0274482424 NELSON, RICHMOND, MOTUEKA REGION
THIS NUMBER IS FOR TRULY URGENT AFTER HOURS DENTAL ISSUES ONLY, SEE CRITERIA BELOW
TREATMENT IS NOT FREE. A CALL OUT FEE APPLIES FOR AFTER HOURS CARE.
IF YOU FEEL IN IMMEDIATE DANGER - CALL 111 NOW.
IF YOU ARE BLEEDING UNCONTROLLABLY AND IT WILL NOT SLOW DOWN - START TO MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE AFTER HOURS MEDICAL CENTRE AT NELSON HOSPITAL OR A&E WHILST AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THIS NUMBER. Use a CLEAN hanky; cloth; fabric; or wad of tissue to bite against the bleeding site with firm pressure for a minimum of 15 minutes until the bleeding has stemmed or you have received medical/dental attention.
IF YOU HAVE KNOCKED A TOOTH OUT ENTIRELY: Pick up your tooth by the crown (white chewing surface). Don't touch the root (the part that usually holds your tooth to the bone below your gumline). Rinse your tooth with water or milk to remove any dirt. AVOID USING SOAP, and do not scrub or dry the tooth. Place your tooth back into the socket, root first. Hold your tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. Bite on a napkin, gauze or handkerchief to anchor your tooth in place. Do all this as quickly as you can, then - START TO MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE AFTER HOURS MEDICAL CENTRE AT NELSON HOSPITAL OR A&E WHILST AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THIS NUMBER.
IF YOU HAVE FACIAL SWELLING THAT IS INCREASING OR IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A FACIAL FRACTURE. START TO MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE AFTER HOURS MEDICAL CENTRE AT NELSON HOSPITAL OR A&E WHILST AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THIS NUMBER.
NOTE: THE HOSPITAL A&E HAS VERY LIMITED CAPACITY FOR DENTAL ISSUES, AND CAN ONLY OFFER OPERATIVE TREATMENT TO PEOPLE IN DANGER. EVEN THEN THERE CAN BE A DELAY IN RECEIVING CARE. * Due to staffing and other issues, the hospital A&E is under immense strain*
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THE EMERGENCY PHONE SERVICE IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR GENUINELY URGENT SITUATIONS SUCH AS:
-Oral hemorrhage/uncontrollable bleeding.
-Facial swelling.
-Severe dental pain that cannot be managed with painkillers.
-Trauma with: displaced teeth; teeth that have been knocked out; suspect jaw/bony fractures; teeth that have snapped exposing the pink nerve.
PLEASE NOTE:
-Teeth with minor chips; painless fractures; or have broken or lost fillngs: If they are painless or are just sensitive to cold are NOT generally considered urgent situations. Neither are issues that are only cosmetic in nature. Whilst such situations may be uncomfortable; embarrassing; or inconvenient, they are highly unlikely to deteriorate if treatment is delayed. Please call a dentist during normal hours to arrange an appointment.
The dentists of all the local practices in Nelson, Richmond, and Motueka operate a roster system via this mobile number. Treatments are provided at their individual surgeries. If they do not pick up leave a message and they will get back to you as promptly as they can. Should they determine that you need to be seen in person, they will arrange the location and time with you directly. They will let you know what the CALL OUT FEE will be, and may be able to give an approximation/range of treatment costs.
We local dentists operate this system primarily for the safety and protection of our community. Patients from surrounding areas and regions are also able and welcome to access this service.
If you are calling in the evening it is possible you will not be seen until the following day, except in very limited circumstances.
Unless you are in danger, it is usually best to contact your regular dentist first to try and arrange an appointment directly. They will have some familiarity with your mouth, health and situation already. If you don't yet have a regular dentist, ring or web search around to find a practice with a slot available.
If your problem is primarily pain related, we encourage you to attempt management with pain relief measures until you are able to see a dentist. Most people can use Paracetamol as per packet instructions, unless they have been otherwise instructed by their GP. For other pain relief medications, please consult your doctor or dentist if you have not already, especially if you take other medications or have notable medical conditions.