"Mixed experience"

Attended the Dental Hospital in Leeds after I lost a tooth when eating. There was no problem getting seen at the walk in clinic. But then things went a little pear shaped! The young trainee dentist who seen me was lovely and examined my tooth and gave a thorough examination of my teeth and gums. He advised that I needed an xray as he thought the root of the tooth was still embedded in my gum. He also talked through options of bridges, dental plates etc. Then I went for an xray that confirmed that the root was indeed embedded. At that point the senior consultant became involved when he heard the trainee and I discussing options on the plate / bridge. He stated I wasn't a trauma case and wasn't eligible for this. He did however say he would take out the root then and there and that would allow another, external dentist to do the cosmetic work as they wouldn't touch me if the root was still in. He then proceeded to remove the root. No complaints there...the jabs and pain medication worked very well and it was soon out. My gripe however, is about this whole system of dental emergency treatment! I turned up at the hospital with a missing tooth, a huge whole in my mouth and with the expectation that a care plan would be put in place to solve that, with the knowledge that wouldn't necessarily happen on the day, but over a period of time. I left the hospital with a missing tooth, a huge hole in my mouth and with no care plan in place to solve that problem! Not good at all and I've spent all day today trying to access a dentist who can address what I view as an emergency situation. Best I've been offwred so far is an appointment 1 month from now! Whatever happened to the NHS principle of free healthcare at the time of need?