Is it safe to see the dentist for emergency treatment?

[Uppy]

Hi everyone.

Just wanted to know what everyone’s thoughts are about attending the dentist.

I have a temporary filing that’s partly come out and this has been giving me a lot of pain over the last few days to the point it’s waking me up at night. My neighbour who is a dentist gave me some temporary filling but it’s just coming out.

My dentist has been very sympathetic and offered an appointment on Saturday late afternoon when there won’t be many people about. I’m questioning myself as to whether i should attend as I haven’t left home since March 13th and my children seem a little concerned about me going out but I do really need to get this sorted as I can’t eat much and I’m in terrible pain.

I have had asthma since my second pneumothorax 8 and a half years ago and my doctor thinks I may have scarring on my lung too as I have suffered chronic upper body pain for 8 years. My pain and breathing is worse with cold weather, hay fever and every time I contract a cold or other virus which means I bed bound for at least 2 days. I had a very bad virus in November which took nearly 6 weeks to overcome and multiple trips to the doctors and A&E once when I couldn’t breathe and became cold and shivering.

The dentist said I can wait in my car and come in when they are ready - they are deep cleaning after every patient.

Has anyone else been out to the dentist yet?

Thank you.

[EvieJo]

Hi, I would think a dentist would be the safest place to visit at the moment. My dentist has sent an email saying they are now open for examinations and detailed all the safety precautions they are taking including a one way system in and out of the practice and restricted times for any vulnerable patients. They certainly seem to be very thorough (dentists themselves will be at increased risk getting so close to patients so Im sure they will all be taking it seriously). I would personally feel quite safe to go. At the end of the day it’s weighing up the risks and benefits. If it were a routine check up then yes you could wait awhile but if you’re in pain like you are (and dental pain is horrid) then it does need sorting or you could end up with more problems.

Best of luck!

[Uppy in reply to EvieJo]

Thank you.

I’ve just spoken to my dentist neighbour who advised the practice should have slots for vulnerable people or they can refer to a hub where the dentists are treating vulnerable people in full PPE.

My dentist told me he has an appointment available at 10am on Monday and will be seeing 6 patients before then so I’m concerned at the volume of patients coming in. My neighbour has said he only sees up to 8 people per day due to the level of disinfecting required after each patient and is alarmed that my dentist is seeing so many.

I’ve just called and asked for a first slot of any morning as this should be available for vulnerable people.

Toothache is an awful misery.

Thanks for your response.

[Troilus in reply to Uppy]

Can you not join your neighbours practise? Or maybe see him as a private patient?

[Uppy in reply to Troilus]

Yes he’s said I could see him at his - the reason I haven’t done so is the distance as it’s a little further but I may take him up on his offer as he seems to be more considerate. Thank you.

[Tre]

I’ve been to the dentist as I lost a filling at the beginning of lockdown. I felt extremely safe they asked me all the questions re my health & I asked them the same !!! Both dentist & dental nurse in full ppe. My temperature was measured on arrival, hand sanitiser, face mask then straight into the chair. One way system in place, oh the relief of no tooth ache.........one less thing to worry about, just need to get off the steroids now 🙄.

Good luck xx

[Uppy in reply to Tre]

Thank you for sharing your experience. You were very fortunate to get it done then in such a safe environment.

Wishing you good health.

[Angelgoth]

I went to an emergency dentist hub last Thurs and had an extraction. The dentist was in full PPE and very good. I also had my temp checked on arrival. I am in the shielding group. I have now fully recovered 😀

[Uppy in reply to Angelgoth]

Thanks. It’s good to hear other vulnerable people have been out and found it safe. Wishing you good health 😊