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Dentalcare West

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General Family Dentistry

Orthodontics

Dental Implants

Cosmetic Dentistry

Emergency Care

Dentures

High-Tech Dentistry

Before you go to Thailand

Sleep Dentistry

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A dental emergency can be both worrisome and painful. At Dentalcare West, our friendly, understanding staff will provide you with the very best care in comfortable, safe environment.

If you're not sure if a dental problem is an emergency, we offer this advice – if it hurts, it's an emergency. Even if your injury seems small, it may be compromising the health of living tissues inside the teeth. Quick treatment improves the odds of saving injured or damaged teeth, and consequently, damaged nerves or blood vessels. If you ignore dental pain or a dental injury, you're taking a chance, because there is also a risk of getting an infection, which can become life threatening.

Most dental emergencies usually involve relief of acute pain, emergency root canal treatment or an extraction. In some circumstances, these emergencies may involve:
- [Chipped or broken teeth](/treatments/general-family-dentistry/fillings)
- [A knocked out tooth](/treatments/emergency-care/sports-injury-or-trauma)
- [Abscesses and infections causing swelling](/treatments/emergency-care/abscesses-and-infections)
- [Lost crowns and veneers](/treatments/emergency-care/lost-crowns-veneers-or-fillings)
- [Broken dentures or partials](/treatments/emergency-care/broken-dentures-or-partials)
- [Wisdom teeth](/treatments/emergency-care/emergency-wisdom-teeth)

Call Dentalcare West to book an appointment on (09) 818 8855 at the first sign of pain or dental discomfort.

Toothache is no ordinary pain, it can be one of the most unpleasant types of pain you can experience.  A lot of tooth pain is caused by inflammation in the pulp or inside part of the tooth. The pulp of each tooth contains lots of nerve endings that are highly sensitive to pain. This can cause the often constant throbbing pain that makes toothache especially unbearable. However pain can also come from the gums around the teeth.

Toothache is any pain, soreness or ache felt in or around a tooth. It’s not just one type of pain. That means it’s sometimes hard to even describe what you’re experiencing to your dentist. The pain can be sharp, dull, throbbing or constant.
In some cases, the pain is only felt when you put pressure on the tooth. Your tooth might also be particularly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Pain with chewing is also fairly common. Other symptoms could include a swollen gum around the tooth or deeper in your jaw, headaches and high fevers. You might also have bleeding from your tooth or bleeding gums. In the case of infection you might have foul-tasting fluid leaking from around the tooth.

Symptoms of toothache

Causes of a toothache may be related to your teeth, gums or jaw. Of all toothaches that our dentists see each day, the most common causes are:
- Dental cavities as a result of tooth decay
- A fractured or broken tooth
- An abscessing tooth
- An impacted wisdom tooth

Sometimes the pain is caused by an old filling  that is starting the leak or has been damaged. The gums can also be a common cause of generalised pain. Accidents and trauma cause a lot of pain and these should always be checked, even if they start to settle down.
- Generally your dentist will ask you about your medical history and then thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, gums, jaw, tongue, and other surrounding structures. You would normally also need an x-ray, depending on what your dentist suspects might be the cause of your toothache.
- Your dentist will ask you some questions about the pain, such as:
- When did your toothache start?
- How severe is the pain?
- Where do you feel the pain?
- What makes it worse?
- What makes it better?

Think about your answers to these questions before your appointment. Being prepared can speed up the diagnosis.

Early diagnosis and treatment is always the best, so please call our friendly reception team on 09 818 8855 if you would like to book to get your tooth ache sorted.

