Tier 4 - would you go to the dentist and have a crown ie 2 long appointments?

[PilatesPeach]

I am meant to have 2 appointments this month, the first for the measuring and fitting of a temporary crown and the second for the fitting of the permanent one. Said tooth has a filling which is too big really to support longterm but is coping ok so far albeit at slight chip to the filling.
Normally am very relaxed at dental treatment, I have an injection and just let them get on with it. However, am in tier 4 as is dentist and the constantly rising cases are worrying me and am thinking of postponing for the time being - I should add the dentist is private and fully kitted out in PPE and patients wait in the car until called. I just feel uneasy at doing anything not absolutely necessary - felt ok until this new more transmissible strain. Currently not working as my sector is closed.
Any thoughts please? thank you

I chipped a massive piece of tooth the other day, I wasn't keen on going to the dentist ( tier 4, high cases)but I also didn't feel like I could leave it. I got an appointment for the following day (private practice). I was so impressed with the safety measures. Dentist changed room between each patient for cleaning. Air filter so stale air not circulating. Dentist and nurse full PPE of mask, shield and goggles. When they used a drill etc changed into full length overall and the dentist had a contraption over her head with it's own air supply and nurse a different sort of mask etc. I felt really safe.
Having said that I think I would probably still wait if you don't need to go as I did. I may need a crown but it can wait 6 months or so. I think risk is minute to you but I suppose it is still there as nowhere completely 100% risk free!

I think the dentist is probably one of the safest places to be. I've been numerous times since they reopened. Their procedures are tight and level of cleanliness excellent. They are allowing extra time so they can fully clean everything between each patient.

Doesn't answer your question, but I had a massive filling fall out end August. Dentist's receptionist told me I'd wait months to be seen. I have half a tooth about gum which really doesn't tolerate sweet things, and still waiting.

So, to sum up I'd say you should be grateful to be seen.

Go to the dentist.
I have had work done recently in private practice
Very safe .
I wouldn't delay dental treatment.

I recently had a crown replacement. First appointment beginning of December, second mid December. We live in the SE. It was something that needed doing, but I was putting off, as I’m terrified of any dental work. I had various routine appointments cancelled and then I finally saw the dentist during the November lockdown. When I was confident it could all go ahead, I decided just to go for it. Now it’s all out of the way. They wore full PPE and opened doors and windows. Luckily I was wearing layers! I’d say go for it. Especially now that they are not as busy.

I was worried I’d get halfway through the procedure and we would be lockdown again and I’d end up with a temporary crown for weeks/months. Dentist assured me that now they have PPE etc in place they should not need to close if there is another lockdown.

I have a general check up at the dentist booked for next week (tier 4). Would you all go just for a check up or reschedule?

Rather strangely dentists have not caught covid at a high rate. I assume it's their ppe. So yes I would be happy to.

I’ve had 2 NHS and 3 private appointments. Private were each about 2 hours long. I felt safe and was very impressed with hygiene and the strict rule following. If you need to go then you should. Obviously if it can wait then leave it for now.

Yes, I’d be happy to go.

So, to sum up I'd say you should be grateful to be seen

I am paying best part of a grand so can't feel too grateful I'm afraid!

I’ve been to the dentist for a new mouthguard (impressions and then fit appointment) and felt far safer there than in the supermarket or a cafe! I have a checkup later this month and will be going - I’m in Scotland and everywhere is tier four.

I’ve been to my dentist several times due to a decayed wisdom tooth and felt very safe ... I also had the wisdom tooth removed by a private oral surgeon three weeks ago and can absolutely say I felt incredibly safe .Dentists are putting themselves very much at risk in my opinion working on patients teeth so they are going to be all over the hygeine aspect . I had to go back a couple of times as I developed dry socket and continued to feel safe

@PilatesPeach

So, to sum up I'd say you should be grateful to be seen

I am paying best part of a grand so can't feel too grateful I'm afraid!

Ive got to have two crowns when my braces are off

Ive been to the dentist and hygienist already so im not too worried

What i would say though is that a crack developed in a root canal, the whole tooth had to be removed which means I can’t have a crown. Its just a bloody great gap

For that reason i would say that if i were you I’d get the crown done asap

yes will go ahead - thanks all