Dentist near Wanerie

Toothache that keeps coming back

A tooth that flares up, settles, then flares again usually has a reason: a crack, decay that's reached the nerve, or an infection at the root. Signs that the nerve may be involved:

• Pain from hot or cold that lingers after the drink is gone
• A throbbing ache that comes on by itself, or wakes you at night
• Pain when you bite down on that tooth
• A small pimple on the gum near the tooth, sometimes with a bad taste
• A tooth that has gone darker than the ones around it

If swelling is spreading towards your eye or down your neck, or you're having trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 000.

Why antibiotics aren't enough

Antibiotics can help with spreading infection, but on their own they don't fix an infected tooth. The source is inside the tooth, so the pain and swelling often come back. The tooth needs treatment.

Saving the tooth, or taking it out

We'll take an X-ray to see what's happening at the root, then explain your options:

• Root canal treatment cleans out the infected nerve and seals the tooth. It usually takes two or three visits, often with a crown at the end.
• Extraction removes the tooth. It's usually one visit, and we'll talk about whether and how to fill the gap.

We'll tell you the costs and number of visits for each before you decide. Coming from Wanerie, we'll plan any follow-up visits with you before you leave.

Getting here from Wanerie

1. From Rangeview Drive, take Cowalla Road south to Gingin Brook Road.
2. Turn left onto Gingin Brook Road, then right onto Military Road.
3. Military Road brings you out on Indian Ocean Drive. Turn left, and Breakwater Drive is about 4 km south.
4. Follow Breakwater Drive into Two Rocks to the roundabout at Constellation Entrance — we're at number 6.

Questions from Wanerie