You have spent the morning swimming at Park Beach. You have walked the breakwall out to Muttonbird Island and taken your photo at the Big Banana. Then you bite into a hard lolly, or a wave tumbles you into the sand, and your holiday takes a sudden turn. Before long, you are sitting on a beach towel, typing 'emergency dentist Coffs Harbour' into your phone.
A few calm steps in the first minutes can make a real difference. Here is how to handle a dental emergency Coffs Harbour visitors sometimes face, and where to find help while you are here.
Dental Emergencies Don't Take Holidays
Holidays change your routine. You eat different food, spend more time in the surf and try new activities. You might be kayaking Coffs Creek one day and driving up the winding range road to Dorrigo the next. You are also far from your regular dentist, so even a small problem can feel bigger than it would at home.
Coffs Harbour has local dental and hospital care close by. Knowing where to go before you need it can help you stay calm and act quickly. It is worth saving the key numbers in this article to your phone before you head out for the day.
Common Holiday Dental Emergencies
A Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out adult tooth is time-critical. The Australian Dental Association advises the following:
- Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), never by the root.
- If you can, place it back in the socket facing the right way, then gently bite on a soft cloth to hold it in place.
- If you cannot put it back, keep it moist in milk. Do not store it in water or wrap it dry in a tissue. Use your own saliva if milk is not available.
- Try to see a dentist within 30 minutes.
Knocked-out baby teeth are different. They should not be put back in the mouth. Find the tooth and take it with you to the dentist.
Chipped or Broken Teeth, Lost Fillings and Crowns
Biting into something hard, a knock from a surfboard or a fall can chip or break a tooth. A filling or crown can also come loose. If there is no pain, it may not be urgent, but it is still worth a call for advice. A dentist can tell you whether the damage needs care now or can wait until you are home. If you find the broken piece, keep it in milk and bring it with you.
Toothache and Swelling
Pain or swelling can be a sign of infection. These symptoms may get worse over the course of a trip. Rather than waiting it out, we encourage you to call for advice. While you arrange care, a cold compress wrapped in cloth and held against your cheek may help ease swelling.
What to Do Right Away
When to Go to Hospital First
According to healthdirect.gov, some injuries need medical care before dental care. Call 000 or go straight to the Emergency Department at Coffs Harbour Health Campus (345 Pacific Highway) if you have:
- A head injury
- Trouble breathing
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Facial or mouth swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing
Once you are stable, contact our clinic about dental follow-up.
If It Happens After Hours or on a Weekend
Our clinic is closed on weekends. If you have a dental problem after hours, you can call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. This free line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A registered nurse will ask you some questions and help you find the right care. NSW Health recommends calling Healthdirect when local dental services are closed.
Getting Emergency Dental Care at Arthur Street Dental
Our team reserves time each day for urgent care, and we can often arrange a same-day appointment. You will find us in a central location at 3/14 Arthur Street, which makes us easy to reach from wherever you are staying.
Before we begin any treatment, we will explain the costs involved so you know what to expect. Your dentist will aim to relieve your pain and stabilise the problem as quickly as possible so you can enjoy the rest of your trip. We will also explain any follow-up care you may need once you are home.
Please call Arthur Street Dental if you are experiencing a dental emergency in Coffs Harbour.