Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus has changed the way all our health services work. All dentists are now open, but dental services will be delivered differently during the pandemic.
If you have any oral pain or something in your mouth your unsure about, call the dentist you’re registered with. The team will advise you about the options available and guide you to make sure you get the right treatment.
Due to physical distancing and infection control measures, dentists can only offer a certain amount of appointments each day, and priority will be given with urgent problems such as toothache.
When attending your appointment, your dental practice will look a bit different, but please follow the guidance to help reduce the risk of infection.
For more information visit nhsinform.scot/dental.
Key Information
- Enhanced infection control and physical distancing means the number of appointments your dentist can offer each day will be reduced
- Emergency and patients who require urgent treatment will continue to be prioritised so patients requiring routine check-ups and treatment may have to wait longer for an appointment
- Please do not attend your dental practice without a pre-arranged appointment and attend on your own, wherever possible
- You will be contacted in advance by staff who will carry out a Covid-19 assessment. Anyone who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, has any symptoms or has been in close contact with a confirmed case will be directed to the appropriate centre for dental treatment
- If you require urgent dental advice when your dental practice is closed please call NHS 24 on 111.
- If you are not registered with a dental practice and require urgent dental advice you can contact the Forth Valley dental helpline on 01324 614 670 during normal office hours or NHS 24 on 111 out-of-hours.
Your Dental Service
If you do suffer toothache or dental pain it can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain relief until your dentist is able to see you.
Whilst a crown or bridge falling out can be distressing, it is not a true dental emergency. Sensitivity to temperature and an intermittent dull ache are also signs of a less severe problem. Constant throbbing pain often means an abscess is affecting one or more teeth.
Contact your dentist to arrange an appointment and describe your symptoms so they can prioritise your care. If symptoms worsen, phone NHS 24 for advice (111).
If you have severe pain, bleeding or swelling which is affecting your ability to breathe, seek help immediately by calling 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
Unregistered dental patients can obtain advice and assistance Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.00pm by contacting the Forth Valley Dental Helpline on 01324 614670.
Emergency Dental Service
- Stirling Health & Care Village – Phone: NHS 24 on 111 (6.00pm – 8.00am and weekends)
- Falkirk Community Hospital – Phone: NHS 24 on 111 (6.00pm – 8.00am and weekends)
Find Local Dentists
Find your nearest Dentist using our Service Finder.
Did You Know?
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Ensuring you have regular check-ups at least once a year with your dentist and hygienist and putting their advice into your every day route will reduce the amount of dental treatment you will require over time
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Gum disease is extremely common and affects 3 out of every 4 adults over the age of 35 in the UK. More teeth are lost through gum disease than dental decay. Gum disease is completely preventable
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Any mouth ulcer that does not heal within 4 weeks needs to be checked. Oral cancer tends not to be painful making it difficult to detect. Your dentist should be able to spot this early by including an oral cancer screening process as part of your regular examination