What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation causing severe pain, trauma to the teeth or mouth, or a condition that requires prompt attention to prevent further damage. If you're unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, call us — we're here to help.
- Severe toothache that won't go away
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Swelling in the face, gums, or jaw
- Dental abscesses
- Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth
What to Do Right Now
Knocked-Out Tooth
Handle the tooth by the crown (the white part) — avoid touching the root. Rinse gently with milk if dirty, but don't scrub or remove any tissue. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place. If reinsertion isn't possible, keep it moist in milk or inside your cheek. Call us immediately — the sooner you are seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling. Keep any broken pieces if possible. Call us urgently — we'll assess the damage and discuss repair options.
Severe Toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Do not place aspirin directly on the gums, as it can cause burns. Call us for a same-day appointment so we can identify and treat the cause of the pain.
Swelling or Abscess
Swelling may indicate an infection requiring prompt treatment. Rinse with warm salt water and contact us as soon as possible. If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
How It Works
- 1 Call Us
Phone one of our Sydney clinics and let us know it's an emergency. We'll fit you in as quickly as possible, often the same day.
- 2 Assessment
Your dentist will examine the area, take any necessary X-rays, and diagnose the problem. We'll explain what's happening and discuss your treatment options.
- 3 Immediate Treatment
We'll address the urgent issue — relieving pain, managing infection, stabilising a damaged tooth, or starting a repair. Follow-up care will be scheduled if needed.
