To be annoyed with my dentist?

[Whatismyproblem1]

About 2 days before lockdown/dentists closed, I went to my dentist for an urgent appointment as I had toothache. She did 2 fillings- 1 on top and bottom- opposite each other. She rushed it and was clearly anxious about coronavirus. Fair enough.
But working 2 days, the sensitivity/pain was back. Since March I’ve had to deal with toothache and only eating on one side.

I have jaw issues due to clenching in my sleep, which is what causes my teeth issues.

So when the dentists re opened on June 8th, I wanted to try and get seen for a temporary filling.
But I couldn’t get through to them and you were not allowed to just walk in and speak with them.

So I went private (Who also happens to my dentists husband). I paid one off to get seen as I was at the end of my tether. He said had a huge crack, so he did what he could and temporarily filled it. Within 2 days, the pain was still there. After speaking to him on the phone, he said I probably needed root canal, and to phone to my own dentist as private would cost close to £1000.

So this is where i get annoyed. I phoned my dentist and explained everything. The receptionist was not happy at all with me for seeing a private dentist for relief. Then in the same breath she said they wouldn’t have been able to offer any treatment anyway
Then I spoke to an actual dentist, who said a similar thing. Questioning why I did that. They seemed genuinely offended.
I was in agony, and had been for 3 months.. I couldn’t get hold them and if I had, it seems they wouldn’t have been able to see me anyway as there was a huge waiting list!

They’ve said they’ll see me for root canal in the next couple of weeks, but were trying to Push me in to having it out :(

AIBU to feel like I did something wrong?

Unfortunately the sad truth is that dentists are stuck in a no win situation. Over cautiousness, lack of PPE and even if you can get the correct masks you have to be fit tested, fit testers are fully booked for weeks ahead. The fit testing chemicals and kits are in short supply. Social distancing means very few patients can be seen and when a filling or root canal is carried out the surgery has to be completely shut down for an hour and no one is allowed into the room.
We may sound pathetic but if just one Covid infection is traced back to us we will be closed down/sued or worse flamed on Facebook or Many support staff are petrified to go back to work after the media have convinced them that they are doomed.
I work in a practice where we had prepared for sudden opening since we had such a sudden close down. We had been very selfish by not donating our PPE to the local hospitals and GPs so our patients are now benefiting.
I do feel sorry for the large numbers of people who are contacting us daily because their own dentists have yet to reopen.
Our duty is to our patients (the GDC have been ramming this fact down our throats from the comfort of their own homes) and we have been in work everyday throughout the lockdown trying to help patients over the phone. It has been heartbreaking and frustrating but I do know that other practices have just left an emergency number on their answer machine or our number (without our permission).
I have just cancelled all the checkups booked for July so I can prioritise outstanding treatment and patients like yourself OP but it will take months to catch up.
If it’s any consolation cracked teeth usually have a poor long term prognosis. I cracked one a few years ago, knowing how high the failure rate is for root treatment in cracked teeth I just had it extracted. I’d had 3 years of trouble, I wished I’d had it done when it started I would have saved myself a lot of discomfort. I also grind my teeth it’s the stress of the job!

@Whatismyproblem1

Givingup123456 that’s awful that they won’t help. Do any foods trigger it? I only really get it if I eat too late..which is quite often!

SparkLee that made me 😂 that’s exactly how they’re acting! Like I’ve cheated on them with another dentist 🤣 and I feel the guilt! 😂

You cheated on her with her own husband

My front crown has fallen out! Got work video to do tomorrow aargh!

Haha yes, although I haven’t actually spoken to her yet about it.
I’m going to see her at 1220. Weird thing is, my back tooth is really hurting now but the pre molar isn’t?! Referred pain? Or maybe 2 teeth out?! 😭

Fed up with teeth.

For the clenching OP try a mouth guard I also clench and grind and have a mouth guard just a self mould at home one the dentist wanted £350 from me for one 😱. It's massively helped me it's a pain to get used to but teeth are in a much better condition.