Help with costs
ACC Dental Treatment in Hamilton
If you’ve damaged a tooth in an accident, ACC may help pay for your treatment. We’ll assess the injury and lodge the claim for you.
- We lodge the ACC claim
- Urgent appointments
- Adults & children
What ACC can help with
ACC (the Accident Compensation Corporation) can help with the cost of treating dental injuries caused by an accident in New Zealand. This applies to adults and children, whether the injury happened at sport, at home, at work or anywhere else.
Common accidental dental injuries include:
- A knocked-out tooth
- Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
- Teeth pushed out of position by a knock
- Damage to crowns, bridges or dentures caused by an accident
- Injuries to the lips, gums or mouth
What to do after a dental accident
- Call us straight away Ring 07 214 5987. The sooner we see you, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
- Protect the tooth For a knocked-out adult tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse gently and keep it in milk or inside your cheek.
- Collect any pieces Bring broken tooth fragments with you in milk or water.
- Control swelling Use a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling and pain.
For more first-aid tips, see our emergency dentist page.
How the ACC dental claim process works in Hamilton
You don’t need to contact ACC first. At Hamilton Family Dental we handle the paperwork:
1. Assessment
We examine the injury, take X-rays if needed and explain your treatment options.
2. We lodge the claim
We lodge the ACC claim on your behalf with details of how the accident happened.
3. Treatment
Once the claim is accepted, ACC contributes to the cost of the treatment you need.
4. Any part-cost
ACC may not cover the full cost. If there’s a surcharge or part-cost, we’ll tell you before treatment begins.
What to bring
- Details of when, where and how the accident happened
- Your ACC claim number, if you already have one (e.g. from a GP or A&E visit)
- Any broken tooth pieces, kept moist
Treatments that may follow an accident
Depending on the injury, treatment may include bonding or a white filling, a crown, root canal treatment or, if a tooth can’t be saved, an extraction and replacement. We’ll always talk you through the options and any costs.
Playing sport? A mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to prevent dental injuries – ask us at your next visit.
Why choose Hamilton Family Dental after an accident?
Dental injuries are stressful, especially when they happen to a child. Our team will see you as quickly as we can, focus on relieving pain first, and explain your options in plain language. We take care of the ACC paperwork so you can concentrate on recovering.
We’ve been treating Hamilton and Waikato patients for over 10 years. Our Beerescourt clinic on Victoria Street has free on-site parking at the back, and we’re open on Saturdays. If ACC doesn’t cover the full cost, we offer interest-free payment options through Q Card and Afterpay – see our payment options.
Preventing dental injuries
- Wear a well-fitting mouthguard for rugby, netball, hockey and other contact sports
- Make sure children are buckled in properly in the car
- Don’t use your teeth to open bottles or packets
Questions
ACC Dental Injuries – frequently asked questions
Does ACC cover dental treatment?
ACC can help with the cost of treating dental injuries caused by an accident. It doesn’t cover decay, wear or gradual damage.
Do I need to contact ACC first?
No. Come straight to us – we’ll assess the injury and lodge the claim on your behalf.
Will I have to pay anything?
ACC may not cover the full cost of treatment, so there may be a surcharge or part-cost. We’ll explain any cost before treatment starts.
Is a broken tooth from eating covered?
Chewing or biting injuries are assessed case by case. We’ll examine the tooth and advise whether a claim is likely to be accepted.
Can children make ACC dental claims?
Yes. ACC covers accidental dental injuries for people of all ages, including children and teens.
How soon should I be seen after a dental injury?
As soon as possible – ideally the same day, and within an hour for a knocked-out adult tooth. Call 07 214 5987.
Ready to book with a friendly Hamilton dentist?
Call 07 214 5987 or 07 949 8492 · Same-day emergency appointments where possible · Free parking · WINZ, ACC & Southern Cross welcome.