Causes of toothache

Tooth ache

Tooth sensitivity can affect people of all ages. It is usually a sharp, shooting pain triggered by eating or drinking something hot or cold, but sometimes cold air or tooth brushing can trigger it. It ranges from being mildly discomforting to outright painful.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective enamel on your teeth away or when your gums recede down. This can be caused by:
- Brushing your teeth too hard and/or using a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush
- Enjoying highly acidic food or beverages like citrus food and drinks, wine, sports and carbonated drinks which can all erode the outer layer of tooth enamel
- Tooth decay, worn fillings, cavities or broken teeth which expose the dentin of your tooth
- Gum disease and receding gums that expose the root surface
- Tooth wear caused by grinding or clenching your teeth

If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity we recommend seeing your dentist in the first instance so they can assess your teeth and gums and diagnose what might be causing it. Since there are many causes, it’s important to work it out before deciding the best course of action.

Your dentist will recommend a tooth brush and any particular tooth pastes or products that will help. This may include a soft-bristled toothbrush, an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor, or even a product like Tooth Mousse. 

If grinding or clenching your teeth is a problem, your dentist can help make a custom-made nightguard to wear at night to protect your teeth from wearing down further. Nightguards, or splints, are thinner and more comfortable than sports guards and most people get used to them pretty quickly.

It is also important to think about your diet and reduce foods and beverages which may be contributing, especially those that are sugary and acidic. 

Tooth Sensitivity

Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist is not uncommon, especially if you've had an unpleasant or painful experience in the past. But if you're putting off much-needed dental treatment because the thought of being in a dental chair makes you anxious, rest assured – we do things differently at Dentalcare West.

Whether you're just a little nervous, or you're feeling highly anxious, we understand and we can help. In fact, we have developed a range of relaxation techniques and pain relief options to help change the way you feel about visiting the dentist. Above all, we take the time to make you comfortable and 'in control' of your treatment.

We listen, care and offer genuine support.

Dental Care West is one of the only general dental clinics in New Zealand that is able to offer Sleep Dentistry. This is when you are put to sleep and your dentistry is done without you even being aware. We have a state of the art, general aesthetic facility on site, which is managed by a team of anaesthetists, their assistants, our dental team, and our dental assistants. You are in the best of hands with specialist doctors to look after you, as we get to work and provide high quality dental care.

**To book an appointment to discuss Sleep Dentistry, contact one of our friendly receptionists on (09) 818 8855 today. We recommend starting with a full check up so we can meet you and help asses how we can help.**

Nervous patients

If your tooth is displaced by trauma or has been completely knocked out, it’s important to call us as soon as possible. There are times when a tooth can be re-implanted and potentially saved if done promptly. 
- If your tooth is knocked out completely, care should be taken to handle the tooth only by the crown (the part that normally above the gumline), not by the root.
- Clean the tooth briefly in running water if dirty
- If you have a special tooth kit in your first aid kit then you can place it in that.
- You may be able to reimplant the tooth, but if you are unsure, place the tooth in milk and bring it with you to see us. Teeth that are reinserted into their socket within twenty minutes have the best chance of surviving.
- Do not store the tooth in water.
- The sooner we see you, the greater the chance of saving your tooth.

If you play sports, you are more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a protective [mouthguard](/treatments/general-family-dentistry/mouth-guards). The cost of a fractured tooth may be greater than the cost of a dentist diagnosed and designed professionally made [mouthguard](/treatments/general-family-dentistry/mouth-guards).

Sports Injury or Trauma

Most people have four wisdom teeth, two in the upper and two in the lower jaw. It is not uncommon for these teeth to become impacted. This is when the tooth doesn't grow through the gum into the mouth or only grows part way through and is in an abnormal position. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful and cause a variety of problems including serious infections. Symptoms of wisdom tooth infection include: 

- Reddened, inflamed gums alongside the wisdom tooth
- Swelling
- Soreness
- Pain
- Pus from the gum line
- Difficulties with opening your mouth and swallowing
- Fever

The best course of action for problematic wisdom teeth is to have them removed. Many people worry about the pain of having a wisdom tooth extracted. Your dentist will discuss pain relief options which vary between a simple local anaesthetic, through to sedation. You'll also be prescribed pain relief to help with any pain after the procedure. 

At Dental Care West we have a full operating theatre and can offer general anaesthesia for having your wisdom teeth removed, and all other aspects of dentistry. This means it can all happen when you are asleep so you feel no pain, pressure, and don’t have to hear any of the sounds.

