You can check if your dentist is a registered endodontic specialist by searching the General Dental Council's register:
https://olr.gdc-uk.org/SearchRegister . Presumably, he just used the word "endodontist" to mean that he has some knowledge of root canal treatments. It seems somewhat unlikely that a specialist endodontist would only be able to find one canal in a molar.
Don't quote me on this, but I think in order for a referral to happen, various criteria need to be fulfilled - for example, there should be no active tooth decay, the tooth should have enough tooth structure left for a crown, and the root canal treatment needs to be objectively (not just subjectively) too complex for a general dental practitioner. So perhaps he can't refer you because the tooth wouldn't be deemed "difficult enough" to warrant a specialist, or because one of the other criteria isn't fulfilled. Not saying that that's the case, but it's a possibility.
With regards to a referral, I just found the
Norfolk and Waveney Long-Term Dental Plan summary online and it says that "individuals may be referred outside Norfolk and Waveney for certain services, such as endodontics and periodontics or to a London hospital". So it sounds as if this service does not exist within Norfolk itself, but that (in theory at least) a referral is possible to an NHS endodontist elsewhere, if you're prepared to travel that far.
I also found this: "On 1 April 2023, Norfolk and Waveney ICB (Integrated Care Board) took on delegated responsibility for commissioning and managing pharmaceutical, optometry, and dental services in Norfolk and Waveney." So the ICB might be the appropriate body to ask about how a referral to an NHS endodontist works, and how you should go about it. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have a general helpline. As you've already unsuccessfully raised the issue with your dental practice and you're unlikely to get any further help from them, the next step could be to contact the Norfolk and Waveney ICB Complaints team by:
- E-mail: [email protected]
- In writing: Complaints Manager, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DL
- Telephone: 01603 595857 (This is an answer machine service. Please leave a message requesting a call back).
The thing is, some of these NHS England services seem to exist in theory only, unless you've lucked out with your dentist and services available in your area. Having said that, if you're prepared to push really hard, you might get somewhere. Slightly off topic, but I watched a hilarious movie called "Problemista" the other day, and the Tilda Swindon character might provide some inspiration if you did decide to go down this route...
If you're otherwise happy with your current NHS dentist and afraid of being taken off their books, then having the tooth removed would be the other option. Did you ever get used to the gap the last time you had a tooth out? I remember that you had a horrible time with it a few years ago.
I know people went ages during the pandemic without treatment for their pain and problems and hope I could extend this 'waiting' time to see if my options get any better! What do you think I should do please?
As Gordon often says, leaving it is not really dangerous, but you'll be taking the risk of the pain getting worse at the worst possible moment, like during the Christmas holiday period. Depends on whether you're willing to take that gamble, or have it removed in a planned way, before it gets too painful.
