Dental emergencies don’t follow a predictable schedule and often occur when you least expect it. At Alderley Dental, we empathise with this reality. When these urgent situations arise, we prioritise your well-being by offering same-day emergency appointments.
We’re committed to accommodating your needs, even if it means extending our hours, rescheduling appointments, or going the extra mile to relieve your pain.
We’re here to provide assistance with a wide range of dental emergencies, including:
- Toothaches
- Broken or lost crowns and fillings
- Chipped or knocked-out teeth
- Abscesses or swelling
- Anything that doesn’t feel right in your mouth!
What to do in a dental emergency
Don’t grin and bear it! Pain is your body’s signal that something requires attention. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable or have any worries about an unfamiliar sensation in your mouth, please reach out to our practice, and we’ll arrange a prompt appointment for you.
In the meantime, consider these dental pain relief tips:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed, take Panadol or Nurofen – or both at the same time
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash
- Be mindful of your diet: avoid chewing on the affected area and stay away from hard, sharp, or sticky foods.
What are the common causes of a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies are a serious matter. Let’s clarify what qualities as a dental emergency.
Dental Trauma
- Lost Tooth: If you’ve suffered an injury resulting in the loss of a permanent tooth, it is indeed a dental emergency. Dr. Robert Zhang recommends gently cleaning the tooth’s root (if still intact) and attempting to reposition it in the socket as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes. Research indicates a significantly higher chance of saving your original tooth when replaced promptly. You can also store the tooth in saliva (such as in your cheek) or milk. Waiting over two hours to see a dental professional is not advisable.
- Broken Tooth: Dental trauma involving a broken tooth is also considered a dental emergency, especially if it’s causing you pain. Please visit our Alderley Dental practice without delay. If you can locate the broken piece, particularly for front teeth, bring it along. We will make every effort to accommodate you in our schedule that day.
Toothache
- Symptoms like throbbing pain, especially when it disrupts your sleep or occurs spontaneously, require immediate attention. Toothaches can stem from various causes, and your dentist will provide treatment to alleviate your discomfort and prevent it from worsening.
Dental abscess
- Signs such as fever, a bad taste in your mouth, pus, and/or swelling indicate a dental abscess, which is unquestionably a dental emergency. Swift treatment is essential as dental abscesses can escalate and potentially pose a life-threatening risk if not managed properly.
Broken cusp of back tooth
- Unless you’re experiencing severe pain, a fractured cusp of a back tooth does not require immediate dental attention. In such instances, we will schedule your appointment for our next available opening. Your comfort and care remain our top priorities.
Lost crown or filling
- When a filling or crown becomes dislodged, it leaves your tooth exposed and vulnerable, making it extra sensitive to hot and cold foods. To address this issue promptly, we recommend reaching out to our practice without delay to schedule the replacement of your crown or filling.
Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to provide the necessary care and assistance during dental emergencies.
What to expect from your dental emergency appointment
45 minutes or longer
To properly evaluate the problem, an X-ray of the affected area, along with a 15 to 30-minute examination, is necessary to truly diagnose the issue. Within those 45 minutes, our dentist will evaluate your dental situation and give you a clear plan of what needs to be done to have you feeling comfortable again.
How much does an emergency dental appointment cost?
Every dental emergency is unique. The cost of your visit depends on what treatment is needed to solve your problem. Upon your visit, our dentists will diagnose you and explain the cost of treatment.
Emergency dental care at Alderley Dental
We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful. Rest assured, our experienced team is well-prepared to handle various dental emergency scenarios, so please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at 07 3856 2144 or book online via our website.
Our dental practice is located at 9 South Pine Road, Alderley, with plenty of parking located directly outside our building.
*This information is general and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. For personalised advice, consult with Alderley Dental.
