When does anyone think dentists will re open?

[Starlightstarbright1]

I know we don’t know .

I have toothache can’t decide which tooth even - Dentist has prescribed antibiotics which has improved it fo a degree but I can only eat on one side - was offered them or extraction .
Just wondering what people’s thoughts are

Soon I hope! Also have toothache, just been using a mixture of corsadyl and orajel then paracetamol when really bad. I saw my local denture shop has reopened so surely dentists are very soon too

My dad in California just saw a dentist this week... got a root canal. If the Californians could work it out then I am hopeful UK dentists will open within 3 months (worse case scenario). He was on antiBs & painkillers for 2.5 months before that.

My son's June check up has been rescheduled for early December but I'd like to think before then! August or September is my pure guess.

I’m in the same situation. Just had 2 lots of antibiotics to stave off the infection. My dentist said early July was a possibility, so am keeping fingers crossed for then.

Spoke to my dentist not until 4th July at the earliest, hairdressers and beauticians are saying the same.

If you are in pain they will arrange an extraction but other than that they will only offer advice or add you to a waiting list for when they open.

Yes my dentist has said other than antibiotics extraction . It is about 4th tooth from the front so really want to avoid extraction if possible

I have broken a crown in a similar place @Starlightstarbright1. Also just a thought I have twice had something similar where I had toothache but I wasn’t sure which tooth it was. Both times I was very stressed and went to the dentist thinking it would be an extraction (as the pain was the same as tooth ache). But it turned out to be TMD/TMJ pain. It might be worth looking this up and trying the exercises suggested just incase. Its basically jaw pain but it mimics toothache and you cant tell which tooth is causing the pain (it can even be painful from what feels like your tooth to your ear).

I will look it up @Tiramisuiloveyou .

I had not heard of oranges but bought some today in the hope it helps x

No one knows

There’s been nothing. Nada not a peep from the chief dental officer

We are as frustrated as you all are

There is an ongoing petition to remove the chief dental officer. There is now a case that the governing body that told PRIVATE practices to close when they actually dont have the power to do this. Best guess dentists will start easing back into in shortly, but NHS will be longer. July at the latest.

I think if there are tests available for everyone with symptoms now they should test those who really need dental care and get them seen to.

However, that depends on how long it takes to get the results back. No good if it takes two weeks, you could easily have contracted it in that time. But it can't be that hard, surely.

Can I add my auto correct typo I meant Oragel as I have obviously heard of oranges 😳🤣

I think it's the one thing that weighs heavily on my head. God love our dentists.

Hope to get some relief soon OP.

I think if there are tests available for everyone with symptoms now they should test those who really need dental care and get them seen to

However, that depends on how long it takes to get the results back. No good if it takes two weeks, you could easily have contracted it in that time. But it can't be that hard, surely

Mine was quick, order one day, delivered the next, collected the next and results a couple of days after that by text.

I could do a toothache if there was a ray of light even if it took a few days. Just having no dentists around is a bit scary.

Placemarking

Had needed a tooth out for months but kept getting messed about

Finally got an appt beginning of April

Still have a painful broken tooth

Private denlists who have sourced the necessary PPE probably really want to re open.

I was due to have root canal on two teeth the day after lockdown was announced. I have been in agony for 6-7 weeks. I have had two lots of antibiotics, 6 phone calls to the dentist, who said my symptoms didn't sound like infection. I was nearly over dosing on painkillers, i was in pain. Rang another dentist, explained everything. He referred me there and then and i got treatment the very next day from an emergency dentist. My gums were very swollen, very infected and i had two visible nerves that the dentist cannot believe i wasn't in absolute agony, i said im prob used to the pain now. My teeth have now temporarily been fixed until i can get proper root canal and im not in pain. I insist you ring and ring and ring until they refer you for emergency treatment. He had ppe and used older style drill and carried out X-rays, social distancing measures in place and my temp took.

I'm hoping 4th July when phase 3 of easing should, in theory, begin.

Some dentists are still carrying out urgent treatment. If yours won't I suggest you ring around.

Also have a toothache! They gave antibiotics. No offer of extraction let alone a repair! I can't understand how patients can just be left in pain!! I understand it would be high risk but if other health care professionals have to just get on with it, I'm not sure why dentists had to close. Bonkers!

Apparently dental work carries one of the highest risks possible because they're "in" your mouth, drilling creates aerosols potentially of infected matter.

Dentists are working in Portugal and I felt incredibly safe. My temperature was taken at the external door, inside head to to foot PPE etc. My root canal filling came out on Friday and I cracked the remaining tooth. I had to wait until Monday but the treatment has been fantastic.

I should add they didn't drill as pp said that's a high risk activity.

I get that the aerosol treatments are dangerous - but surely only if you don’t have the correct PPE?

That seems to be the issue. The face masks and cheap plastic visors are not good enough.

Why can’t dentists get full face plastic masks like snorkelling masks, you know the type that looks like a space helmet, made so there is still good visibility. With a plastic air in tube at the back well away from the source of the aerosol. With multiple filters or the end hanging out if the window! Nothing’s getting through that!

I really do think it’s an utter disgrace that people are being left in agony for months because the government can’t come up with PPE that works.

This is the only thing I am slating them about. PPE. A joke.

Does anyone know if dentists are allowed to drill etc (ie not just extractions and anti bs) in other european countries,at the moment? And were private practices closed down there as well, With referrals to regional centres for emergency treatment, as here?
I read there is also some concern that Dentists usually check for oral cancers in routine check ups, so some may be being missed at the moment.
Would testing and if necessary self-isolation for say 14 days before an appointment, plus ppe, be enough to Address the infection control concerns now? (I appreciate this wouldnt have been possible while there wasnt enough testing capacity)