If you or a family member has a very painful toothache or an injury to your teeth or gums, get help as soon as possible.
For serious problems that occur after hours or on weekends, you may need to contact an after-hours dentist, see below.
Some hospitals can deal with dental emergencies, but this should be your last option. You will likely have to follow up with a dentist later.
The Ministry of Health also has some tips on how to get emergency dental care.
The following private dentists in Christchurch have identified that they are open late night and some weekends and public holidays for emergency dental appointments. Note: These services are not associated with Te Whatu Ora.
| Practice name | Location | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Garden City Dental | Central Christchurch | 03 379 6222 |
| Loxo Dental | Papanui, Christchurch | 03 354 9549 |
| Pathway Dental | Christchurch | 03 366 8866 |
| Team Dental Riccarton | Christchurch | 03 341 1122 |
Some private dentists have a contract with Te Whatu Ora to provide subsidised urgent care for people who have a Community Services Card. To use this service you must live in Canterbury and have a current Community Services Card. The emergency dental care is for a one-off treatment of a problem. If you need further dental care, you'll have to pay the dentist’s usual fees for this.
Participating dental practices provide a 30-minute visit, where a dentist will assess the dental problem and provide any necessary dental treatment.
Note: If the dentist decides that your dental condition doesn't meet the definition of a dental emergency, they'll charge their usual fees. You will need to pay a co-payment of up to $40 a visit under this scheme.
| Practice name | Address | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo Street Dental | 201 Colombo St, Sydenham, Christchurch | 03 337 4596 |
| Halswell Dental | 284 Halswell Rd, Halswell, Christchurch | 03 322 9577 |
| Hornby Dental | 5 Tower St, Hornby, Christchurch | 03 349 5059 |
| Redwood Family Dentists | 186 Main North Rd, Redwood, Christchurch | 03 352 6186 |
| Richmond Dental | 45 North Avon Rd, Richmond, Christchurch | 03 389 5923 |
| Peter Van Kuijk | 129 Williams St, Kaiapoi | 03 327 7199 |
| Smiles Oral Health (previously part of Hoon Hay Dental) | First Floor, 30 Lincoln Road, Hoon Hay, Christchurch | 03 338 4712 |
WINZ beneficiaries can apply for an emergency grant of up to $1,000 a year to pay for urgent dental care with any dentist. Talk to the dentist about applying for the grant before you start treatment.
ACC will contribute towards the cost of treatment for teeth damaged in accidents (PDF). You can phone ACC on 0800 101 996 for more information.
Page last updated: 10 January 2023
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