Emergency Dentist in Moorabbin

It is not uncommon for wisdom teeth (third molars) to cause trouble. They:

• Often run out of space at the back of the mouth. 
• Erupt typically between 16 and early 20’s.
• Can cause pain from pressure against adjacent teeth and surrounding structures.
• Hold the tooth in place. Bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position and go to the dentist immediately.
• Can get stuck (impacted) – often leaving a flap of gum over the back part of the tooth.
• Can get a gum infection around them (called pericoronitis). 

Toothache can be the result of a number of causes and it is always best to see a dentist to allow for a professional assessment. It is never normal for a tooth to cause pain or to ache – it’s a sure sign that something is wrong and should be assessed as quickly as possible. 

Early treatment of a painful tooth can lead to less extensive procedures, lower costs, and reduced discomfort. At Bayside Smiles, our emergency dentist in Moorabbin can assess your tooth to provide the necessary care.

We often see patients who delay treatment in hopes the pain will disappear. Unfortunately, it rarely does and often intensifies, making sleep difficult and painkillers ineffective. Don't wait; call us now for an assessment and peace of mind. We're here to help you feel comfortable and maintain your oral health.

Consider the following questions when calling:

• Is the tooth sensitive to cold or hot? 
• Is the tooth painful to bite on?
• How long does the sensitivity last for? 
• Is the pain sharp or dull? 
• Does the pain start spontaneously? 

What Causes Toothache?

Toothache is a result of inflammation of the dental pulp – the tissues inside a tooth that helped the tooth to grow. Common causes of an inflamed dental pulp are:

• Decay
• Broken fillings
• Cracks within teeth
• Exposed tooth roots
• Bacterial infection of a tooth

There are a number of conditions unrelated to a tooth that can cause it to ache. These can be simple or complex and require the skill of a dentist to diagnose. Common examples are sinus pain and gum infection/inflammation. 

Toothache that has been quite bad but then goes away is often a result of the pulp inside the tooth dying. The next step is a dental abscess. Don’t delay treatment if you’ve had lingering pain in a tooth that goes away suddenly.  

How Do We Treat Toothache?

Treatment is entirely dependent on making the correct diagnosis which is why we always start with a thorough examination, often including x-rays so we can see the internal structures of a tooth.

Treatment can be as simple as doing nothing, removing some debris caught between teeth or applying varnish to a sensitive area of tooth. It can be as complex as extraction or root canal treatment. 

If your orthodontist is closed, we’ll be happy to help you with:

• Broken brackets.
• Wires cutting the cheeks that have come loose.
• Broken plates.
• Broken orthodontic appliances.

Call Bayside Smiles now, and one of our skilled emergency dentists Moorabbin will assist you with your dental concern. We are here to provide prompt and effective care to address your needs.

Although it is usually better to try to save your teeth, there are times when a tooth extraction is the only solution to your dental problem or pain.

Consider the following questions when calling about a tooth extraction:

• Is the tooth necessary for chewing efficiently?
• Is the tooth necessary for having a nice smile?
• If the tooth is removed, will I over-load the opposite side because I can only chew there?

Removal of a tooth always starts with a careful assessment of the tooth, including an x ray. We will never extract a tooth without an x-ray film taken prior. This is for your safety to ensure removal is straightforward and safe.

We will always endeavour to remove your tooth gently, carefully and with the minimum of trauma so that you can heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Not all teeth are created equal – some are very difficult to remove. We will always discuss risks, benefits, difficulties and alternatives with you prior to extraction of a tooth. Please be aware that our reception team or dentists cannot tell over the phone how easy or difficult your tooth will be to remove.

If your tooth is particularly difficult to remove, it may be inappropriate for our general dentists to remove your tooth at your first visit. We will discuss with you options, including referring to an Oral Surgeon or colleague who is highly skilled in Oral Surgery. Luckily, Dr Claudia Beltran is a member of our team and ready to help you with any difficult extraction. There is always measures we can take to help get you out of pain so please book an appointment so we can assist you.