Toothache that won’t go away. A chipped tooth that suddenly feels sharp. Even just that niggle that doesn’t quite feel right. Murphy’s Law says it’ll happen right when you need it least — and that’s why we reserve emergency slots every day. At Switch Dental in Lower Hutt, we’ll triage you over the phone, get you seen as soon as possible, and make sure you leave with a plan that works for you.
Some problems can wait a little while, but others are best checked sooner rather than later — simply because they can change quickly. A few examples:
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck – While uncommon, dental infections can sometimes spread into areas that affect breathing or general health. These situations can escalate fast and are always taken seriously.
- Severe or ongoing toothache – Constant pain is usually a sign something deeper is going on. And if toothache suddenly stops, that doesn’t always mean it’s “fixed” — it can mean the nerve has died. Either way, it’s worth a closer look.
- Broken or chipped teeth – What looks like a small break may actually be linked to hidden decay, cracks that run deeper, or overload from clenching or missing teeth. Getting it assessed early often prevents more complicated issues later.
- Accidents and injuries – A knock to the mouth, a tooth knocked loose or out, or even biting on a fork — if it’s accident-related, ACC can often help with costs, and we’ll guide you through the claim.
Think of it like an AA roadside check for your teeth. We’ll:
- Listen to what’s going on and examine the area
- Take digital X-rays or scans if needed (we have intraoral 3D scanners and OPG imaging for a full picture)
- Talk through all the options — from immediate relief to longer-term fixes
- Do something on the day to get you comfortable, unless you’d prefer to wait
We can also do a quick surface scan of your other teeth if you’d like, just to make sure nothing else is brewing.
Sometimes it’s obvious, sometimes it’s just a gut feeling. Either way, we’re here to help. Call us, and we’ll guide you on whether it needs urgent attention or can be managed later.
If it’s after hours and you’re worried about severe pain, swelling, or trouble breathing, you can also contact:
Te Whatu Ora Hutt Hospital
638 High Street, Boulcott, Lower Hutt 5010
04 566 6999
(Open 24 hours)
Call Switch Dental on 04 569 6808 for Emergency Care
Emergency slots reserved daily so you’re not left waiting weeks
Hospital-trained dentists with advanced experience in trauma, oral surgery, and infection care
Modern tech for fast, accurate diagnosis
Clear, calm approach — no push, no pressure, just practical solutions
