Dental emergencies have a habit of starting at night, on a weekend, or on a public holiday. Knowing what to do, and when you need a dentist rather than a hospital, can save a lot of pain and worry. This guide covers your options in Canberra and how to get seen quickly at Civic Gentle Dental Care.
Is it a dental emergency?
Try to be seen as soon as possible if you have:
- toothache bad enough to keep you awake
- swelling in your gum, face or jaw
- a knocked-out, loose or pushed-in tooth
- a cracked or broken tooth
- a lost crown or filling that is painful
- bleeding that won’t stop with firm pressure
When to go to hospital instead
Go to a hospital emergency department, or call 000, if you have facial swelling that is spreading or comes with a fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury to your face or jaw. These can be signs of a spreading infection or a fracture that needs hospital care.
If it happens after hours
- Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day.
- Manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relief, following the directions on the packet.
- Rinse with warm salty water and use a cold compress on your cheek for swelling, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
- For a knocked-out adult tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse it briefly in milk and put it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Time matters, so seek care straight away. See knocked-out tooth: what to do.
- Call us as soon as we open.
Getting seen at Civic Gentle Dental Care
We keep time available for emergencies and do our best to see you the same day. We are open Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm and Friday 9am to 5pm. Call (02) 6247 0224 as early as you can.
We are at Suite 8, Level 3/161 London Circuit, Canberra City, within walking distance of the light rail and the City bus interchange. Most patients park at the Canberra Centre. Patients come to us from across Canberra, including Gungahlin and Belconnen and Braddon.
What an emergency visit costs
An emergency exam at Civic Gentle Dental Care is $70 to $110, plus x-rays at $52 each as needed. If you need treatment, your dentist will explain the options and costs before starting. As a guide, extractions range from $275 to $600, root canal therapy from $1,200 to $2,000 (excluding the final filling or crown), and tooth-coloured fillings from $209 to $450.
We claim on the spot with HICAPS for all health funds, and we are an NIB First Choice and Westfund Provider of Choice practice. See our health fund page.
In pain now? Call (02) 6247 0224 or book online. Read more on our emergency dentist Canberra page.