my Son is also on our Denplan account and his cost is about £21 a Month. So we must be about £30 a Month each, however ours are more expensive due to the number of Crowns and Bridges we have and they bump up the cost.

For that £30 we get 4 Hygienist visits a year, any number of fillings if needed, all the prep work for a crown or bridge and 2 dental examinations a year.
All we pay on top if needed is the Lab fees for the making of a Crown or Bridge which ranges from £90 to £800 for a top quality Bridge which are quite rare anyhow.

I have had a cracked back tooth for about 3 Months but delayed having it fixed as we were going to Florida in late April and didn't want to see the Dentist before doing a fit to fly Covid Test. No pain just sensitive.

Saw him on Friday, he was in a 'spacesuit' thingy with a respirator on due to high speed drilling and the water jetting. I was in the chair nearly an hour and after I left his surgery room had to have a 20 minute deep clean and air extraction. Total cost - Nothing.

May be the way forward for you? The better your teeth the less you pay per Month.

[alkel2730]

Thank you!

Can I get a dental plan with toothache? I’m happy to but I was thinking it’s like taking an uninsured dog to a vets then getting insurance after and the condition you took your dog to the vets for being excluded?! Haha.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Originally Posted by alkel2730

Thank you!

Can I get a dental plan with toothache? I’m happy to but I was thinking it’s like taking an uninsured dog to a vets then getting insurance after and the condition you took your dog to the vets for being excluded?! Haha.

See more...

Sad to say no. They will charge to fix the toothache issue. Then they 'score' your teeth to determine risk and after that they sign you up.
Best of luck in your quest.

[alkel2730]

Ahh I thought as much! Thank you. I’ve never really had toothache before so really rubbish I have now.

Think I’ll have to call someone tomorrow.

[djewkes]

Might be worth ringing 111, before I retired from 111 (18 months ago) we could send referrals through and suggest nearby dentists that were taking on…….might get an emergency dentist as it’s the weekend……but things might have changed, I can check with DD who still works there?

[alkel2730]

Ahh that would be amazing. Thank you. I can call tomorrow it’s not a mega emergency it’s more irritating than anything now. Honestly thought it would just go away!