In pain or had an accident? Call us on 9725 2029. We keep time aside each day for dental emergencies, and we’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible, often the same day.
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have:
- Swelling that is spreading to your eye, neck or under your jaw
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- A high fever with facial swelling
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop after 15 to 20 minutes of firm pressure
- A possible broken jaw, or a head injury
How soon should I see a dentist?
Most dental injuries and infections should be seen as soon as possible.
When you call, tell our team what happened and how much pain you’re in, so we can prioritise you.
Knocked-out adult tooth
The best chance of saving it is getting it back in the socket within 30 minutes. See the first aid steps below and call us straight away.
Call 9725 2029First aid for common dental emergencies
Knocked-out adult tooth
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the white crown, not the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it for a few seconds in milk, or briefly in water. Don’t scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
- If you can, push it gently back into the socket the right way round, and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If you can’t put it back, keep it moist in milk, or in your mouth against your cheek if you’re old enough not to swallow it. Don’t store it in water.
- Come straight to us, or go to the nearest dentist or emergency department.
Knocked-out baby tooth
Don’t try to put a baby tooth back in, because it can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Press a clean, damp cloth on the area to stop bleeding, and bring your child in to be checked.
Chipped, cracked or broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water, and keep any pieces of tooth in milk. Use a cold compress on your cheek for swelling. Even if it doesn’t hurt, a crack can get worse, so see us as soon as you can.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the pack. Don’t put aspirin or other tablets directly on the tooth or gum, because they can burn the tissue. Ongoing or throbbing pain often means infection, so book in soon.
Dental abscess or swelling
An abscess is a pocket of infection, usually at the tip of a tooth root or in the gum. It needs treatment, because the infection won’t clear on its own and can spread. Rinsing with warm salty water can ease discomfort until you see us. If swelling is spreading or you feel unwell, go to hospital.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it, and avoid chewing on that side. Sugar-free gum or temporary filling material from a pharmacy can cover a sharp or sensitive spot for a day or two. Don’t glue a crown back on yourself.
Bitten lip, tongue or cheek
Rinse gently with warm salty water, then press a clean cloth on the area. A cold compress on the outside helps with swelling. If bleeding hasn’t stopped after 15 to 20 minutes, see us or go to hospital.
Broken braces, dentures or night guards
Cover sharp wires with orthodontic wax or a small piece of sugar-free gum. Keep all pieces of a broken denture and bring them with you, because many denture repairs can be done quickly with our prosthetist on Thursdays.
How we’ll help
We’ll find the cause, get you out of pain, and stabilise the tooth.
Depending on the problem, that might mean draining an infection, starting root canal treatment, repairing a broken tooth, or a temporary filling or crown until your next visit. We’ll explain your options and the cost before we start.
Outside our opening hours
We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Outside these hours, email us at smile@elationdental.com.au or send a message through our contact page, and we will get back to you when we reopen.
For severe pain, swelling, bleeding or injury, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Avoiding dental emergencies
- Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard for contact sports. We can make one for you.
- Don’t use your teeth to open packets, bottles or packaging.
- Avoid chewing ice, pens and very hard foods.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Keep up regular check-ups, so problems are found before they turn into emergencies.
Dental emergency? Call us now
Tell our team what happened and we’ll see you as soon as we can.