Dental emergencies can come unaware, causing considerable distress and pain. Urgent dental care is free in Australia for acute oral conditions, but knowing what to do in an emergency is important. Early action will prevent further complication and get you treated sooner. This article covers different aspects of urgent dental care in Australia, on managing dental emergencies and where to get help fast.
Understanding Emergency Dental Situations
Any situation in your mouth that needs attention ASAP to stop the pain, bleeding or tooth loss is a dental emergency. Chipped teeth, cracked teeth, avulsed teeth, toothache, dental abscess, soft tissue trauma in the mouth are some of the most common dental emergencies. Recognition of clinical signs of a dental emergency is key to prompt correct intervention.
Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency
In the presence of a dental emergency, the initial step is to take a breath and determine the extent of the problem. When suffering from heavy bleeding or a severe pain, professional dental care should be the main focus. Nevertheless, certain precautions can be taken at home before he/she sees a dentist.
In case of avulsion of a tooth, attempt to pick it up by the crown, without direct contact with the roots. Rinsing it gently if dirty with water would be satisfactory, but do not scrub or otherwise dislodge tissue fragments. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket. If reinsertion is impossible, lodge the tooth in milk or saliva and get to a dentist right away.
Where to Find Emergency Dental Services in Australia?
Australia is equipped with a strong system of emergency dental services providing the capacity for access to urgent care when required. Emergency dental care is provided by public dental clinics, private dental practices, and hospital emergency departments, to name a few.
Dental services for the public are provided in all the states and territories, and broadly are provided to eligible (i.e., children and concession card holders) people. However, wait times for public dental care can be long, and immediate appointments may not always be available. On the other hand, private dental practices may schedule emergency appointments with short notice but treatments cost more.
Costs and Payment Options for Emergency Dental Treatment
The price of emergency dental treatment in Brighter Smile Coogee, Australia is different depending on the nature of the problem, the type of treatment conducted, and whether the patient goes to a public or a private clinic. Public dental services usually provide treatment at a reduced fee or for free to those who qualify, but supply is constrained. Private dental care provides quicker access to treatment but comes at a higher cost.
For individuals with private health insurance, some schemes provide for emergency dental treatment, and thereby reduce out-of-pocket costs. Patients are recommended to review their insurance plans for information regarding coverage limits and determination of eligibility. Most dental practices also provide variable payments and loan options in order to assist with the cost of needed dental care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Not all dental emergencies are preventable but some preventatives can reduce the risk of acute oral diseases. One of the best against oral conditions becoming dental emergencies is good oral hygiene in the form of brushing, flossing and going to the dentist.
Accessing Emergency Dental Services in Rural and Remote Areas
Emergency dental care is difficult to access for residents of rural and remote parts of Australia. Limited availability of dentists and long travel distances can make it difficult to receive immediate care. In an effort to mitigate this, the Australian government, and different agencies, have been rolled out into offering dental care access in these areas.
Mobile dental clinics and tele-dentistry are now options for remote populations. Patients can have initial appointments and advice via video conferencing so they don’t have to travel further away. In cases where direct treatment is needed, we can refer to the clinic nearest to you.
