Local anaesthesia blocks the way nerves carry pain signals, in effect numbing the area. The numbness can last from about two to eight hours. Local anaesthetic is used primarily for simple procedures where the treatment is minimally invasive.
Sedation is used to relieve anxiety, helping you relax without putting you to sleep. Typically we use nitrous oxide gas or intravaenous sedation. Another effect of sedation is that you remember very little about the treatment afterwards. After sedation is used we allow quiet time for the recovery of the patient.
When necessary, and most often for young children, treatments can be conducted under General Anaesthetic. This can be done in a hospital setting or at the specialised clinic at Camden Medical Centre.
We offer an emergency service for our patients. A staff member trained to assist you is available after hours until 9:00 pm Monday – Sunday, including Public Holidays (excluding Christmas Day and New Year's Day). Sometimes the urgency is such that we treat you in our clinic after hours, and on these occasions there may be an additional fee. Our emergency number is 9226 4070.
| Rule No. 1 |
Stay Calm. This is the first rule because it is the most important, in any emergency. |
| Rule No. 2 |
Locate the tooth and check that there is no obvious damage to the root. The patient should lick the tooth clean (providing there is not too much trauma and blood). Alternatively wash the tooth in plain milk or salt water. |
| Rule No. 3 |
If the tooth is a primary tooth (i.e. a child's ‘baby' tooth) DO NOT try to replace the tooth into the gum, as the pressure applied could damage the secondary tooth still situated in the gum. Leave the tooth in the plain milk or salt water to transport to the Dentist. If plain milk or salt water is not available, as a last resort place the tooth in plastic wrap, a wet towel or water. |
| Rule No. 4.i |
A secondary tooth should be replanted into the gum socket if at all possible. Hold the tooth in place either using finger pressure or by biting on a handkerchief. |
| Rule No. 4.ii |
If it is too difficult to replant the tooth ask the patient to keep it under their tongue or inside their cheek. If this is not possible, place the tooth in plain milk or salt water. If none of these options are possible, a last resort is to place the tooth in plastic wrap, a wet towel or water. |
| Rule No. 5 |
If the tooth has been fractured off rather than completely knocked out, try and find the fractured piece. Often this can be re-bonded. Place the piece in salt water or plain milk. Alternatively place the piece in tap water. |
| Rule No. 6 |
Take the patient and the tooth to a Dentist as soon as possible - best if within one hour of the trauma. |
In case of more serious injuries involving bone fractures to the face, the patient should be taken immediately to the hospital with a follow-up visit to the dentist later to check for tooth damage. Look for these signs and symptoms to determine the seriousness of the injury.
For lower jaw breakages there may be pain when swallowing or talking accompanied by swelling, tenderness and possibly facial bruising. Also check for irregular alignment of bottom teeth to upper teeth.
Cheekbone and upper jaw breakages can be indicated by nosebleeds, swelling and bruising of the face particularly around the eyes and possibly impaired vision. Treat all fractures by placing a cold compress over the area to help reduce swelling, bleeding and pain. If there is excessive bleeding apply firm direct pressure to the wound.
All parents should take note of these guidelines. It could save your child's teeth.
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