How can I get access to NHS dental care in Manchester?

rj7

I'm looking for advice on finding an NHS dentist. I've tried every single dentist i could find in Manchester and none of them are taking patients on. I have at least 8 fillings and 1 root canal plus a cracked tooth. I'm in constant pain with at least one tooth and have been for over a year, but now my root canal is extremely painful, but not as painful as the shame I feel for letting my teeth get this bad. I'm only 22, I've never taken drugs and yet I look like somebody who does because of the state my teeth are in due to neglect. I feel I'm at a turning point in my life, if my teeth were in a good condition and  I smile or talk to somebody without thinking they're disgusted in how I look would make a significant difference to my life. 

Yet, I can't find a dentist anywhere. I don't know what to do. I'll never be able to afford to fix all my teeth privately while I'm not working, and my mental health will never recover unless I get my teeth fixed. I feel trapped. I don't have any support whatsoever and all I can see this leading to is taking mynown life, because there is just no way out for me.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @rj7, I'm really sorry you're struggling so much with your teeth. That doesn't sound easy at all and it's horrible to feel trapped. Just so you know, I've renamed your post so that more people might be able to find it and offer some support.

If you're in severe pain it could be worth calling NHS 111 to see if they can assign you an emergency appointment to help with your root canal. Is this something you feel like you could try? 

For ongoing care, I know you must have tried lots of places so far, but this website might also be of use to you to see if there are any practices you might not have spotted:
NHS Dentist near me » Find an NHS Dentist taking new patients (dentalchoices.org)

Some of the dentists listed have updated their statuses quite recently, so it could be worth checking again or seeing if there's anywhere nearby that you'd be able to travel to.

Sorry to read that you don't have any support around to help you. If you're really struggling with your mental health or feel like you're becoming unsafe, please do reach out. You might already be familiar with some of the listening services and helplines available, but just in case you're not, I'll link them below.
Where to get urgent help for mental health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

I really hope things start getting better for you soon.

michael57

same down south they can see you as a private patient tomorrow but as a nh patient next year i am lucky i was going to have implants had them all out  then had a couple of strokes so never bothered all about making money now i am afraid