We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
Lost a filling, can't get appointment until 2/12 - any things I should do meantime?

BlondeHeadOn
Posts: 2,269 Forumite


I lost a filling while on holiday last week, so couldn't do anything immediately. I've just rung my (private) dentist, and the earliest appointment I can get is 2nd December.
The tooth doesn't hurt, although it was a large bit of filling that fell off - basically the flat bit of a back molar.
My old dentist had said this tooth would need crowning at some stage, but he built up the tooth with filling in the meantime (this was about a year ago). Since then my old dentist has retired, but has passed the practice over to a new dentist - who seems to be very popular, if the time to get an appointment is anything to go by.
My question is: should I be concerned about leaving this tooth so long before treatment, if it is not hurting? Is there anything I should be doing in the meantime, apart from keeping it clean and not eating on that side? Is using a mouthwash a good idea?
Thanks for any help.
The tooth doesn't hurt, although it was a large bit of filling that fell off - basically the flat bit of a back molar.
My old dentist had said this tooth would need crowning at some stage, but he built up the tooth with filling in the meantime (this was about a year ago). Since then my old dentist has retired, but has passed the practice over to a new dentist - who seems to be very popular, if the time to get an appointment is anything to go by.

My question is: should I be concerned about leaving this tooth so long before treatment, if it is not hurting? Is there anything I should be doing in the meantime, apart from keeping it clean and not eating on that side? Is using a mouthwash a good idea?
Thanks for any help.

0
Comments
-
2nd Dec is only 1/12 away (Get that Xmas shopping done!!!)
It's still not brilliant though. Is it that they have NO appointments before then, or is it that none of the appointments they have fit in with your schedule?
If they have earlier appointments, I would adjust things to take one - at least to get it looked at and a temporary put on.
If that's the very first appointment they have, then I would consider looking for a different dentist.
EDIT - Sorry, misunderstood your title! 2/12 is the way I write 2 months on my notes (3/7 = 3 days, 4/52 = 4 weeks etc) You - of course - meant 2nd Dec. Sorry!How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
Clean well and fill with sugar free chewing gum if possibleThis is an open forum, anyone can post and I just did !0
-
Toothsmith wrote: »2nd Dec is only 1/12 away (Get that Xmas shopping done!!!)
It's still not brilliant though. Is it that they have NO appointments before then, or is it that none of the appointments they have fit in with your schedule?
If they have earlier appointments, I would adjust things to take one - at least to get it looked at and a temporary put on.
If that's the very first appointment they have, then I would consider looking for a different dentist.
EDIT - Sorry, misunderstood your title! 2/12 is the way I write 2 months on my notes (3/7 = 3 days, 4/52 = 4 weeks etc) You - of course - meant 2nd Dec. Sorry!
Thanks Toothsmith - this was the very first appointment they could offer me, which is a bit worrying!
I suppose I should consider looking for a new dentist, as my old one retired 6 months ago anyway - I have not yet met this new replacement, and as I am a scaredy-cat anyway I have been putting it off! This dentist surgery is about 45 minute drive away as well, so it would make sense to look for a new, more local, one. But where to start?
I don't want an NHS one, which should make it easier I suppose - I am used to paying for a private dentist, so am willing to still do so.
I have searched on this thread, as I seem to remember a website link that gives links to dentists who are good with 'nervous' patients, but I can't find it. Anyone know what I am looking for?
Alternatively, anyone know any good, patient, kind and gentle dentists who practice in the Camberley/Farnborough/Sandhurst area?0 -
Going to a new dentist with something that needs fixing isn't really the best way to begin things.
I would ring up your existing dentist and say it's a bit sharp, and could you be seen quicker? (I know it will really be a 'new' dentist, but at least it'll be a place where your notes are and where you will be known.)
It's much better to try and find a new dentist when all you're looking for is a check-up.
If - after doing all the things in my signature - you don't like the person you've found, it's easier to walk away and try again.How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.4K Spending & Discounts
- 240.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 617.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 175.6K Life & Family
- 254K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards