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What Counts as a Dental Emergency? What To Do Before You See a Dentist
Written by Dr Jacob Guirguis, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Griffith University), Comfort Dental Gymea
Dental problems rarely happen at a convenient time. Knowing which situations need urgent care, and what to do in the first hour, can make a real difference to the outcome. This guide covers the most common dental emergencies we see in the Sutherland Shire and how to manage them until you can see a dentist.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem with your teeth, gums or mouth that needs prompt treatment to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, control infection or save a tooth.
Problems that need same-day care
Severe or throbbing toothache, especially if it keeps you awake
Swelling in your face, jaw or gums
A knocked-out adult tooth
A tooth that has been pushed out of position after an injury
A cracked or broken tooth with pain or sharp edges
Bleeding from the mouth that won't stop
Problems that can usually wait a day or two
A lost filling or crown without pain
A small chip with no sensitivity
A loose bracket or wire on braces
Mild sensitivity to hot or cold
When to go to hospital instead
Go to a hospital emergency department or call 000 if you have swelling that is spreading towards your eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or an injury to your jaw or head.
First aid for common dental emergencies
Knocked-out adult tooth
Time matters most here. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly in milk. If you can, gently push it back into its socket and bite on a clean cloth. If not, keep it in milk and call a dentist immediately. Don't try to put a baby tooth back in.
Broken or chipped tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any pieces of tooth. Cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek. A cold compress on the outside of your face can reduce swelling.
Toothache
Rinse with warm salty water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Take pain relief as directed on the packet. Don't place aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue. Toothache that lasts more than a day or two, or comes with swelling, needs to be checked.
Swelling or a dental abscess
Swelling can be a sign of infection. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for 15 minutes at a time and call us. Don't apply heat. Antibiotics alone don't fix the cause, so you'll need treatment to remove the source of infection.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it. You can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to protect the tooth until your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side.
How we treat dental emergencies
Our first priority is to relieve your pain. We'll examine the area, take X-rays if needed, and explain what's going on and your options. Depending on the problem, treatment might include a filling, smoothing or bonding a chipped tooth, draining an infection, starting root canal treatment, or an extraction. We'll talk through costs before any further treatment.
Same-day appointments in Gymea
We keep time aside each day for same-day emergency appointments. Call (02) 9524 7646 as early in the day as you can and tell us what's happening. Learn more about emergency dental care in Gymea.
How to reduce your risk of a dental emergency
Wear a custom mouthguard for contact sports.
Don't use your teeth to open packets or bottles.
Avoid chewing ice, hard lollies or pen lids.
Keep up regular check-ups and cleans so small problems are found early.
If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard.
Summary
Severe pain, swelling, a knocked-out tooth or uncontrolled bleeding all need prompt care. Simple first aid can protect your tooth until you see a dentist, but it isn't a substitute for treatment. If you're unsure whether it's an emergency, call us and we'll help you decide.
In pain right now?
Call us on (02) 9524 7646 as early in the day as you can and we'll do our best to see you the same day. We're at 70 Gymea Bay Road, a 2-minute walk from Gymea station, and open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
Dental emergency FAQs
Can I be seen the same day?
Usually, yes. We keep time aside each day for urgent problems, Monday to Saturday.
I'm nervous about the dentist. Can you help?
Yes. Tell us when you call. We'll explain each step and go at your pace.
Will my health fund cover emergency treatment?
Many extras policies cover emergency consultations and treatment. We have HICAPS for on-the-spot claiming.
How do I get to you?
We're at 70 Gymea Bay Road, 2 minutes' walk from Gymea station, with street parking nearby. Patients come from Gymea Bay, Caringbah, Grays Point and across the Shire.
This article is general information only. It isn't a substitute for advice from a dentist who has examined you. Any invasive procedure carries risks; before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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