Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit the dentist?
DentalCare Carnegie, dental practitioners are using the highest infection control standards. The safety of our patients and teams is top priority.
Dentists are now at ‘Level 1’ restrictions; This means we are now able to perform all general dental treatments such as checkups, cleans, fillings, crown and bridge, root canal treatments, dentures and implant surgery for all patients who do not meet epidemiological or clinical risk factors for COVID-19 infection transmission.
Can I see my DentalCare Carnegie dentist in an emergency?
Yes, we continue our commitment for same day emergency treatment. Our dedicated team will continue to go out of our way to treat patients to the highest standards and ensure no one is left in pain. If you’re not sure whether you have a dental emergency it’s best to Call DentalCare Carnegie on (03) 9571 6667
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate treatment. It may involve conditions that cause severe pain, infection or directly affect your health. This can include:
- Severe dental pain that is affecting your sleep and/or does not subside with use of pain-relief medications.
- Tooth fracture where the nerve inside the tooth becomes exposed (which may or may not include bleeding).
- Ulcers present in the mouth for 3 weeks or longer.
- Wire or bracket fractures in orthodontic patients.
- Swelling affecting your mouth, face and/or neck.
- Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing or breathing (unrelated to COVID-19).
- Damage to your mouth or jaw following an accident or injury causing loss of a tooth or teeth being moved from their original position in the mouth.
- Uncontrolled bleeding post-oral surgery.
- Patients referred by a doctor for medically necessary dental care or for urgent dental care prior to surgery that cannot be delayed.
- Treatment of a dental condition that can directly affect your health, for example, remove of an oral cancer lesion from inside the mouth.
What should I expect if I do see a DentalCare Carnegie Dentist?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional steps are being made to stop the spread of the virus. You might see an empty waiting room and be asked to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser as you enter the practice. Your dentist will ask you to do a mouthwash prior to treatment and will likely use a ‘rubber dam’ to perform any emergency treatment if it is required. All of these measures are designed to minimise any risk to you and to the practice team.
Can I be treated for a dental emergency if I have COVID-19?
- If you need urgent dental care and think you may have COVID-19, it’s important first to Call DentalCare Carnegie on (03) 9571 6667 and discuss your situation.
- If you have a dental emergency and have been diagnosed with COVID-19, dental treatment arrangement is only available as an in-patient or within a hospital setting by appropriately trained and credentialed dental personnel.
