A dental emergency rarely happens at a convenient time. This guide explains which problems need urgent care, what you can do at home while you wait, and how to get seen quickly at Glenmore Park Dental Services.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Call us as soon as possible if you have:
- Severe or throbbing toothache that stops you sleeping or eating
- A knocked-out or badly loosened adult tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth with sharp edges or pain
- Swelling of the gum, face or jaw
- Bleeding that does not slow after an extraction
- A lost filling or crown causing pain
Go to a hospital emergency department or call 000 if facial swelling is spreading, affects your breathing or swallowing, or you have a high fever or feel very unwell.
What to do while you wait
Knocked-out adult tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk. Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk, and get to a dentist straight away. Time matters most with this injury.
Toothache
Rinse with warm salty water and gently floss around the tooth to remove trapped food. A cold pack on the cheek can help with swelling. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet, and never place aspirin directly on the gum.
Broken tooth or lost filling
Rinse your mouth, keep any pieces, and avoid chewing on that side. Sugar-free gum or dental wax from a pharmacy can cover a sharp edge until your appointment.
Dental emergencies on Saturdays
We are open Monday to Saturday, so if something happens late in the week you can still be seen before the weekend is over. Call us first thing and we will do our best to fit you in the same day. You can also book online.
How we treat common emergencies
Your dentist will examine the area, take an X-ray if needed, and explain your options before any treatment. Depending on the cause, care may include a temporary filling, root canal treatment, a tooth extraction or a referral. Every procedure carries some risk, and we will talk you through what is involved.
For more on urgent care, see our emergency dentist in Glenmore Park page, or read tooth extraction aftercare.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your dentist.