4 months to see dentist - likely to need tooth out?

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I've got 2 heavily filled teeth and both are causing me issues - mild pain, changed bite, can't chew on that side etc. It's not agony but challenging. I suspect they will both need to be extracted.

My dentist will only give real emergency slots or routine and they class this as routine (I'd class it somewhere in between really!) and as such the wait is 4-5 months. All fine - COVID has been hard to everyone.

My thoughts are 1. How bad should it get before I request emergency - presumably severe toothache? And 2. How long is recovery from an extraction as I go abroad (hopefully) 5 weeks after the routine appointment (presumably they won't do anything there and then) - is it quick?

At least I might lose some weight.....!

Can’t you see another dentist? It’s what I’d do.

I don’t know much about filled teeth issues but I’d want to get it sorted out before I go away.

My local dentist sees me same day if need be (NHS) and private whom I’m seeing for implant work definitely sees me same day!

Recovery from extraction would be I’m guessing a week not sure if you’d need antibiotics. You might get dry socket which can be tricky.

If you had an extraction then went away as long as you returned after you came back from holiday for a check up I’d say that would ok for your dentist. Ensure you have good medical cover holiday insurance.

Recovery from a tooth extraction is really quick - 24/48 hours as long as you do as the dentists says when looking after your mouth afterwards!