Emergency dentist in North Beach and Scarborough: first aid
By North Beach Dental · · 4 min read
Along this stretch of coast, a dental emergency can start at the beach: a surfboard to the mouth at Trigg, a slip on wet rocks, or a fall from a bike on the coastal path. If you need an emergency dentist in North Beach, or you've searched "emergency dentist Scarborough", call us on (08) 9447 1514 and we'll tell you what to do. If someone is struggling to breathe or swallow, call 000 first.
What is considered a dental emergency?
Call an emergency dentist straight away for:
a knocked-out adult tooth
a broken or cracked tooth that hurts, or has a sharp edge
toothache that stops you sleeping or doesn't ease with pain relief
swelling in the gum, jaw or face
bleeding from the mouth that won't stop with firm pressure
a crown or filling that has fallen out and left the tooth sore
Some problems are usually less urgent, such as a lost filling with no pain or a small chip with no sharp edge. Call us anyway and we'll book a sensible time.
First aid before your emergency dental appointment
The steps below come from healthdirect's guide to dental injuries:
Knocked-out adult tooth: hold it by the white crown and don't touch the root. If it's sandy, rinse it briefly in warm water without scrubbing or soaking. Try to put it back in place and bite on a clean cloth. If you can't, keep it in milk or saliva. Aim to reach a dentist or hospital within 30 minutes. Our knocked-out tooth page has more detail.
Knocked-out baby tooth: don't put it back. Rinse your child's mouth with salt water and see a dentist.
Broken tooth: put any broken piece in milk or sterile saline and bring it in.
Bleeding: apply firm pressure with a clean cloth.
Swelling: hold an ice pack wrapped in a cloth against the cheek.
For pain, follow the directions on the pack or ask your pharmacist.
At what point do you go to the hospital for tooth pain?
According to healthdirect, call 000 or go to an emergency department if:
you're having trouble breathing
you're having trouble talking or swallowing
a lot of blood is going down your throat
your mouth or tongue is very swollen
A fever over 38°C, pus, a bad taste or swollen glands in your neck can mean infection, so see a dentist or doctor promptly. Outside opening hours, the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 has nurses available 24 hours a day.
Emergency dentist in North Beach: what happens when you call
We'll ask what happened, when it started, how bad the pain is and whether there's any swelling. We'll find the earliest time we can and tell you what to do until you arrive.
At the appointment, we take digital X-rays if they're needed and focus first on easing the pain and protecting the tooth. Then we explain the options for a proper repair, with costs up front. Depending on the damage, that may be a filling, a crown or root canal treatment. We also follow up afterwards to check how it's settling. Our emergency dentistry page has more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an existing patient?
No. Call us whether or not you've been to us before.
Can a broken tooth be saved?
Often, yes. Many broken teeth can be rebuilt with a filling or crown. If the break goes too deep, removing the tooth may be the better choice. A dentist needs to examine it and take an X-ray first.
How can I protect my teeth during sport?
healthdirect recommends a fitted mouthguard for contact sports and activities like skateboarding and off-road bike riding. We make custom-fitted mouthguards over two short visits.
Can I claim an emergency visit on my health fund?
Usually, depending on your extras cover. We claim through HICAPS on the spot, and we're a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF and nib, which usually means a smaller gap.
What if it happens when we're closed?
Follow the first aid steps. For any of the warning signs above, call 000 or go to an emergency department, and for a knocked-out adult tooth go to hospital rather than waiting. Otherwise, call the healthdirect helpline if you're unsure. Ring us when we open; our hours are on the contact page.
If you need an emergency dentist in North Beach, or you're coming from Scarborough or nearby, call North Beach Dental on (08) 9447 1514. For problems that aren't urgent, book an appointment online.