Emergency

We do our best to accommodate people who require urgent attention. We will do our best to make sure you get seen on the day of your call.

1. TOOTHACHE

When a toothache begins, this is usually a sign that the nerve of the tooth is affected. This can be due to a transient, temporary nerve inflammation which manifests itself as sensitivity to hot or cold, lasts a short time and is only present when provoked. Toothache can also present as a throbbing, constant pain that may or may not respond to hot temperature and usually gets worse when pressure is applied to a particular tooth. This longer lasting discomfort is usually a sign of permanent nerve damage.

Temporary nerve inflammation can occur when inside of a tooth is exposed to the outside environment, through a fracture of tooth structure or a filling. Permanent nerve inflammation is most likely due to a serious tooth infection, either through a neglected tooth cavity or tooth decay that has set in under a filling.

If a toothache is of a serious, permanent nature, the only way to treat it is to either remove the infected nerve inside the tooth (i.e. complete root canal therapy of the affected tooth) or the infected tooth as a whole. There are advantages, disadvantages and risks and benefits associated with both of these treatment options. We will present you with clear explanations of both treatments, risks versus benefits and costs, before we commence treatment.

2. TOOTH SENSITIVITY

Teeth can become sensitive to cold, hot or sweet food and drinks. This usually occurs if the dentine (part of tooth underneath the hard enamel) is exposed to the outside environment. Most common mechanism of dentine exposure is toothbrush abrasion. When a medium or a hard toothbrush is used, in conjunction with extra abrasive toothpaste (such as whitening or tartar control toothpaste), necks of teeth, along the gum line, can easily be worn. Enamel is thinnest in this area of the tooth, so dentine is easily exposed. This creates yellowish defects on teeth surfaces and causes sensitivity. Whereas this damage cannot be reversed, it is easily preventable and easily arrested by switching to a soft toothbrush, using the appropriate cleaning technique and using a gentler toothpaste.

3. FRACTURED TEETH OR FILLINGS

Heavily filled teeth and large fillings can break after extensive use. Sometimes, cracked teeth can cause an ambiguous, unlocalized toothache, months before they fracture. This is known as the cracked cusp syndrome. We can diagnose deteriorating, cracking restorations and teeth before they fracture, develop decay or cause pain. We may need to replace them or cover them with a crown.

 

FEES

Fees for emergency exams may need to include a consultation fee, radiographs and possibly some treatment.
Fees for some item numbers that apply here are as follows (please note these fees are estimates only and may not be current on the day of your appointment):

Item 013 (limited exam, emergency consultation- short) $150

Item 022 (radiograph, per exposure i.e film) $50

Please note these item numbers apply to diagnostic services only and do not include any treatment that may need to be performed on the day. Please advise our practice manager and dentist in advance if you are worried about the cost of your treatment and they will do their best to estimate it more accurately for you before your appointment.