Dental Service Information and Q&As

​The dental emergency service for Lewis and Harris has recently returned to the Western Isles Dental Centre in Stornoway.  At this time, the Castleview Dental Clinic remains closed and patients of this practice will be seen by the emergency service until further notice. 

Patients are requested to make an appointment in the first instance, and if possible, to come alone. Hand sanitiser is readily available, with measures in place for social distancing.  Patients are further reassured that enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the practice is scheduled throughout the day.

For Lewis and Harris, all dental calls should be made to 01851 707500, except out-of-hours, when patients should call NHS24 on 111.

Arrangements in the Uists and Barra remain unchanged: patients in Uist and Benbecula should continue to call 01870 602178. For Barra, the number is 01871 810400. 

With local Dental clinics shortly increasing their services, NHS Western Isles has put together the following list of helpful commonly asked questions and answers, received by members of the public in recent weeks.   

Western Isles Dental ServicesFrequently Asked Questions

Q:    I’ve read that Dentists are opening up again. Why did they close in the first place? 

A:     When Coronavirus arrived in Scotland it was clear the virus could be passed through close contact. Dental treatment means patients and staff get very close, with a high risk of infection. It was felt safer to close before the virus had a chance spread widely.   

Q:    Are we going back to a normal service then? 

A      Not yet. Coronavirus has been controlled by lockdown. If the 900 dental practices in Scotland all re-opened now, it would mean thousands of extra trips and face-to-face contacts overnight. The service will be limited for a while to Urgent and Emergency care to keep up the valuable work of social distancing.   

Q:    But if Coronavirus is still around how can I go to the dentist safely? 

A:    A range of measures are in place. We have reduced numbers of staff and patients to allow social distancing. Patients attend by appointment only, after a Covid risk assessment by phone. This is alongside full infection control measures, and provision for patients shielding.   

Q:    What is a Dental Emergency? 

A:    Swelling affecting the eye or swallowing. Bleeding. Trauma (tooth knocked out or badly broken). Pain that painkillers can’t help.   

Q:     I lost a filling. Does that count? 

A:    Lost fillings and broken teeth aren’t true Emergencies, as we can often cope with them for some time. We think of these as ‘urgent’ conditions.   

Q:    So if it’s ‘Urgent’ I'll be seen? 

A:    With limited numbers of appointments we will always prioritise Emergencies. The dental staff might take your name and details, and will offer appointments to Urgent cases where demand permits. In short, Emergencies first and Urgent if there are appointments unused.   

Q:    I've had an ulcer (or lump) for a month which isn’t healing. It isn’t sore though. Shall I wait a bit longer? 

A:    Call your local clinic today.

Q:    I was told during lockdown I could only have an extraction. Has that changed?

A:     In some case, yes. We'll try to fix front teeth whenever we can. There are procedures though with a low chance of success, which we won't offer. For back teeth in very poor condition, extraction will still be the only choice.  

Q:    I've broken/ lost my dentures? Can I get new ones? 

A:    Many dentures can be repaired, though they might be in the workshop for a couple of days. We’ll try to help with lost dentures, but can’t (for example) make a new set because you have a special occasion coming up. Sorry.   

Q:    My crown is out, can I have it put back? 

A:    In some cases, yes. Unfortunately crowns and bridges sometimes come out because the crown (or tooth itself) has failed, and just can't be fixed. Call your local clinic for advice on an individual basis.   

Q:   I go to the General Practice in town in Stornoway. Does that mean I can’t be seen? 

A:    No. The emergency service is for all patients, whoever they see.   

Q:    I'm overdue for my check-up. Prevention is best, so can I come to avoid trouble? 

A:    We hope soon, but not yet. With the risks associated with Coronavirus still out there, we must limit contact and prioritise emergencies. The same applies all across Scotland.   

Emergencies which will be given priority are: 

• Swelling 
• Bleeding  
• Trauma 
• Severe and lasting pain 
• Non-Healing lumps and ulcers 

Urgent Cases we’ll try to help with are: 

• Broken teeth/ lost fillings which are painful or sharp 
• Broken dentures 

If in doubt, please call your usual dental clinic for advice on your own particular problem.