Wollongong (02) 4228 6611

Emergency Dental

If you are suffering from a medical emergency, please call 000 directly. Otherwise please call one of our surgeries so we can arrange an appointment.

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Dental emergencies happen, usually when you least expect them, which is why at Jones Dental try to accommodate emergency appointments across our four locations. If you do find yourself in need of emergency care call us as soon as possible so we can arrange an appointment.

Toothache

Broken Teeth

Sports Accidents

Lost Fillings

Missing Crowns

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Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by a number of dental issues, including: Tooth decay, broken or cracked teeth, loose fillings, gum infection, receding gums, or a dental abscess. A persistent toothache is always a sign that you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.

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Dental abscesses can form very quickly and can either be gum related (periodontal abscess) or tooth related (periapical abscess). Both types of abscesses tend to be painful and if left untreated the infection will not resolve on its own. If you are suffering an abscess call your dentist as soon as possible for an emergency appointment.

Before your dental appointment there are a number of things you can do to help relieve some of the pain and discomfort of a toothache. We recommend rinsing the mouth with water and trying to clean out debris from any obvious cavities. Use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped within the cavity (especially between the teeth). If swelling is present, place a cold compress to the outside of the cheek (do not heat). Take pain relief if necessary, using pain medicines that you know you are safe with.

Remember, pain relief tablets do not work if placed directly on the tooth. They must be swallowed as directed. If placed on the tooth, they can cause more trouble (especially aspirin).

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Sports Accidents

Accidents do happen, both on and off the sporting field, and when they do there can be serious consequences for our teeth. The good news is that much of the trauma of dental injury can be minimised if you know what precautions to take and what to do in the unfortunate event you suffer damage to your teeth.

Children

If your child knocks out a tooth, following these steps can minimise any long term damage:

  1. Act quickly – Find the tooth, make sure it’s clean and hold it by the crown only, not the root.
  2. Place the tooth back in position, making sure it’s facing the right way round (if it’s a baby tooth, don’t place it back in.)
  3. Get to your dentist straight away
  4. If you can’t get the tooth back in position immerse the tooth in milk or saliva to transport to your dentist.

If your child develops a toothache book an appointment with your dentist straight away. In the meantime you can rinse your child’s mouth with salt water, use paracetamol to alleviate pain and if there’s swelling present, use a cold compress. (This does not apply to babies who are teething – see our children’s dental page for more information)

Adults

If a tooth is knocked out:

  1. Find the tooth and hold it by the crown only, not the root.
  2. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk but don’t scrub or soak it. If milk is not available wash the root under cold water for no more than 10 seconds.
  3. Place the tooth back in position, making sure it’s facing the right way round. Once positioned gently bite down on soft cloth or tissue, or use your mouthguard to hold it in place.
  4. If you can’t get the tooth back in position immerse the tooth in milk or saliva to transport to your dentist.  
  5. Get to your dentist as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes. 

Playing any contact or semi-contact sport poses a risk to your dental health. A properly fitted mouthguard can protect you from serious sporting injuries, such as broken jaws, fractured, cracked or knocked-out teeth, cut lips and tongues. For more information see our mouthguard page. 

Jones Dental Wollongong and Unanderra are open every Saturday 9am to 5pm and keep emergency spots available for sports accidents and dental trauma. 

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Missing Crowns

While dental crowns are an excellent long term restorative option for weakened teeth, over time crowns can become loose, especially if decay develops under the crown.

If you experience a crown falling out, the first step is to put the crown in a safe place. In many cases your dentist will be able to re-cement the crown back into its original position, so it is very important to keep your crown safe.

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Call your dentist as soon as possible to make an appointment and make sure you bring your crown with you. The exposed tooth from under the crown will not be as strong as the crown so don’t wait too long to make an appointment as your tooth could become damaged without the crown protecting it.

In some cases it may not be possible to re-cement the existing crown. Your dentist will advise you on a range of treatment options in this situation and make sure your tooth is protected.

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Broken Teeth

While teeth are very strong, it is possible for them to chip, crack and break. Broken teeth can occur due to biting down on something hard, trauma to the face or mouth, cavities that have weakened the tooth and having large old fillings that are unable to support the remaining enamel of the tooth.

If you experience a broken or cracked tooth call us straight away to make an appointment with your dentist.

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If your broken tooth has been caused by trauma, such as a blow to the face or falling over, call your dentist straight away to make an appointment. In the meantime, try to clean debris from the injured area with warm water. If bleeding apply pressure with a piece of gauze until bleeding stops. To help minimise swelling and relieve pain place a cold pack on the face next to the injured tooth.
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Lost Filllings

No filling will last forever and sometimes a fill may break, or come away. If you notice you have a filling that is rough to your tongue, is visibly cracked or chipped, or has fallen out completely we recommend calling us to make an appointment right away.

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Over time constant wear and tear can cause fillings to weaken, chip or crack. When this occurs the seal between the tooth and the filling can become compromised, allowing food particles and decay causing bacteria to further weaken the tooth. The longer lost or cracked fillings are left untreated the most your tooth can potentially become weakened and harder to restore.

Often weakened, cracked or worn fillings are identified by your dentist during regular dental examinations. Your dentist may also recommend taking dental x-rays to see what’s happening below the surface of a filling and will assist in identifying issues not visible to the naked eye.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have an out of hours emergency?

If you do have a dental emergency out of hours and require assistance go to your nearest emergency department. They will assist you and advise you on what to do until you can make an emergency appointment with your dentist.  

My child has a toothache, what should I do?

If your child develops a toothache book an appointment with our oral health therapist, or regular dentist, straight away. In the meantime you can rinse your child’s mouth with salt water, use paracetamol to alleviate pain and if there’s swelling present, use a cold compress.

Can I book an emergency appointment now?

Yes, through our online appointment book you can make regular or emergency dental appointments at any time. Alternatively you can call us on (02) 4228 6611 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturdays to make an emergency appointment. If you are looking to book an appointment out of hours please leave a message, or book online.

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Wollongong Dental Practice - Dentist

Wollongong

60 Crown St, Wollongong
(02) 4228 6611

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