A knocked-out tooth, a sudden sharp pain or a mouthful of blood after a fall can be frightening, especially if it happens to your child. At Eglinton Dental Care, we get calls from local families every week asking the same thing: is this a dental emergency, and what should I do right now? This guide walks you through it simply, so you know what to do in the first few minutes and when to head straight to hospital instead.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem with your teeth, gums or mouth that needs attention quickly, rather than waiting for your next regular check-up. It usually involves pain that won't settle, bleeding, swelling, or an injury to a tooth or the soft tissue in your mouth.
Not every dental problem needs to be seen today. A small chip with no pain, for example, can usually wait for a regular appointment. But some situations do need same-day thinking, and it helps to know the difference before you're standing in the kitchen trying to decide what to do.
What counts as a dental emergency
These are the situations we'd usually class as a dental emergency:
- A tooth that has been completely knocked out
- A tooth that is badly broken, cracked or pushed out of position
- Toothache that is severe, getting worse, or keeping you up at night
- Facial swelling, especially if it's spreading
- A mouth injury with bleeding that won't stop
- A lost filling or crown that's causing pain or a sharp edge
- A broken denture that you rely on day to day
If you're dealing with any of these, it's worth calling us straight away. We keep some appointments free each day for dental emergencies, so same-day care is often possible, though we can't promise a same-day appointment every time. You can read more about how we handle urgent care on our emergency dental care page.
Dental emergency: what to do for a knocked-out tooth
A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies there is. What you do in the first few minutes can genuinely affect whether the tooth can be saved.
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the chewing surface, never by the root
- If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saliva, not tap water, and don't scrub it
- If you can, gently pop the tooth back into its socket and bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it there
- If it can't go back in, keep it moist in a small container of milk, or in your cheek if that's safer
- Call us straight away so we can arrange to see you as quickly as possible
Never try to put a baby tooth back in. This can damage the adult tooth growing underneath, so just keep your child calm and call us for advice instead.
What to do for a broken or chipped tooth
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and, if you can find it, keep any broken piece of tooth in a small container of milk or water. A cold compress held against the cheek can help with swelling. Avoid chewing on that side, and try a pharmacy pain reliever following the directions on the pack if you need it, or ask your pharmacist what's suitable.
Even a tooth that doesn't hurt much after breaking should still be checked. Cracks aren't always obvious to the eye, and a dentist can tell you what's going on underneath.
When to go to hospital instead of the dentist
Most dental injuries are best treated by a dentist, but a small number of situations need a hospital emergency department instead. According to healthdirect, facial swelling that is severe or spreading, or that affects your breathing, needs urgent medical attention rather than a standard dental visit.
Get emergency care if you have swelling of your gums that makes it hard for you to breathe, or if the swelling has occurred after a significant head injury. You should also go straight to a hospital emergency department if you have:
- Spreading facial swelling, particularly near the eye or neck
- Fever along with facial or dental swelling
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Heavy bleeding from the mouth that won't stop with firm pressure
- A head injury alongside the dental injury, or any loss of consciousness
These signs can point to an infection spreading beyond the tooth, which is rare but needs medical care straight away rather than a dental appointment. If in doubt, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. For everyday dental pain, swelling or trauma without these red flags, call our team and we'll talk you through the next step.
How we handle dental emergencies at Eglinton Dental Care
When you call us with a dental emergency, we'll ask a few quick questions so we understand what's happened and how urgent it is. We keep some appointments free each day for emergencies, which means same-day care is often possible, though we can never guarantee a specific time.
Once you're in the chair, our team will explain what we've found and talk through the treatment options and costs before we start anything. There's no pressure to go ahead with any particular treatment, and if you're feeling nervous, just let us know. We explain each step, go at your pace, and you can ask us to stop at any point.
For some treatments we can use a digital scanner instead of the old messy impression trays, which many patients find more comfortable. Bring your health fund card along too. Most rebates are claimed on the spot through HICAPS, and you simply pay the gap.
If an emergency involves a tooth we can't save, or a bite issue that needs a longer-term fix, we'll talk you through your options, which might include a filling, a crown, or in some cases clear aligners once the immediate problem is sorted. We're also upfront if something needs a referral, for example to an oral surgeon, and we'll explain why.
Preventing dental emergencies where you can
You can't prevent every accident, but a few habits lower your risk. A custom mouthguard is worth considering if you or your kids play sport, since a well-fitted mouthguard protects against knocked-out and broken teeth far better than a shop-bought one. Regular check-ups also catch small cracks, worn fillings and early decay before they turn into an after-hours emergency.
If you're new to Eglinton, Alkimos, Butler or Jindalee and haven't settled on a local dentist yet, it's worth getting a check-up booked in before you actually need one. You can see answers to common questions on our FAQ page, or reach out through our contact page if you'd like to ask something before you visit.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a dental emergency?
Generally, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, severe or worsening pain, facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a lost crown or filling that's causing pain. If you're unsure, it's always fine to call us and describe what's happening.
Can a dental emergency wait until morning?
It depends on the symptoms. Severe pain, swelling or a knocked-out tooth shouldn't wait. A small chip with no pain can often be looked at during a regular visit, but it's still worth getting it checked.
Is a toothache always a dental emergency?
Not always, but ongoing or worsening tooth pain, especially with swelling or fever, is worth treating as urgent. Pain that disturbs your sleep is also a sign it needs prompt attention rather than waiting it out.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth playing sport?
If it's a baby tooth, don't try to put it back in. Keep your child calm, rinse the area gently and call us straight away. If it's an adult tooth, follow the steps above and get in touch as quickly as you can.
Do you guarantee a same-day emergency appointment?
We keep some appointments free each day for emergencies and do our best to see urgent cases quickly, but we can't promise a specific same-day time for every call. Phoning us as soon as a problem happens gives you the best chance of being seen promptly.
Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time, but knowing the first steps can make a real difference to the outcome. If you're dealing with a knocked-out tooth, a bad break, swelling or pain right now, call Eglinton Dental Care on 08 9564 1007 or choose a time online through our booking page. We're here to help you and your family through it, calmly and without judgement.
