I haven't been to the dentist for over a year, they were closed during the first lockdown when I should have been going for a check up. I have a wobbly tooth, it's been wobbly for a while but wasn't causing me any problems, I just made sure not to crunch anything with it. Well, unfortunately I did the other day and it's now a bit looser and a bit sore, so I had to bite the bullet (not with that tooth though 😂) and phone the dentist yesterday. I didn't even know if they were open...I was almost wishing they're not, as I really hate going. Well, turns out they are....sort of. They are currently only doing emergency appointments, anything else gets added to a 'list', and they do 'a few' of those per week. Apparently, my wobbly tooth isn't an emergency, unless it becomes infected or the pain becomes unbearable! And they are only doing TWO emergencies per day, along with the occasional one or more off the 'list' - I presume to allow for the extra cleaning in between patients, and to restrict the numbers of people for social distancing purposes. They won't give appointment dates for the non emergencies, just saying they'll ring when it gets nearer your turn! So I guess we're supposed to just drop everything when we get a phone call 😒
And to make matters worse, apparently my lovely dentist Emma, who was so good with my nervousness, has left, so when I do eventually get seen, I shall have to get used to a new one. Grrrr!
We have an appointment in February. Strangely, when I phoned, she gave me the same time for both of us. I suppose it means they don't have to clean the surgery between us as we're from one household. Not looking forward to it, I don't really mind the dentist (although I'm always glad when it's over) but the Covid situation makes it all a bit more worrying. I hope you get the call soon and that your new dentist is even nicer! xx
ReplyDeleteSounds awful, I really hope your tooth doesn’t get worse. If you are in pain your dentist might give you anti biotic. Once in Italy a pinned tooth come out, I was in agony. I told a neighbour and next day he pitched up with three very large tablets he got from the doctor. I spoke to my dentist back home and he said it would be ok to take them, they fixed the pain in around 24 hours and it didn’t come back. My UK dentist reinstalled the tooth and it’s been fine ever since. So try not to worry, it might not be as bad as you expect,
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I had a lovely dentist called Emma, until she went to pastures new. Now I have the handsome boy Jim who is equally lovely. Don't know if I will ever get to see him again. I look at toothless old people and wonder if that will be me in a few years, when they all fall out one by one.
ReplyDeleteMy dentist retired during lockdown last year but I did manage a visit with her and she patched up an old tooth again for me. I am not sure the new younger guy will have the same skill or views and may want to pull it out and do a bridge or even a crown. They seem to go for the money these days and the most expensive way of treating a problem - I new my old dentist would never do that. Hope you don't have to try biting that bullet after all!!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds a right pain. How odd that they are still on a go-slow, so to speak. My practice seems to be up and running as normal, except that one has to wait outside until being seen and chick in via one's mobile.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a nuisance about Emma - I would hate to lose Francesca, she's so gentle and kind.
You have my sympathy, you really do, for what it is worth. Maybe they will get through to you quickly.
xx
I haven't seen a dentist for over two years now, we usually have once yearly appointments and our practice in Wales closed down just after our last appointments, then Lockdown hit and I moved house. I think we are going to be a lot of old gummies in the next twenty years.
ReplyDeleteI hope your tooth stays wobbly but relatively pain free for as long as possible. You could always do that 'comic' thing and attach a string to the door knob ... sorry I couldn't resist ;-)
In this lockdown we are able to see our dentist and hygienist for our six monthly checkups admittedly nearer seven months. The surgery sent us a letter asking us to phone for an appointment the only difference is that we need to stay in our car and they phone you when it's your turn to avoid using the waiting room. I am in Scotland and I suppose every country is running with different rules. Jessica.
ReplyDeleteIts 18 months since I've been to the dentist. I had one appointment cancelled and was asked to ring for a reschedule but with lockdown it never happened. I really hope I dont need a dentist as I'm keeping away from doctors etc.
ReplyDeleteMy dentist text to say that they are still open and my appointment would go ahead next month. I was considering cancelling it but am sure it will be perfectly safe.
ReplyDeleteI had an abscess just before the first lockdown. Treated with antibiotics and then flared up again in May. Since then I have been for three visits and each time have felt very safe and protected.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you were unable to get an appointment straightaway, hopefully it won't be too much of a wait.
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