While Victoria’s stage four lockdown has put a hold on many dental services such as cosmetic dentistry, elective surgery and general checkups, these restrictions do not mean that you should avoid seeking medical help when needed.

Leaving a dental emergency untreated can lead to further, more complex health complications and ongoing pain. If you’re experiencing pain or have immediate concerns about your dental health, please get in contact so that we can assess you and organise treatment.

What is a dental emergency?

To receive in-clinic treatment during stage four lockdown restrictions, you must be experiencing a dental emergency. In most cases, this will be assessed by one of our dentists based on whether the negative consequences of not treating you outweigh the risk.

The following symptoms are considered a dental emergency:

  • Intense and sustained toothache
  • Wisdom teeth pain
  • Gum disease
  • A tooth infection or abscess
  • Bleeding in the mouth
  • Dental trauma ( physical injury to the teeth)
  • Tooth loss
  • The loss of a temporary crown
  • Carious lesions

In general, any dentistry that stops excessive pain, saves a tooth or stops bleeding is considered a dental emergency. If you have a post-surgery review scheduled during this period, you may also be required to attend this appointment to minimise the risk of potential complications.

What isn’t considered a dental emergency?

While tooth or mouth pain can be uncomfortable, it’s not an immediate sign of a dental emergency. If you’re experiencing mild pain or a dental problem that you are unsure about, book a free virtual consultation so one of our dentists can assess and advise you.

Some dental problems which don’t necessarily count as an emergency include:

  • A chipped tooth
  • Mild toothache
  • Loss of a filling

If any of these problems are associated with intense and sustained pain, fever or an abscess in the gums please seek help as soon as possible.

What dental treatments can be performed during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, some of the treatments we can provide include:

  • Extractions
  • Root canals
  • Pain relief or antibiotic prescriptions and medication
  • Periodontal (gum) disease treatment
  • Facial swelling management
  • Dental trauma management

We are also accepting necessary dental care referrals from medical practitioners and are prioritising the treatment of medically compromised patients.

Can I receive emergency dental treatment if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

If you have COVID-19 or are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, this information must be disclosed to us during our initial phone call or in the free virtual consultation we offer new and existing patients. Where appropriate, our dentists will offer you alternative management options such as antibiotics or painkillers until you have recovered or have been cleared from isolation.

There are certain situations where a suspected COVID-19 patient can be treated for their dental emergency but our dentists will discuss those options with you. Please be aware that no patient confirmed with COVID-19 can be treated in an office-based practice like Bond Street Dental.

What safety precautions do I need to take to attend my emergency dental appointment?

At Bond Street Dental, our priority is your safety and that of our people and wider community. To minimise the risk of COVID-19 exposure in our practice we have strict hygiene practices in place, including temperature checks on arrival, the use of PPE equipment and rigorous cleaning protocols.

If you’re coming in for an emergency dental appointment you will be required to wear a face mask on arrival and in the waiting area, as well as sign a health declaration. To minimise the number of people in the clinic we also ask that you attend your appointment alone or only bring one parent or guardian to accompany children.

We appreciate your understanding that patients who don’t wear a mask will not be allowed to attend their appointment.

How do I book an emergency dentist?

If you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please get in contact with us as soon as possible.

Our practice is currently on restricted hours between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, but we have call out appointments available after hours which can be arranged by calling 1300 266 378. Please note that a fee does apply for call out appointments with an emergency dentist.

We also offer free virtual consultations that allow you to speak to one of experienced dentists today from the comfort of home. Or alternatively, book an emergency appointment by calling 9826 4163 or emailing us at info@bondst.com.au.