I had a root canal while I was in India (as explained here), and was supposed to have a crown put on when I got back. But lockdown hit before the NHS could squeeze me in, so… [With Dr. Hingorani, Mumbai]
OW!
Some weeks ago, my temporary crown fell off. But we were in the first month of lockdown, so I ignored it.
Later the tooth cracked. But we were in the second month of lockdown. Still ignoring it.
Then it started to hurt. Lots. This was the third month of lockdown, which was clearly going to last for the rest of my natural life. I called 111 (The emergency number for the National Health Service here in Scotland.) They asked about my virus symptoms.
After two days on the phone with the NHS, and about a dozen conversations where they asked about and I denied every possible Covid-19 symptom, I finally heard back from an actual dental professional.
ME: Ow.
DENTIST: During lockdown, we can only offer you two options.
ME: Ow.
DENTIST: Option One is we give you the filling stuff, and talk you through filling your own tooth.
ME: Ow?
DENTIST: Option Two is we pull the tooth.
ME: OW????
DENTIST: So… how about some antibiotic? Since you’re allergic to penicillin, we have this other stuff which will make you erupt from every orifice if you drink alcohol. Of course, it may do that anyway because it’s pretty strong.
ME: My tooth is fine actually. Feels better by the moment.
Cat [from safe social distance because the NHS won’t allow her to actually share air with patient: (translation) “Good care would have avoided this painful operation.”
Dog: “A miracle! My toothache is gone! Buh-bye…”
[image credit: Wikipedia]
But after thinking about what I’ve already gone through to keep this tooth, I ended up opting for the take-no-tummy-prisoners Rx.
Excuse me, I have to go visit the bathroom for the millionth time today.
[image credit: LoMal Metal Signs]
Barb Taub 
Oh dear, you poor thing.
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Well…the killer antibiotic is actually working and what’s left of the tooth is still there so hopefully all will (eventually) be well?
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hope you’re feeling put back together and better soon. too bad we’re not living in the old time-y times, you’d be all set. all of your current options had too many negative options attached, though i would have gone the same route.
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We call it BC (Before Coronavirus) and I NEVER thought I’d actually be nostalgic for it…
A dental friend says she feels like her practice has been sent back to medieval times. Still, it could be worse!
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As I have extreme dental fear, this is a worst case scenario for me !)
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I’ve heard rumours you can’t get dental treatment in the UK right now. I do sympathize, though – hope you can last till after lockdown.
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Fingers-crossed! A dentist told me about a patient who damaged a front tooth. Instead of being allowed to work on it, they had to extract the tooth, and his poor patient has to go through the rest of lockdown with a front tooth missing. Compared to that, I’m doing fine.
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O, poor you. I know what raging toothache is like. Fortunately, mine, which necessitated root canal treatment, happened long before lockdown. Hope you feel better soon and can get the permanent crown put in.
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Thanks, Mary! The tooth doesn’t hurt anymore, but the antibiotic is pretty brutal. Hopefully all will be well until lockdown is lifted. Hope you’re both doing well!
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Fingers crossed. We’re both fine, thanks. Still being remarkably kind to each other despite 24/7 under the same roof for weeks. He can golf again so that’s good 🙂
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I thought dentists were treating emergencies…I’d class that as an emergency! Hope you’re feeling better despite the antibiotic.
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Apparently “treating” is defined as “tell you about DIY fillings” or “pull tooth”.
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Neither of which is acceptable.
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Wow! I understand. I’ve had some similar difficulties but I was able to deal with them right away. I’m supposed to get some dental work done next month but I think it won’t be happening. It’s not critical like yours though. I hope it clears up quickly and you can get a proper fix.
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Well, you know me…It’s all grist for the blog mill! (And thanks for those good wishes. The antibiotic might be messing with my plumbing, but tooth feels better.)
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Oh dear, Barb, I hope you get your tooth seen to soon. I’ve heard stories of people having to pull their own teeth out during lock-down. Is yours an NHS dentist? I think it’s the NHS dentists who aren’t allowed to do much, but a private dentist might be able to help?
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Maybe this will be me!
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My teeth ache in sympathy so I think I should self medicate with copious amounts of a liquid libation. . . . To your health! Cheers! (Sorry, I simply could not resist! You got a great post out of it . . .)
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Oh, so cruel! I can’t touch a drop of the good stuff until the antibiotics are long gone.
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I will drink another glass in your honour.
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[sobbing]
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Given the aim of lockdown is to infantilise us, let’s hope you grow a new one. In beige. With sequins.
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When my daughter got braces on her teeth, she got to pick the color. I think they should do that with tooth repairs too.
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Oh dear. As if things weren’t bad enough!! Hang in there. I hope you don’t have to do the castaway tooth repair job.
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Can’t. No ice-skates…
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And that’s a good thing!!
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I know JUST waht you were going through. Glad to hear the pain is better but it would have been fun to read a post about you filling your own tooth! Hopefully you can get it taken care of before next year. I’ve put off all dental visits until who knows when.
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Dear god tooth pain is horrible. I had a crown replaced only the week prior to lockdown (so so lucky) but if an infection reaches the root it’s unbearable. I didn’t know this was the “emergency response” so that makes me nervous. Hope the antibiotic clears it right up for you. x
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Bet “Cocaine Tooth Drops” are starting to sound pretty good.
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When I was a little girl – back in Roman times – dentists regularly used cocaine as an anaesthetic. I had forgotten all about it till I saw your last pic!
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