What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation causing severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or risk of permanent damage to teeth, gums, or jaw — that requires same-day or urgent dental attention rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
If you are in significant pain or have visible swelling, do not wait. Dental infections can spread rapidly and become medically serious. A dental abscess that starts as a toothache can progress to facial cellulitis requiring hospitalisation if left untreated. When in doubt — contact us.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
🦷 Severe Toothache
Intense, throbbing pain often signals pulp infection or abscess. Painkillers provide temporary relief — the cause must be treated urgently.
🔴 Dental Abscess
Swelling, fever, and severe pain indicate infection spreading beyond the tooth. Can become dangerous if not drained and treated promptly.
💥 Broken or Chipped Tooth
Trauma, biting on hard food, or existing decay can fracture a tooth. Exposed dentine causes severe sensitivity — urgent assessment needed.
👑 Lost Crown or Filling
An exposed tooth without its crown or filling is sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. Usually requires same-day temporary cover.
🩸 Bleeding Gums
Heavy bleeding that does not stop after pressure, or bleeding following trauma — requires urgent assessment to identify the cause.
😮 Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth can sometimes be reimplanted if treated within 30–60 minutes. Time is critical — contact us immediately.
🤕 Facial Swelling
Swelling of the face, jaw, or neck from dental infection can be life-threatening. Seek emergency care immediately — do not delay.
🔩 Broken Braces/Wire
A broken wire poking the cheek or a loose bracket causing pain or injury needs urgent attention to prevent discomfort and treatment disruption.
First Aid While You Wait
What to do before your emergency appointment
Severe Toothache
Take over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen is generally most effective for dental pain). Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this can cause a chemical burn. Cold compress on the cheek may reduce inflammation. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Pick it up by the crown (white part) — never touch the root. If dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline — do not scrub. Try to gently reinsert into the socket if possible, or store in milk or between your cheek and gum. Get to us within 30 minutes. Time is the most critical factor.
Lost Crown or Filling
Keep the crown if you still have it — bring it to the appointment. Dental cement or sugar-free gum can temporarily cover the exposed tooth until you are seen. Avoid chewing on that side. Do not use super glue.
Dental Abscess / Facial Swelling
Do not apply heat — this can spread infection. Cold compress only. Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. If swelling is severe, spreading rapidly, or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, go directly to a hospital emergency department — this is a medical emergency.
Broken Tooth
Rinse mouth gently with warm water. Collect any broken pieces if possible. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect the tongue and cheeks. Avoid biting on the affected side until assessed.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Appointment
We prioritise getting you out of pain first
When you arrive for an emergency appointment, our priority is to diagnose the cause and relieve your pain as quickly as possible. An X-ray is taken to assess the affected tooth and surrounding bone. We then discuss what is causing the problem and what treatment is needed. For infections, antibiotics and drainage are provided. For broken teeth, temporary or permanent restorations are placed. For abscesses, drainage and pain relief are delivered in the same appointment. You will leave with a clear explanation of what was found, what was done, and what the next steps are.