Doctors or dentist?

[Naetha]

I keep on getting a recurring infection where my wisdom toom is digging into my gum. Last time it cleared up on a short course of anti-bs and some corsodyl presribed by my dentist. I was also referred to an NHS hospital to look at getting it removed, but then I got pregnant etc and couldn't have it done.

Since then, I've moved house and I haven't registered with a new dentist yet. If I know what the problem is and how to fix it, can I get the ABs and corsodyl prescribed by a doctor, and can I get back on the NHS list without seeing a dentist?

There are no NHS dentists round here, and I can't afford the £80 for an initial checkup that the private dentists all charge.

As it's not a problem with the tooth, just with the gum, can I see my doctor about it, or do I have to see a dentist?

If it was me, and there really aren't any NHS dentists, then I'd just go to the GP with it - hopefully he can refer you to the hospital to talk about having it removed, and I'd think he can give you a prescription too. If you're really lucky, there might even be some kind of emergency NHS dentist service he could refer you to, but I know in some areas there just aren't any available - but if that's the case where you are, I'd think the GP should be pretty flexible about trying to help!

not sure if this could work but if you are having trouble finding a dentist it may

You could get your gp to prescribe antibiotic and mouthwash, that should be no problem. You could ask GP in her/she could refer you to a max/fac surgeon, as it sounds like you kind of need the tooth out. may work, might not though. also may be a wait.

is there really no emergency dentist near you. horrible to think of you suffering over a long weekend.

if you are really suffering over weekend, try nhs walk in centre or worse case senario a&e

G.P. for will help for now.

Must be an emergency dentist you can go to. That's horrible if that's the case for you.

Keep calling and badgering to get yourself seem ASAP and get on all waiting lists that you can

Thanks for the responses - I saw my GP in the end. She was very sympathetic and had no problems prescribing me the ABs. To get back on track with getting the tooth removed, I can either contact my old dentist, or contact the hospital directly, so fingers crossed will all be ok.

Still got some good painkillers in the cupboard, so they should do while the ABs kick in

Your GP could refer you to an NHS dentist or even an oral surgeon. That usually does the trick. Oh, and go gently with the Corsodyl. It is effective but can sometimes stain your teeth dirty brown (though usually goes away eventually after you stop using it). To be fair I think is says that on the label.