Dental emergencies tend to happen at the worst possible moment. What you do in the first hour can make a real difference to the outcome. Here's a calm, practical guide to the most common situations, and when to call us.
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have facial swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a significant injury to the face or jaw.
Severe toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm salty water and gently floss around the tooth to remove trapped food.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet. Never put aspirin directly on the gum.
- A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help with discomfort.
- Call us. Persistent or throbbing pain often means infection, and that needs professional treatment.
Knocked-out adult tooth
Time matters. The best chance of saving the tooth is getting it back in place within about 30 minutes.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it briefly in milk. Don't scrub it.
- If you can, gently push it back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If not, store it in milk (or in your cheek, if the person is old enough not to swallow it) and call us immediately.
- Don't try to replant a baby tooth. Keep it and call us for advice.
Chipped, cracked or broken tooth
- Rinse gently with warm water and keep any broken pieces.
- Cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek.
- Avoid chewing on that side, and very hot or cold food and drinks, until we've seen you.
Lost filling or crown
- Keep the crown somewhere safe and bring it with you, because it can often be re-cemented.
- Don't use household glue. A temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth for a short time.
Swelling or a dental abscess
A painful lump on the gum, a bad taste or swelling in your face can mean an infection. It won't settle on its own, so call us promptly. If swelling spreads quickly or affects your breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care straight away.
How Ceres Dental can help
Our Potts Point clinic is open Friday and Saturday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. If you have a dental emergency, call 02 9357 2177. We'll give you advice and see you as soon as possible.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for personal advice from your dentist or doctor.