At Newington Dental Care, we appreciate that no one wants to be in pain. We endeavour to assist patients that require emergency treatment as soon as we can. Common dental emergencies may include:
Please provide as much information as possible when you contact us so we can prepare for your appointment and efficiently relieve your discomfort.
Please note that NDC allocates time slots on the day for the specific purpose of dental emergencies, this is usually to relieve the immediate problem only. Some problems may require several appointments or extended appointments to treat for the long term, therefore a consultation and diagnostic tests (eg. x-rays) are commonly undertaken at emergency appointments and our dentists will then discuss the treatment options with you after the discomfort has been managed.
In a dental emergency, the following information may be useful while you wait to see the dentist:
Keep the affected area clean, this will also help prevent infection. Avoid chewing on the affected side. If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown (white part of the tooth that is visible, the root is yellower) if it’s dirty rinse with milk or saline NOT tap water, and gently put the tooth back in it’s socketas soon as possible. Seek dental assistance or medical help as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, do not take aspirin as it is an anticoagulant and can cause excessive bleeding. We recommend taking paracetamol to control pain. Once examined, the dentist will advise as to the appropriate medication required.
If you have the missing filling or crown, rinse it in warm water to ensure it’s kept clean, place it in a sealed bag and bring it with you to the dentist. Should you wish to cover the hole in the interim, ensure only tooth wax is used these are available in pharmacies.
To minimise swelling, wrap an ice pack in a hand towel and place it on the affected area. Try not to move your jaw and seek medical treatment immediately.