If you have any of these symptoms, or are concerned about your wisdom teeth, [contact us](/contact-us/) for an appointment.

Wisdom Teeth

Consider it an emergency if you have lost a filling or crown. Even if you don't have any symptoms, the tooth has lost its support and it could easily become weaker. Pieces could break off or crumble, and this may require more extensive treatment. If you see your dentist right away, there's a good chance they will be able to repair the damage with minimal treatment.

If your crown or veneer has come out, put it in a safe place and avoid anything that causes pain in the tooth. Many times we are able to re-cement the crown without having to make a new one. You may find that the uncovered tooth is irritating to your tongue and therefore we suggest you call us as soon as possible for re-cementation or to place a temporary crown.

[Contact us](/contact-us) today for an appointment.

Lost crowns, veneers or fillings

Pain when you bite or chew, especially if it is accompanied by a foul odour and a bad taste, can be a sign of an abscess that needs immediate treatment. An abscessed tooth will cause an unrelenting and spontaneous pain that may last anywhere from 30 seconds to hours at a time. The pain may or may not be triggered by food, heat or cold. It may be accompanied by swelling and you may also experience pain when swallowing. 

If you think you may have an abscessed tooth, it's important to see us as soon as possible. One of our gentle, friendly dentists will examine the tooth and discuss the best course of action for you. For the short term, this may include a course of antibiotics, and of course, we'll sort out any pain and ensure you're comfortable. 

In many cases, an abscessed tooth can cause the root of the tooth to die. Because the root of the tooth is where the nerves are, you may begin to notice the pain subside, but it's important to realise that this doesn't mean the infection has gone. In fact, the infection will continue to spread and cause further damage. So it's important to be seen as soon as possible, even if the pain goes away. 

Tooth Abscesses

If you have any form of swelling in and around your mouth, gums and jaw, it's important to contact us immediately. Infections that cause a fever and/or swelling of the face should be considered an emergency and should be seen that day. 

[Contact us](/contact-us/) today for an appointment.

Infections Causing Swelling

Abscesses and infections

Worried about your breath? Bad breath (halitosis) can be embarrassing, but it’s also a very common problem and one we can help with. 

Most adults and many children suffer from bad breath at one time or another, and for some, bad breath can become such a problem that it causes extreme embarrassment and ongoing concern. The medical term for this condition is halitosis. Often, a person with bad breath is unaware that they have it until someone tells them.
The majority of cases of bad breath come from the mouth (90%). The presence of decay or gum disease along with poor oral hygiene causes the problem. This is because our mouth is full of bacteria which, if allowed to get out of control, will cause bad breath.

There are two types of halitosis: transitory and chronic. Transitory halitosis is caused by foods such as onions or garlic, but only lasts 24-72 hours. Chronic halitosis does not improve with time and breath fresheners and supermarket mouthwashes only camouflage the problem for a few hours. The odour of halitosis results when bacteria in the mouth, teeth and tongue cause the formation of volatile sulphur compounds. These compounds produce the "rotten egg" smell.

The good news is that here at Dentalcare West, we can help you determine why this may be a problem and work with you to get it sorted. Our team of dentists and hygiensits can help you once again enjoy fresh breath without embarrassment.

**Firstly a thorough dental examination** with one of our dental professionals is required to detect areas of decay and gum disease. Areas where food can be come entrapped between teeth and broken fillings lead to a build-up of bacteria and therefore bad breath.

**Maintaining good oral hygiene,** eliminating gum disease and regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.

**Tongue cleaning.** Studies show that 50% of oral bacteria live on the surface of your tongue. Brushing the surface of your tongue with a tongue scraper removes these bacteria.

**Special mouthwashes** are now available which actually eliminate the volatile sulphur compounds — the cause of the bad breath.

If you are concerned about your own, or your partner's breath, speak to us so that we can assess the situation so that we can put you on the road to fresh breath. 

**To book an appointment, contact one of our friendly receptionists on (09) 818 8855 today.**

So what can you do?

