Dental Emergency in Neutral Bay, NSW

I came to Dr James Cooke after a very difficult 2 months with 2 previous dentists. I have had 3 root canals, 1 crown, 1 onlay and 3 implants, and have lost 2 teeth after cracks progressed. On 09/07/2026, Dentist 1 examined 36 after I reported sharp pain on biting, described a hairline fracture and advised no treatment until the tooth “changes colour”. I also raised 37, which he had restored after a crack more than 10 years earlier. While trying to locate those earlier notes, it was discovered that my pre-2017 hard-copy record had been lost. I then saw Dentist 2. On 24/07/2026, I again reported pain on biting in 36; he could not see a crack and advised waiting. On 04/08/2026, he placed an “adhesive restoration” (item 531) on 36, saying it would hold the crack together. On 03/09/2026, although he again said he could not see the crack, he drilled and restored 36. He then said the pain could instead be from 37, but did not investigate it. Root canal treatment was suggested. Afterwards, 36 became constantly hypersensitive, even to breathing. I sought specialist endodontic assessment, but Dentist 2 refused to provide the detailed referral and X-rays required by the specialist, stating that I had self-referred and did not require specialist assessment. I first saw Dr Cooke on 10/09/2026. He spent close to 2 hours listening carefully, then performed a thorough examination, X-rays, clinical photographs and pulp vitality testing. He established that both 36 and 37 were healthy and vital and did not require root canal treatment. He found that 36 needed to be completely redone and that the adhesive restoration had no clinical benefit, interfered with cleaning and was irritating the gum. On 15/09/2026, Dr Cooke completely redid 36. His attention to detail was exceptional: topical anaesthetic before local anaesthetic, computer-controlled anaesthetic delivery in measured amounts, cheek protection, lip balm, interproximal finishing tape and a protective cavity liner beneath the filling. He also removed the unnecessary adhesive restoration. Crucially, he did not stop at 36. That same day he investigated 37 and identified a major crack extending along the tooth—the actual source of my sharp biting pain. As the anaesthetic from the corrective treatment on 36 wore off, the constant hypersensitivity resolved. What impressed me most was how quickly Dr Cooke acted. With 37 still healthy and vital, he recognised that it needed protection before the crack progressed further. Despite an already full schedule, he fitted me in on 16/09/2026, the very next day, for the crown preparation procedure. The crown preparation was lengthy, but I never felt rushed. Dr Cooke repeatedly checked my comfort, used the same careful anaesthetic approach and took great care with the permanent crown impression. He also took a clinical shade-matching photograph for the laboratory. He discussed 24, 25 and 47, my 3 implants and longstanding gingival discomfort, recommended periodontal maintenance, prepared a detailed periodontist referral and identified grinding as a likely contributor to my cracked teeth, recommending a mouthguard. My permanent crown is scheduled to be fitted on 30/09/2026. From 10/09/2026 to diagnosis, correction of 36, identification of the major crack in 37, crown preparation and planned crown placement, the turnaround has been remarkable. Within 6 days, 36 had been corrected, my hypersensitivity resolved, the true source of my pain identified and 37 prepared for crown protection. Dr Cooke combines thorough diagnosis, conservative treatment, meticulous technique and immediate action. He listens, explains his clinical reasoning, shows me the X-rays and photographs, checks my comfort and never makes me feel rushed. I only wish I had found Dr Cooke sooner. After a very difficult period of dental treatment, he has restored my confidence in dental care. I am extremely grateful to Dr Cooke and the team at Shore Dental.