Emergency Dentist

WE HAVE DAILY EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT SPOTS AVAILABLE TO CATER FOR ANY URGENT TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS IN PAIN. WE OFFER AFTER HOURS APPOINTMENTS UP TO 7PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND SATURDAY DURING THE DAY.

Dental Emergency is a term used to describe damage to the teeth and its supporting structures that is of high importance to be fixed with relevant dental treatment. Dental Emergency is most frequently related to dental trauma.

WHAT IS DENTAL TRAUMA?

Dental trauma refers to injury to the teeth and/or periodontium (gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone), and nearby soft tissues such as the lips, tongue.

WHAT CAUSES DENTAL TRAUMA?

Dental trauma is commonly caused by:

• Accidents (falls or motor vehicle)
• Sports related Injuries
• Physical Violence

WHAT TO DO IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU?

What to do if this happens to you

The most important thing to do is get to a dentist as soon as possible. If we are not available – visit the emergency department of a hospital. The greater the chance of saving the tooth is largely dependant on the time it takes from the trauma to occur to get treatment.

Getting to the dentist within the hour of the accident occurring gives you a greater prognosis in saving the tooth.

When travelling to the dentist, make sure to pack any fragments of tooth that may have fractured off in the accident into either milk or the injured persons saliva – avoid storing it in water.

WHAT TO DO IF A DENTAL TRAUMA HAS OCCURED AT HOME?

Knocked Out Primary Tooth: Do not attempt to replant.Your child should still be seen by their dentist to assess any effects to neighbouring teeth. Don’t forget to show your child enthusiasm (so that they aren’t worried!) – perhaps tell them that now the tooth fairy will come early.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have your child hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing your child’s saliva or chilled milk. Your child must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Fractured Teeth: Find any tooth fragments. Check to see if there is any pulp exposure. Look for pink or red dots in the fractured area. Your child must see a dentist immediately particularly if it is a permanent tooth. If there is no pulp exposure, timing is not as crucial however your child’s teeth will be sensitive and should be seen by their dentist.