"Treatment from dental services & A&E"

I had a wisdom tooth removed by the outreach department at Victoria Hospital. Two days later I was in severe pain, had severe facial swelling and trismus. I contacted the outreach department for advice and help and was advised to contact my own dentist.

I did this and was crying in pain and begging to be seen by a dentist. I was however told that there was no dentist available to see me that day. I insisted that I must see a dentist and was told that the receptionist would call me back. She did call back within 30 minutes and advised me that the dentist thought it was dry socket and had arranged a prescription for me. As I was unable to open my mouth and was having to force painkillers through the tiny space between my teeth I knew that I would find it difficult to get the antibiotics into my mouth. I contacted the dentist again to ask if they could request suspension medication and was told by the receptionist that the dentist was in a meeting all day and this would not be possible. I was then advised to crush the tablets and in a few days I would be able to open my mouth again.

I did this and struggled through the day until in the early hours of the morning my airway became involved and I attended A&E. My experience of A&E was in huge contrast to my experience with the dental service. A&E was excellent. I was seen by the triage nurse within 5 - 10 minutes of arrival. She at once recognised that I was very ill and took me to see a doctor straight away. Tests, treatments and referral to specialists were all carried out very quickly. I was kept fully informed and all the staff were caring, considerate and very professional. I was well cared for and was in emergency surgery that morning. I think I could not have been cared for any better by the staff in A&E that day.

I do however feel that the standard of care provided by the dental service was very poor.