Emergency dentist in Ashburton

What counts as an emergency

• Severe or persistent toothache.
• Facial swelling, a bad taste or fever from an abscess.
• A knocked-out, chipped or broken tooth.
• Bleeding that will not settle.
• Severe facial swelling with fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing: go to a hospital emergency department now.

What happens

1. Call early. We see urgent cases the same day when you call early.
2. Diagnosis. We ask how it started, examine the area and take an X-ray when it changes what we do.
3. Pain relief. Getting you out of pain comes first. We start once you are properly numb.
4. Treatment or plan. Many problems are fixed on the day: a filling, an extraction or the first stage of a root canal. Bigger repairs get a written plan and cost.

Before you get here

Cost

You get a written estimate before treatment starts. Nothing happens without your agreement. Bring your health fund card.

Common emergencies and what we usually do

When you call, tell us where the pain is, how long it has lasted, and whether there is swelling or fever. That sets the right appointment length.

A knocked-out adult tooth is the most time-critical case. Put back within the hour, it has a fair chance of reattaching. Baby teeth are not put back, to protect the adult tooth underneath.

What drives the cost of an emergency visit

The emergency exam and any X-ray are the starting point. What follows is set by what we find and what you choose to do that day.

• Whether we fix it on the day or provide a temporary repair first.
• The treatment itself: a filling, an extraction or the first stage of a root canal.
• Follow-up visits to finish the job, such as a crown after root canal treatment.
• Sedation, if you ask for it.

You get a written estimate with item numbers before we start. Emergency exams, X-rays and fillings usually sit under general dental. Root canal and crowns often sit under major dental. Annual limits and waiting periods apply.

The quickest fix is not always the cheapest over time. An extraction ends the pain today but leaves a gap to replace later. We explain both paths and their costs. You decide.

After your emergency visit

Numbness lasts a few hours. Avoid hot drinks and chewing until it wears off, so you do not burn or bite your lip.

• Take pain relief as directed on the pack. Do not exceed the dose.
• Antibiotics are for spreading infection, not a substitute for treatment.
• A temporary filling is soft. Chew on the other side until it is replaced.
• Keep the area clean. Brush gently around it and rinse with warm salt water after meals from the next day.
• After an extraction, avoid smoking for at least 48 hours. It raises the risk of a dry socket.
• Book the follow-up. Many urgent fixes are stage one of two.

Call us if pain keeps building after two days, or if swelling returns. Swelling that spreads to the eye or neck needs a hospital emergency department.

Questions

Can you see me today?

We see urgent cases the same day when you call early. Call as soon as we open.

When should I go to hospital instead?

Severe facial swelling with fever, swelling spreading to the eye or neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Go to a hospital emergency department.

Are children seen as emergencies?

Yes. Eligible children are bulk billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, up to $1,158 over two calendar years.

What if it happens when you are closed?

For severe swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that will not stop, go to a hospital emergency department. For other problems, take pain relief as directed and call us when we open.

Do I need to be an existing patient?

No. New patients are welcome for urgent care. Bring your health fund card and a list of any medications you take.