Bupa Dental Care's surgery on Dudley Road in Brigg has asked us to share information during the Coronavirus emergency.
Practice manager Rachael Pugsley sent Brigg Blog the following, and we've highlighted some of the key points:
"As you may know, all PPE - gowns, masks, gloves etc are being sent towards hospitals at the moment as this is where the greatest need is. As yet, Dentists have not received any PPE and have been told by the NHS not to see any face to face patients to perform any treatments which may create 'aerosol', which is basically small droplets in the air. 99% of all treatments done within the surgery can create these droplets and therefore it is too risky for both dentist and nurse to try to attempt any procedures.
"This has left a cohort of individuals with broken teeth and pain for a various number of reasons. Within dental practices across the land we are trying to alleviate this as best we can.
"Ring your dentist if you have pain which cannot be controlled with pain relief, swelling, or bleeding. The dentist will be able to talk you through various options, providing prescriptions and advice. Do not call 111, they are swamped with calls and do not have time to deal with dental issues. If you ring 111, you will receive the same guidance and triage that your dentist will give you and you will not be given any treatment unless you situation is life threatening, so please ring your dentist.
"Bupa Dental Care in Brigg is open throughout the bank holiday weekend to answer your calls between 9 and 5. They are doing this to ensure that calls to 111 are kept to a minimum for dental reasons. They are providing advice and prescriptions. If you have a lost filling, or a broken tooth, they can also provide a temporary filling pack which will hopefully tide you over until a permanent one can be placed. These can be provided for non-Bupa patients as well, if you are struggling to gain access to a dentist at the moment.
"At Bupa Dental Care in Brigg, our team are trying to provide a service to the whole community. If you are struggling to get shopping or prescriptions, give them a call between 9-5 and they will do their best to ensure you are helped."
Call 01652 652070/652211 and access other information at www.bupadentalcare.co.uk