Question 1

Is a loose adult tooth a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

If you are an adult, then a loose tooth is an important dental concern and definitely should be treated as a dental emergency. The dentist needs to see the situation immediately and assess the cause of the loose tooth.

Question 2

Is a wobbly baby tooth a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

A loose baby tooth is not such a serious concern and you can monitor this at home. Sometimes it can get painful or even slightly swollen around the baby tooth. Wobbling the tooth at home can help the tooth loosen slowly until it naturally comes out. If the tooth is stubborn or child is not willing to touch the baby tooth, then you can book and appointment for one of our therapists to have a look. Most likely the tooth can be easily removed with anaesthetic.

Question 3

What is a tooth infection?

Accepted Answer

An infection of the tooth is called a dental abscess. It is a bacterial infection that is a collection of pus. The bacteria can infect the pulp of the tooth and then spreads inside your tooth and down towards your root. It can also happen in the gums around the outside neck of the tooth. Tooth infections usually occur with poor dental care or lack of proper dental hygiene and cleaning.

Question 4

How long does a tooth infection last?

Accepted Answer

A tooth infection does not go away on its own. Many times the pain will continue until you have either started dental treatment, taken antibiotics or the pulp inside the tooth starts to die. In this case the pain stops because the nerve is dead. However, the tooth infection is still present and can spread and cause more damage to surround tissues.

Question 5

What does a dental abscess look like?

Accepted Answer

An abscess is a swelling in the gum, mostly looks like a little pimple near the tooth. Sometimes you can see the swelling get bigger sometimes there is a drainage point where the pus is getting released.

Question 6

Is a broken filling a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

Many times a broken filling is not a dental emergency. If you are not feeling any immediate pain, then you can wait and try and keep the area as clean as possible. You will still need to repair the filling, as the area will be an access point for decay and bacteria. If you do have significant dental pain however, then we can treat you as a dental emergency as occasionally a broken filling can be very deep when it exposes the nerve of the tooth.

Question 7

How long can I go with a broken filling?

Accepted Answer

It depends of the severity of the broken filling. If it is a small chip, you can wait a few days or a week until you see a dentist. If it is large breakage you will need come in sooner. Best to call your dentist as soon as possible as explain the situation to them.

Question 8

Is it safe to visit the dentist during this COVID-19 pandemic?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Australian dental practitioners have your safety as priority. In Australia we have the highest level of infection control in the world. At Hampstead dental we take extra steps and precautions to make sure your safe.

Question 9

What should I expect if I do come to a dentist during a lockdown period?

Accepted Answer

You may see the waiting room slightly more empty, or be asked to wait in your car. There is hand sanitiser available as you enter to wash your hands and temperature testing. You may be asked to sign in using the QR codes and enter wearing a fitted facial mask.

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