Gnawing

It all happens at once, doesn’t it?   

So twice this week I ended up having emergency visits to a local dentist – made more complicated because my regular surgery is currently closed because of bureaucratic issues with registration but thankfully emergency rates had been negotiated for visiting patients! 

​Phew. 
 

Anyway, the big tooth at the front on the left (central anterior / incisor) basically started wobbling after I bit into a bread roll!  I could feel it crack or 'shear' and, after panicking, immediately made an appointment.  It was enough to make me very concerned especially as just two days later I was going to a wedding and really didn't want to look like the Wicked Witch off the West!
 
So, the dentist
 

• Inspected tooth,
• Removed the sheared off tooth (it was the whole square bit!) - which also had come away from the gum, and talked about the buccle and occlusal elements…
• Suggested that it had been a hairline crack. 
• Took an x-ray.
• Cemented the tooth back on as a temporary measure - but emphasised it might only last days or weeks - or if lucky - a month or so.

It was suggested  that I might have to have:

• an implant and crown, or
• a bridge, or
• a false tooth

Hmm - none of which is going to cheap – quotes online range from £1400 to £3600.  I am with a private practice anyway (as are most of us nowadays in the UK) but fortunately they are realistic as to financial restraints! 

Update (24/08/23): I have a THIRD 'rescue' appointment tomorrow... and it seems that any proper or permanent treatment cannot even commence until mid-October.  This is interesting, is it not, when this is a private i.e. paid for service, and there is still a long waiting game.  And there is such hoo-ha about any NHS waiting times?

Good grief!!