Originally Posted by HayleyJ

Hi again.
I did phone the same dentist - however, I had seen him as an urgent patient, as I was on the very long waiting list at our local free public clinic, which has a pretty good system which allows you a ten minute assessment appointment to "Triage" you - as I needed urgent attention for the infected wisdom tooth and they were unable to fit me in, they gave me a voucher to visit a participating private dental clinic - up to the value of just over $300 - which was enough to cover the extraction.

I would call that clinic again but I doubt I would be able to pay such high costs myself, and they were unable to quote me beyond the consultation as they are unsure what treatment I will require.

I phoned the public clinic after reading your lastest reply, and stressed my concerns and my needs for immediate attention - giving them the diagnosis from the GP etc. This was a call centre who prioritise appointments - however, the dentist himself phone me back and asked me lots of questions - and I was able to tell him that things are worsening very quickly now - the last three days things have got so bad so quickly, I am now unable to chew at all as the pain over my left temple is excruciating... so he has squeezed me in tomorrow morning for an assessment - hopefully from there I will get a referral - I will request a referral to the TMJ specialist or oral surgeon as opposed to an orthodontist if possible, following your advice.

Thank you again, and I am sorry to be a bother.... I appreciate your advice!