Dentists - i need some advice

peasantboy

Hey guys,

The last time I went to the dentist was about 3-4 years ago and that was a private one because the local news at the time featured an article regarding the lack of NHS dentists in my area and the crazy waiting times.

Tomorrow I'm going to be phoning around to see if I can get an appointment but before I do I'd like to know if the situation that existed a few years back is still a problem now? Are people still waiting a ridiculous amount of time to see an NHS dentist?

Right now, my left cheek is resembling Marlon Brando's in the Godfather. I've had these wisdom teeth protruding for what seems like years now and I think the one side is possibly infected. I've been on Ibuprofen and icing my face and it's fine at the moment but still swollen.

It's too small to wrap some string around and pull it out myself . :mad:

I think the worst that can happen is that my wisdom teeth will need to be removed. Can I get this done on the NHS? I'm guessing getting it done privately will cost big bucks which I haven't got. This is so annoying, especially the timing.

dobbie82

Before we had a dentist here (just had one in our town after an absence of dentists for over 10 years!) I went to a private dentist as I couldn't bear the pain anymore. Wanted £120 to remove the wisdom tooth (no way I could afford it) So he just charged me £25 for the X ray and referred me to a hospital where they will be removed for free (have 3 left) The one that was causing me agony was taken out by a NHS dentist 20 miles away as I couldntwait the 9 months or so to get the hospital appointment.

Google NHS direct, it will then have an option to search for doctors, dentists etc, and should list those taking new patients.

timetobedebtfree

Trying to find an NHS dentist is a pain!! :mad:

Have you got an NHS walk-in centre nearby? I know that I had some emergency treatment done at one whilst i was waiting to register at a local dentist - they aimed to try and provide a temporary measure - particularly to relief the pain.

GeorgeUK

I think it is still quite difficult to get a NHS dentist. Alot of places aren't taking on new customers.

This site might be worth looking at though:
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx?ServiceType=Dentist

Just put in your postcode and hopefully something will be available. It seems to give a breakdown of what the practice does (NHS or Private), so hopefully it won't bee too hard to find something.

sarahs999

It depends wher eyou are. I thought the situation had eased - certainly wher I am (se london) it's easy to get on a list and easy to get seen - I rang on Weds and had an appt for friday, and that's just for a checkup. Of course, none of it's free any more. £16.30 just for a checkup, and she wouldn't even give me a polish...

peasantboy

There is quite an impressive list of 'NHS' dentists in my area according to the NHS website. Some of them have websites but don't mention anywhere that they offer NHS services. Are they embarrassed to admit this? Or for some strange reason is the NHS website just listing all nearby dentists instead of NHS service specific ones?

I'm in Cardiff so we get the welsh version of the NHS website which is crap in comparison to the new swanky one you english folk have

Voyager2002

With the new contracts, you may well find that unless you are on benefits there is little or no difference between private fees and your contribution to NHS charges. Anyway, you need help and need it badly, so you will just have to pay whatever your treatment costs.

I suggest you visit the 'health' branch and seek advice from Toothsmith. He is a private dentist and his thoughts will give you some idea about what will be going on inside the head of whichever dentist you get to see.

peasantboy

I am on benefits. Is there a chance I could get this done for free on the NHS? As I'm really struggling at the moment as it is.

whatatwit

If you can't find an NHS dentist to take you on, contact your PCT (primary care trust) they will hold the waiting list for the area.
They should also be able to offer you some sort of emergency treatment.
NHS rates are payable and they will usually only deal with the emergency.

Maybe ask the first surgery you phone for the PCT details, it might save you ringing loads of places.

peasantboy

whatatwit wrote: »

If you can't find an NHS dentist to take you on, contact your PCT (primary care trust) they will hold the waiting list for the area.
They should also be able to offer you some sort of emergency treatment.
NHS rates are payable and they will usually only deal with the emergency.

Maybe ask the first surgery you phone for the PCT details, it might save you ringing loads of places.

Thanks everyone, you've been really helpful.

whatatwit

Hope you manage to sort something out.