Wisdom tooth - 8 weeks in pain?!

greensalad

I have a decayed wisdom tooth that needs taking out. The dentist told me it's a simple extraction (no hospital required) but there waiting list is a minimum of 8 weeks.

I'm wondering if there is anything that I can do to get it done faster? I know it's a silly thing to say, I am just in so much pain. I am not sleeping, I have been on regular doses of co-codamol and ibuprofen. I feel like I cannot keep popping pills for another 8 weeks and not getting any sleep.

Worse of all I am in my final term of the final year of my degree. I'm working on a project which accounts for 40% of my overall degree, I just can't be unwell for that duration of time, I feel like this might actually have a significant impact on my degree. Not to mention that after that I have exams.

I am struggling and in tears throughout the day with shooting pains. I managed to get my appointment as an emergency but now they are not able to do the extraction as an emergency?! I am wondering if I would get further with a private dentist, but the cost of the x-ray they want to do, plus the extraction is a few hundred pounds. I don't have good credit and even Wonga won't give me a loan to get it done. I am so at a loss.

krustylouise

Have you tried asking for cancellations or phone the emergency dentist local to your area?

greensalad

krustylouise wrote: »

Have you tried asking for cancellations or phone the emergency dentist local to your area?

This is the emergency dentist They are the only dentist I could find in this city who took on NHS patients. I called NHS Direct earlier and they referred me here. The rest aren't taking on anyone who isn't a private customer. I guess my best bet is to call them every day to ask for cancellations and see if they will change my appointment.

I wonder what I pay my taxes for. I wish I had a few hundred quid but I just don't. I'm thinking of trying to sell stuff I own to raise the money but I'm not sure I have anything that expensive.

krustylouise

You poor thing. I'm sorry to hear that. 8 weeks for an emergency appointment is utterly ridiculous! Ringing everyday for a cancellation is your best bet. Good luck.

lizziebabe

Sorry to hear about your predicament.
Have you got a Dental Hospital near you. There is one in Bristol, my friend had to have a tooth removed and it was going to cost her a lot and she went to the Hospital and they did it for free.
All the best.
Also just to add - surely as a student you shouldn't have to pay anyway?

greensalad

lizziebabe wrote: »

Sorry to hear about your predicament.
Have you got a Dental Hospital near you. There is one in Bristol, my friend had to have a tooth removed and it was going to cost her a lot and she went to the Hospital and they did it for free.
All the best.
Also just to add - surely as a student you shouldn't have to pay anyway?

I will have a google. Not sure though, we don't have much around here. I'm in Canterbury.

I feel like wandering into A&E with a pair of pliers and ripping it out myself, then leaving them to clean me up. I feel like dentistry in the UK is one of the biggest NHS failings. I've been treated quicker for a twisted ankle that hurt ten times less!!

lizziebabe

Hi again - this one may be your nearest. Give them a ring and see what they say - or just turn up.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/eastman

All the best.

greensalad

lizziebabe wrote: »

Hi again - this one may be your nearest. Give them a ring and see what they say - or just turn up.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/eastman

All the best.

Do you have any idea how much they cost for a tooth extraction? I am a student and considering I have had to take time off work because I can barely stand up due to no sleep I am worried about even being able to cover my bills this month let alone pay a few hundred for tooth surgery.

lizziebabe

You shouldn't have to pay as you are a student, if you have the correct forms.
Phone them up and ask them about it. I only know that my friend had her tooth removed for free at the Dental Hospital in Bristol.

Student Support services at your Uni will be able to help you get the proper forms so that you don't have to pay any dental/prescription charges.

greensalad

lizziebabe wrote: »

You shouldn't have to pay as you are a student, if you have the correct forms.
Phone them up and ask them about it. I only know that my friend had her tooth removed for free at the Dental Hospital in Bristol.

Student Support services at your Uni will be able to help you get the proper forms so that you don't have to pay any dental/prescription charges.

I am not so sure? I have looked into it before I believe it doesn't matter if you are a student or not (it certainly doesn't for any other NHS fees) it's dependent on your income. I earn more than the threshold, so I have to pay. If it's NHS fees I can afford it (I think it's £50 for an extraction) but if it's private fees it's out of my budget.

The NHS is the waiting list I am on. It seems truly like if you have the money suddenly appointments become free. What is this, Victorian Britain?

lizziebabe

greensalad - have a look at this.


http://www.savethestudent.org/save-money/health/how-to-get-cheap-healthcare-and-dentistry-where-to-look-for-it-and-what-to-look-out-forthe-rules.html

You can also ask Student Services as they give free advice!