What is a dental emergency?
Emergency dental care is available for when you need to see a dentist urgently. Usually, an emergency involves any kind of pain or discomfort that can’t be treated with a simple over-the-counter painkiller, or any kind of tooth breakage.
By arranging an emergency appointment, your dentist will be able to assess the problem and offer an immediate solution that improves the pain and ensures the damage is minimised or even reversed.
However, not all emergencies of the mouth are suited to the skills of your dentist. You may need to go to the emergency department at your local hospital. If you are unsure if your issue is an emergency, please call the practice to discuss.
The advantages of emergency dental treatment
Emergency dental services are beneficial for several reasons:
Pain reduction and management: An emergency dentist can help to diagnose the cause of pain and help to treat it right away
Damage minimisation: Immediate attention can help to minimise any damage to the tooth, gums, and your oral health
Avoid higher costs and more treatments later: In some cases, immediate attention can help you avoid more treatments and higher costs down the track.
What to expect from an emergency dental appointment
An emergency dental appointment will vary depending on your emergency, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:
Call ahead to let your dentist know you are coming so they can try to prepare for you, and ensure you are going to the right place (in some cases, you may be redirected to a hospital)
When you arrive, your dentist will rinse or clean the affected area
They will perform a visual inspection and may take X-rays if required
They may provide pain medication or anaesthesia if required
They will either treat the issue immediately or do a temporary fix until you both have time for a more permanent solution
Your dentist may prescribe you with a round of antibiotics if an infection is involved or likely
They will provide you with follow-up care instructions
We place a high importance on dental emergencies as dental pain can be distressing.
Our team will endeavour to provide you with a same-day appointment and prioritise your care. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact us as early as possible for us to try and get you seen on the same day.