Bad Breath

If your gums are bleeding, please call our team or book an appointment. Whilst bleeding gums are common, it's important to check the cause to rule out any serious conditions. In general, bleeding indicates that your gums are inflamed, and this inflammation is generally responding to bacteria on the surface of your teeth. The surface inflammation is known as gingivitis, but may also arise from an incorrect brushing technique, improper flossing, oral cancers and more.

Bleeding Gums

If you have dentures or partials, the chances are that at some stage they will need some level of repair. Teeth can sometimes be separated from dentures or partials. We also find that the clasps or the plastic base may break. Most of these issues can be quickly and professionally remedied by our laboratory, technician during regular business hours. Although we can often have the repair completed in one or two days, occasionally it may require an extra time. We have an on-site technician who can repair and help as quickly as possible.

If you have any concerns about your dentures or partials, [contact us](/contact-us) today.

Broken dentures or partials

Our teeth are incredibly strong, but they can be chipped, cracked or broken through biting something hard, a fall or being hit in the face, cavities that weaken your tooth or the loss of a filling that leaves the tooth weakened. However it happens, a chipped or broken tooth needs to be seen as soon as possible. 

If you or your child has broken a tooth, contact us immediately. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a clean piece of gauze to any bleeding for about 10 minutes or until bleeding stops. A cold pack (or a pack of frozen peas) is useful to help stop any swelling and reduce the pain. If you have found the fragment of broken tooth, bring this with you.

First Aid

The treatment of your chipped or broken tooth will depend on how severely it is damaged. A small or minor chip can often be quickly repaired at the time you visit. A badly damaged tooth may require more than one visit. We’ll go through the best options for your tooth, including costs, at your consultation. And if your treatment will involve more than one visit, we’ll take care of any pain and advise you on caring for your tooth between visits. Some common repair options include:

- Fillings: These are often a very good option for repairing minor cracks, chips or breaks. White fillings are a good option as they are less noticeable and don’t contain mercury. Find out more about fillings [here](/treatments/general-family-dentistry/fillings).
- Crowns: If a large piece of tooth breaks off or there is decay involved, it may be worth repairing it with a crown. A porcelain crown covers the entire tooth and helps provide structural support. Find out more about crowns [here](/treatments/general-family-dentistry/porcelain-crowns).
- Veneers: If a front tooth is broken or chipped, we may use a veneer to give a natural-looking, long-lasting result. Porcelain veneers are very strong and can last between 8 and 15 years. Find out more about veneers [here](/treatments/general-family-dentistry/veneers).

Treatment Options

Chipped or broken teeth

Also known as xerostomia, a dry mouth can cause bad breath, continuous thirst or tongue sensitivity. This condition results when there is insufficient saliva to moisten the mouth. A dry mouth not only affects your enjoyment of food, but will also promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth and increase your chances of getting tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems.

Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by limiting bacterial growth and washing away food particles. So when you have a lack of saliva, it can quickly lead to multiple dental problems. Fortunately, we can help you overcome this condition. 

Firstly, we will assist you in determining whether simple preventative measures, such as drinking more fluids, chewing sugar-free gum and avoiding smoking, will work for you. In addition, we’ll determine if these symptoms are due to medications or hormonal changes and can go over any other concerns you may have.

There are various products that are available to provide relief from dry mouth, so don’t put up with it any longer. [Contact us](/contact-us) today to book an appointment. 

Dry Mouth

Periodontal (gum) disease is the infection of gum tissue. This infection can lead to gingivitis (from inflammation) and then develop into periodontitis where the bone and support of your tooth is lost. Removing plaque is critical in minimising or controlling gum disease, because plaque contains bacteria, the plaque then hardens to tartar. 

The good news is gum disease is preventable and treatable. Regular hygiene visits twice a year, and good brushing and flossing techniques at home will go a long way toward preventing gum disease. 

If you’re worried that your gums need attention, don’t leave it any longer. Give us a call today and let’s get it sorted.