A&E for antibiotics?? Going on holiday. Nobody else can see me

[Yumdoritos]

I don't know what else to do. My cheek is swollen up due to some dental issues. I have a referral to a specialised dentist but that isn't until March. I called my regular dentist who doesn't have any appointments for 2 weeks. I called NHS 111 who said no dentists are available in my area and to keep trying my normal dentist. I made and went to a GP appointment who said I need to go back to the dentist...


I just need antibiotics to take the swelling down as I most likely have an infection somewhere (this has happened before a few months ago)

I'm going abroad on holiday on Wednesday!!! What am I meant to do? I need to get antibiotics before then because what if it gets worse while I am there? AIBU to go to A&E for this? I went there before when it was swollen as I couldn't even see because it had swollen up near my eye, they sent me to their emergency GP who is next to the hospital and I got antib's from him. Am assuming I could do the same this time? Argh I am stressing out so much and can't look forward to my holiday :(

[LIZS]

Call your dentist for an emergency appointment.

[PotteringAlong]

Walk in centre?

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

The emergency GP won't prescribe if your GP wouldn't. If it reached your eye last time, it was at a point where the GP can step in, but I'm guessing it's not as bad this time if your GP won't help?

You need an emergency dentist. Either an emergency appointment at yours - they will have some, so be absolutely insistent that you need to be seen within 24 hours on Monday - or another dentist nearby that does have emergency coverage. 111 can be pretty bad at finding them.

[Yumdoritos]

I asked the dentist for an emergency appointment and I called 3 times since Tuesday but they keep insisting they're fully booked for 2 weeks? They asked if I was in pain which I am not, just uncomfortable, so maybe they didn't class it as an emergency? I have dental phobia which is why I've had the referral to a different one in March, which is a sedation clinic.

Assumed no other dentists were available nearby due to what 111 had told me but you're right I can check for myself. Not sure how or if they will treat me though since I will be panicking and freaking out? What crappy timing :(

[bloodyteenagers]

Google yourself. If an emergency dentist gets nothing add hospital at the end.

Agree with pp, 111 can be bad. Needed emergency dentist over Christmas a few years ago. I could have seen someone after Boxing Day. This was late Christmas Eve. Found some on google both nhs and private. I just had to understandably be prepared to travel further. I think that's what went wrong, 111 were just
Doing local search.

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

Your dental practice sounds pretty harsh to make you wait two weeks.

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

(Am dental receptionist)

[Sallyhasleftthebuilding]

Walk in centre
Badger clinic
Emergency dentist
Lie about the pain - because if you leave it - it will be agony!

[WombatStewForTea]

GPs apparently aren't allowed to prescribe anything for dental pain although mine did give me really strong cocodamol when I was in a similar position and like you going away soon after! I was in a hideous amount of pain and did get several emergency dental appointments while waiting so maybe they won't see you unless you're in pain. I'd definitely be ringing and being a pain in the arse until they gave me an appointment if I were you. Any dental hospitals near by?

[Mrsmorton]

Don't lie, you'll make yourself look silly and selfish. It's patently obvious who's lied to get emergency appointments. Swelling is classed as an emergency in itself but A&E isn't your best bet. I'm amazed there's no NHS ooh provision near you.

[ginmakesitallok]

Dentists have to see you for emergency treatment, but the definition of "emergency" generally involves tooth loss or terrible pain. Ours refuse an emergency appointment when dd broke her front tooth in half and was in significant pain. It was only when I told them that the out of hours dental service said they "had" to see her that she got an appointment. Having said that her dentist was struck off about 2 weeks later

[Mrsmorton]

Dentists have to see you for emergency treatment no they don't.

[FlatOnTheHill]

Call your dentist. They have to give you an emergency appointment. Lay it on if you have too. You will get seen

[bbpp]

In the meantime try swishing with warm water and salt as often as you can, it might help bring it down a little in the meantime. (Or clean up the infection, mine cleared up in about 2 days of rinsing every 4 hours or so)

[bbpp]

Didn't mean to say 'in the meantime' twice!

[slebmum1]

Call your dentist back and tell them you're in pain. If you're not yet you most likely will be soon.

Are you trying to get an NHS appointment or are you private? Just wondering if it influences the availability of appointments?

[Yumdoritos]

Do you think the walk in centre would do anything? My normal GP refused since it was a dental issue. Have found lots of walk in centres and out of hours doctors, just no dentists :/ if I want to see a dentist it looks like I'll have to wait until Monday, which is risky as its leaving it a bit late

[Yumdoritos]

I'm looking at NHS not private. If I call my normal dentist and another in the area they both say they're closed and to call 111 for emergencies, which as I said didn't get me anywhere :(

[Epilepsyhelp]

There are Debra hospitals in cities if you're near one? I went to the minor illnesses and injuries clinic with an infection and I got absolutely shredded by the dr who I ended up seeing and wouldn't give me antibiotics as I should have gone to GP - 111 had told me to go there! Never again.

[Epilepsyhelp]

*dental

[Yumdoritos]

-bbpp, is the warm water + salt painful at all? I think I will try that, I have nothing to lose!

[FGSdontblameme]

Could you consult a Private Dentist as a one off?

[clam]

Tell them you're in pain?

[LIZS]

I would have thought Monday would be fine . Ibuprofen might help inflammation in the meantime.

[Yumdoritos]

No money for a private dentist unfortunately. Worried if I say I am in pain that they will want to look at it further or do a procedure, it is hurting 1/10 and only occasionally, I know it would be fine with just antib's since as I said I had the same thing before and am on this referral wait list thingy for it sorting properly