Is the situation with dental appointments everywhere at the moment?

[PermanentlyDizzy]

Developed tooth pain the other day, called my dentist, but it’s been a while since I’ve been there (dealing with other more pressing health issues) so I’ve been bumped off their NHS list. Fair enough. Booked a private consult and was seen today.

No infection, but a large chunk of an old filling has come out and taken a bit of tooth with it. Went through the options, but being a rear molar next to another old root canal and having poor structure (due to the smash and grab dentist that butchered it in the 70s) the dentist recommended extraction. He said ‘we will get you in quickly for it’ and no temporary filling was done - I think because it’s not really possible, hence the extraction. Receptionist said I had to call this afternoon to book the appointment,

Just called and was told the earliest they can do it is 26th May. I’ve booked it and asked to go on their cancellation list as well.

Is that a normal/typical wait for a private appointment at the moment or should I try another dentist?

What are the chances I will develop an infection if I leave it that long to have it removed?

DH has recently had an infection in a broken tooth that has had 2 temporary fillings fitted and fall out over lockdown. They are now booking him in for removal but, due to the length of appointment needed, he can’t get it done until August!

They have to have the room empty for 30 mins after his procedure before another patient can go in and that’s the earliest slot they have.
He’s immunocompromised so high risk for infections but that is the earliest they can offer.

I thought so. Dh and Dm have been nagging me to try a different dentist surgery, but I was pretty sure it would be the same story everywhere and that NHS lists would be even worse. I don’t know why they were so sure it would be any better, given we’ve been waiting months for essential medical referrals for ds2 and everyone knows the NHS is struggling catch up.

So sorry to hear about your husband, tooth pain is just awful to live with. I am using some savings that have taken me a couple of years to get together for something really important to me, but I know I’m lucky to have the money available to pay privately.

Is there a cancellation list they can put your husband on? Might be worth asking.

Such a shame to have to use your hard earned savings though. Yes, the nhs is struggling all over. I will suggest he phones and asks about the cancellation list, thanks, I hope you don’t suffer too much pain between now & extraction.