Need an Emergency Dentist?
If you need emergency dental treatment or are in pain, please call us urgently on 0508 GENTLE (436 853). We have same day appointments available and will see you as soon as we can.
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental problem that needs immediate care. Toothaches are sometimes a symptom of an underlying issue and shouldn’t be ignored.
While some emergencies involve intense pain and are obvious, other dental problems, like a broken filing, may not hurt but still require immediate attention. For more serious injuries, such as a broken jaw or facial lacerations, you should go to the hospital or Emergency Room.
Still Not Sure if it's an Emergency?
Our friendly staff are here to talk through your symptoms and get you seen as soon as possible. We have same day appointments and multiple practices in Wellington and the Hutt Valley. We’re also open some late nights and Saturdays.
If you’re not sure what counts as a dental emergency give us a call on 0508 GENTLE (436 853).
Preventing Common Dental Emergencies
Common dental emergencies including losing a tooth through an injury or accident and chipped or broken teeth or filings from eating hard or sticky foods. You can prevent some injuries by wearing a mouthguard when you play sport and cutting rather than biting directly into some hard foods. Regular checkups also help keep your dental work in good condition.
Types of Dental Emergencies
01
Severe toothache, Infected teeth
02
Broken, chipped or cracked fillings
03
Dental trauma to the teeth, gums or soft tissue
04
Knocked-out or missing teeth
05
Cracked or fractured teeth
06
Chipped or broken teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
Does toothache count as an emergency?
Yes, severe toothache is considered a dental emergency especially if it has come on suddenly. If you have tooth pain that’s getting worse, please book an emergency appointment. Toothache can indicate a more serious underlying issue such as a dental infection, abscess, or nerve damage, which requires treatment by a dentist.
What types of dental problems count as an emergency?
It can be hard to know what counts as a dental emergency. Any dental problems that will lead to complications if the treatment is delayed should be treated as urgent. Broken, cracked or fractured teeth, broken fillings or braces, or injured or dislodged teeth all need urgent dental care. If you’re still not sure if you need urgent attention, call our practice on 0508 GENTLE and our staff will talk through your symptoms.
What’s involved in an emergency dentistry appointment?
Your dentist will examine your mouth to identify the cause of the dental emergency. They may need to take x-rays to assess how bad your injury or symptoms are. Before any treatment, our dentists will prioritise pain relief to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. They will then treat the tooth or implement a temporary fix (such as a temporary crown) until you’re ready for a permanent solution.
What is the best way to manage tooth pain?
There are a few ways you can alleviate tooth pain while you wait for treatment. Rinse your mouth with saltwater, take over the counter pain relief, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth and avoid eating or drinking as much as possible while you wait for treatment.
