Coronavirus Update

 

Following advice from the Office of the Chief Dental Officer at NHS England stating that

“all routine, non-urgent dental care should be stopped and deferred until advised otherwise”

we have taken the decision to cancel all routine examinations and dental work for the foreseeable future. We will actively update our advice to our patients as soon as guidance changes.

 

 

Emergency appointments at Oracle Dental Group:

 

While we are suspending all routine appointments the practice is still open to provide emergency treatment. If you have a dental emergency please call the practice and we will aim to make an appointment for you. We also still have our same out-of-hours rota in place to ensure we can provide emergency care when needed.

 

We please ask, however, that you don’t put yourself, or anyone else at any unnecessary risk. If you’re experiencing a problem and you’re not sure if it requires an emergency appointment please consult the emergency questionnaire below:

 

Do I need emergency treatment?

 

Don’t take any unnecessary risks. If you’re experiencing a dental problem, these questions will help you decide if you need to be seen for urgent treatment.

 

Bleeding

1.    Is it following a tooth extraction? If yes, have you bitten on the gauze provided for 15 minutes?

If you haven’t, there’s no need to book yet

If you have, book an emergency appointment ASAP

2.    Is it your gums that are bleeding? If yes, this is not urgent and there is no need to book

3.    Was the bleeding caused by a blow or other trauma to your mouth? If yes, book and appointment ASAP

 

Swelling

1.    Have you noticed any swelling around the tooth or can it be seen on the outside of your face?

2.    Does the swelling extend to your eye/neck? If yes, book an emergency appointment ASAP

3.    Is the swelling affecting your vision, your breathing or is it preventing you from opening your mouth more than two fingers wide? If yes to any of these, go straight to A&E

 

Trauma

1.    Has the trauma caused you to experience any loss of consciousness, blurred vision or vomiting? If yes to any of these, go straight to A&E and call the practice

2.    Has the trauma broken a tooth or has a tooth fallen out? If yes to either, book an emergency appointment ASAP

 

Pain

1.    Is the pain making it hard to eat or affecting your sleep? If yes, this may be urgent but if the pain can be managed with pain-relief then consider the risk of attending an appointment before you book

 

Is attending an emergency appointment safe for you and others?

 

If you or anyone in your house is self-isolating, do not book an emergency appointment. If you are experiencing any symptoms, like a continuous cough or a high temperature, do not book an emergency appointment.

 

If you do need to attend an emergency appointment, please follow the below guidelines:

 

1.    Please come alone, unless you have children and don’t have child care

2.    Please come 10 minutes earlier to complete a medical form

3.    Please bring reading glasses if you need them

4.    Please bring a list of the medications you take

 

The following problems are non-urgent and do not require an emergency appointment:

 

·       Loose or lost crowns, bridges or veneers

·       Fractured or loose dentures

·       Fractured, loose or displaced fillings

·       Chipped teeth with no pain

·       Loose wires

·       Bleeding gums

 

 

We hope that all of our patients stay safe and well during this difficult time.