"Tooth ache: co-operation between dentist,doctor and hospital"

I obtained an emergency appointment with my dentist (private) on a Monday. She prescribed amoxicillin and diagnosed an infection beneath the gum of a root filled tooth. She recommended a referral for NHS treatment. Over the weekend the toothache got worse, and my face began to swell.

By the next Monday it was very swollen. I telephoned the dentist who suggested that I should see a GP in order to get stronger pain killers and antibiotics. I was lucky to get an emergency appointment and after 1/2 hour wait saw Dr Haddon who immediately, despite phone problems contacted the maxillo-facial department of Derriford. She described my symptoms to the doctor on call and got them to agree to see me as soon as we could get there.

We arrived at about 11. 30, went to A and E and showed them the referral paper and asked them to bleep the doctor as I had been told. The wait seemed very long, about 3 1/2 hours although I was moved about for triage and an x ray in this time. I found the waiting a problem as I am a type 2 diabetic and tend towards a hypo if I don't eat regularly.

I was eventually seen by a trainee doctor who was very helpful, examined me and then got advice on what to prescribe and on the next move.

I was pleased, though sceptical when he said that an appointment would come through within the next two weeks, but sure enough I have now received a letter and appointment for the 14th November.

Tuesday I telephoned and then saw my dentist as I wanted to talk over options for treatment which had been mentioned. She is sending the surgery x ray and recommended actions to Derriford M and F dept. The swelling is going down and the antibiotics seem to be working despite some problems with mild side effects.