Emergency dentist in Two Rocks and Yanchep: what to do
Emergency dentist in Two Rocks and Yanchep: what counts as a dental emergency, first aid for a knocked-out or broken tooth, and when to go to hospital.
Dental emergencies up the coast can happen anywhere: a bodyboard to the mouth, a fall off a bike on the dunes path, or a tooth cracked on a hard lolly at the footy. If you need an emergency dentist in Two Rocks, or you've searched "emergency dentist Yanchep", call us on (08) 9502 9040 and we'll tell you what to do. If you're having trouble breathing or swallowing, call 000 first.
What is considered a dental emergency?
Call an emergency dentist promptly if you have:
an adult tooth knocked out
a broken or cracked tooth that hurts or has a sharp edge
toothache that keeps you awake or doesn't settle with pain relief
swelling in your gum, jaw or face
bleeding that won't stop with firm pressure
a crown or filling that has come out, leaving a sore tooth
A lost filling with no pain, or a small chip that isn't sharp, is usually less urgent. Call us anyway, and we'll book a sensible time.
Do I need an emergency dentist or a hospital?
healthdirect's dental injury guide says to call 000 or go straight 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 head injury or a possible broken jaw needs a doctor or hospital. If none of these apply and the problem is the tooth itself, a dentist is usually the right place. A fever over 38°C, pus or swollen glands in your neck can mean infection. See a dentist or doctor promptly. The healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 has nurses available around the clock if you're unsure.
First aid while you get to the emergency dentist
Knocked-out adult tooth: hold it by the white crown, not the root. If it's sandy or dirty, rinse it quickly in warm water without scrubbing or soaking. Push it gently back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth. If that's not possible, keep it in a little milk or saliva. healthdirect advises reaching a dentist or hospital within 30 minutes.
Knocked-out baby tooth: don't put it back. Rinse your child's mouth with salt water and see a dentist.
Broken tooth: keep the broken piece in milk or sterile saline and bring it with you.
Bleeding or swelling: press with a clean cloth for bleeding, and hold a wrapped ice pack against your cheek for swelling.
For pain, follow the directions on the pack or ask your pharmacist.
Emergency dentist in Two Rocks: what happens when you call
We'll ask what happened, when, how bad the pain is and whether there's swelling. We'll find the earliest time we can and tell you what to do until then. Being close by means you're not driving to Joondalup with a broken tooth.
At the appointment, we take X-rays on site if needed, then focus on easing the pain and protecting the tooth. We explain the options for a longer-term repair, with the pros and cons of each. Depending on the tooth, that might be a tooth-coloured filling, a crown or root canal treatment. Our general dentistry page lists what else we treat.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dentist remove a badly broken tooth?
Yes, if it can't be saved. Often a broken tooth can be rebuilt with a filling, crown or root canal treatment instead. We'll take an X-ray and explain both paths before anything happens.
Can a knocked-out tooth always be saved?
Not always, but speed helps. healthdirect says it may still be possible to save an adult tooth up to 2 hours after the injury, though sooner is better. A tooth that's put back often needs root canal treatment later, and we'll keep an eye on it.
Do I need to be an existing patient?
No. Call us whether or not you've been here before.
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 worried, and ring us when we open. Current hours are on our contact page.
Can I claim an emergency visit on my health fund?
Usually, depending on your cover. We claim through HICAPS on the spot, and we're a preferred provider for HBF, HCF and nib.
If you need an emergency dentist in Two Rocks or Yanchep, call Two Rocks Dental Care on (08) 9502 9040. For problems that aren't urgent, book an appointment online.