What is a
Dental Emergency?
What does an
emergency dentist do?
Learn what to expect when you visit a dentist for a dental emergency.
An emergency dentist makes every effort to see you when you need it most, usually within 24 hours of you contacting the practice or an after-hours emergency dentist hotline in your area. The goal for an emergency dentist is to get you out of pain or fix a recently broken or damaged tooth quickly so that you can get on with life. An emergency dentist will most likely not have time to do a thorough examination of your entire mouth on the day as they will use the appointment time to focus on your emergency dental concern only. Since an emergency appointment time is limited, you may be asked to return for follow up treatment to complete any treatment started on the day.
An emergency dentist may offer the following services on the day of your emergency dental consultation.
Removing an infected or badly broken tooth
Place an antibiotic material inside the tooth canal for temporary relief from a dying nerve
Providing a script for painkillers and/or antibiotics to treat an infection
Place a temporary or permanent filling over an area of a broken tooth
Flush out bacteria and debris causing infection below the gumlineÂ
Repair damaged teeth and soft tissue trauma from an accident or injury
Smooth off a broken or rough section of a tooth
Offer a referral to a GP or oral specialist best suited to your needs
Got a dental emergency?
Got a dental emergency?
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When should I see a dentist?
When should I see a dentist?
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The moment you notice an issue it is best to contact the emergency dentist right away before things develop into a situation that could cause you severe pain, threaten your overall health or result in the loss of a tooth.Â
It is recommended you seek consultation with an emergency dentist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms;
Pain, swelling, fever, pain on biting, broken tooth, bleeding gum or a chance in the colour of your tooth or gum.
Why you should visit the
dentist if you have an emergency.
Maintain function
Keeps the mouth healthy
Continued oral health
Catch things early
Best long-term care
Get pain relief, fast!
Why you should
visit the dentist.
visit the dentist.
Learn more about
emergency dental care.
Understanding your condition is the
key to making the right choices for youÂ
In Australia, the emergency dentist consultation cost is between $39 – $102. If the emergency dentist needs an x-ray on the day to provide a clear diagnosis this is estimated to cost between $30 – $56 on top of the emergency consultation fee. Â
The emergency dentist will do their very best to get you out of pain on the day, provided you agree to the recommended treatment and the costs associated with the service. An emergency dentist may only have enough time during the appointment for a temporary fix and request that you return at a later date for a more permanent treatment solution. However, if the treatment needed is minimal, the emergency dentist may be able to complete your treatment on the day. The purpose of an emergency dental visit is to diagnose your condition and get you out of trouble so that you can continue on with life with a plan to return when you and the dentist have more time for a more comprehensive treatment appointment. Â
A general dentist and an emergency dentist are considered the same. The term emergency dentist is used to describe the service needed by the patient when they are in need of urgent care. An emergency dentist must hold the same tertiary qualifications and registrations to perform dentistry as a regular general dentist.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and are unable to get an urgent appointment with an emergency dentist at a private dental clinic it is advised that you go to the hospital to have your condition assessed and treated by a medical professional immediately.Â
Seek immediate medical attention if you have;
Experienced trauma to the mouth or face
Excessive bleeding in your mouth that will not stop
Swelling in your mouth or neck which is making it difficult for you to breathe, swallow or speak
Severe toothache or jaw pain that will not ease with over-the-counter pain relief
Developed a feverÂ
Vomiting, nauseousness and feel faint
You have a broken tooth that is causing severe pain or trauma to your tongue or cheek
Any other dental emergency that is not tolerable or is a threat to your wellbeing if left untreated
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It is important to note that certain dental emergencies are life-threatening if left untreated. If you can not reach an emergency dentist, please seek help from a general medical practitioner or go straight to the hospital emergency ward
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