Dental Visits

[Bakewell79]

Morning!

I know dental visits can be hard to come by on the NHS at the moment but my practice has just reopened to pain patients.

I have suffered with a suspected abscess for three weeks, antibiotics has taken the edge off but it’s still pretty grim.

For anyone who has visited a dentist how safe did you feel? The reason I guess I’m worried is I’m classed as ‘vulnerable’ and although I know I need to go I’m scared stupid about the risks!

Thank you

My shielding dad has been and I have been separately with my dds. Felt amazingly safe. Really very impressed. I would go.

I've been twice recently - check up and hygienist. The precautions they take cannot be faulted - I had to wait outside to be allowed in - temperature taken - mask on in waiting room (all staff including Reception staff wearing masks at all times and all dental staff wearing full PPE) -had to swill mouth with a special mouthwash for 30 seconds.

I really don't think they could have done any more. During the hygienist visit she explained she couldn't use the water pick and had to do a manual scrape and couldn't do the usual polish.

Really impressed - I think as dentists are at extremely high risk they take every possible precaution so I think it's going to be as "safe" as anything can be these days.

I went yesterday to my dentist because of two lumps on my lower jaw which they suspect is bone but I've got to go back next Monday I felt safe in mine they only let you in close to your appointment so your not sat in the waiting area.

They took my temp before I was allowed in they also made sure I had a mask on before coming in the building and upon leaving.

Asked me all the questions about had I been in contact with anyone with the virus had I had a cough for more than a few days etc etc

They room was clean in that the chair was covered in removable plastic and anywhere else where you or the dentist may come in contact with.

My dentist had a mask as well as a face shield on

I felt safe your more at risk of getting virus stood next to someone in queue for food shop than dentist

Hope that helps to ease your worries a little op

Glad those of you have been able to get to an NHS dentist.

I could not see mine (400 + waiting list) so went private as I was in pain, over £600 for one filling and repair of a cracked tooth, and had to pay for PPE (£30) at each visit, sorry a bit of a rant there!

Hope you get sorted OP,

Thanks all

I also have a hard lump at the top of my gum, not sure if it’s bone or abscess!

I will book an appointment, thanks again!

Ohh and I had to use hand sanitiser provided by them as soon as I was allowed through the door.

My OH is a dentist and the lengths they have gone to , you probably couldn't find a 'safer' place!! They have foggers to disinfect the air, the air con takes 'old' air outside and brings fresh stuff in, everyone in PPE3 masks, perspex screens for reception, PPE gowns and visors changed after every patient, downtime between patients, temp checks on arrival, one way systems and no waiting area. Has cost a small fortune especially with PPE at least four times its normal price.

Thank you to everyone who responded

I was lucky enough to been seen today and I felt more than safe! The measures put in place were truly fantastic!

I had a permanent crown fitted last week (was due to get it done the week after lockdown started) and they were fab. Temperature taken, hand washing and the dentist and dental nurse in full PPE. Couldn't have felt safer.

Cross post - glad it went well OP!