What counts as a dental emergency?
Some problems need prompt attention to relieve pain, manage infection or protect a damaged tooth.
- Severe or persistent toothache
- A broken, chipped or cracked tooth
- A knocked-out adult tooth
- Swelling of the gum, face or jaw
- A lost filling or crown with pain or sensitivity
- Bleeding that continues after treatment
- A suspected dental abscess
What should I do if an adult tooth is knocked out?
A knocked-out permanent tooth is time-critical. Acting quickly can improve the chance of successful reimplantation.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Do not scrub it.
- If it is safe and easy, place it back in the socket without forcing it.
- Otherwise keep it moist in milk or a tooth-preservation solution.
- Seek dental care immediately. Do not let the tooth dry out.
What can I do for severe toothache at home?
Rinse gently with warm water and avoid very hot, cold or hard foods. Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief, especially if you take other medication or have a health condition.
Do not place aspirin directly on a tooth or gum, as it can damage the tissue. Pain relief does not treat the underlying cause, so arrange an assessment.
When should I go to hospital instead?
Seek emergency medical care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected jaw fracture or significant facial trauma. Call 000 for life-threatening symptoms.
Common questions
It depends on availability and the nature of your problem. Phone Victor Crescent Dental Clinic on 03 9704 6166, explain your symptoms and ask about an urgent appointment.
No. Do not reinsert a baby tooth. Keep it safe and seek dental advice, especially if the injury also involved facial trauma.
Keep the crown safe, avoid chewing on the exposed tooth and contact your dentist. Do not use household glue to reattach it.
This information is general in nature and does not replace advice from a registered dental practitioner. Suitability, timeframes and outcomes differ between individuals, and all dental treatment carries risk. Your dentist will discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives that apply to you.