Not sure what to expect when seeing an emergency dentist? Read on!

Most people are familiar with visiting their dentist every 6 months for a check-up, which is generally considered a minor irritation for most patients.

However, as is the way with life, there are often times when between visits, unforeseen things happen, causing you to need another appointment. And, as is the way with dental care, these things are usually the result of something uncomfortable or something breaking.

But, if it is your first time seeing an emergency dental team, you may have some general queries about what to expect and the general procedure surrounding emergency appointments.

Should your emergency appointment send you to Northern Beaches Dental, our emergency dentist in Mackay will ensure that you are treated with a lot of TLC. As we merge dental emergencies into our daily appointments, we will always be able to see you within 24 hours of you calling but will aim to have you seen on the same day. Great news if you have a sore tooth!

So, what can you expect from a visit to our emergency dentist in Mackay? Read on to find out!

What is considered a dental emergency?

Firstly, while they are associated with discomfort, there are many dental emergencies that may not be uncomfortable.

You will need to see our dentist in Mackay if you have dental pain, swelling, a loose or lost filling/crown, a chipped or cracked tooth, profuse bleeding from your mouth or if you have a loose tooth.

If you are uncertain if you have a dental emergency, ask our friendly reception team!

I’ve chipped a tooth- should I hold onto the fragments?

Yes!

If you have a chipped tooth but have managed to hold onto the fragments, our team may be able to reattach them to the tooth using composite. If you lose the fragments, don’t worry- we will still be able to repair the tooth with a composite crown or filling.

What can I expect at an emergency appointment?

You can expect to undertake a routine examination, with the primary focus revolving around fixing the cause of the issue.

We will always aim to resolve discomfort while correcting the problem and, if needed, we will book you in for a follow-up appointment.

Will I need a follow-up with my regular dental team?

Even if our emergency team does not book you in for a follow-up appointment with your regular dental practitioner, it is always wise to have a general appointment in the week following an emergency.

In cases where there has been a dental abscess, you will need to see your dental team to have a root canal performed or another preventive procedure.

How can I avoid emergencies in the future?

In short, to avoid dental emergencies, it is important to stay on top of oral hygiene and to maintain 6 monthly appointments with our team.

If you notice a minor issue when brushing your teeth, don’t delay in having it treated and book an appointment as soon as you can.

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.