Emergency Dental Care

Woman with mouth pain

Do You Have an Emergency?

If you have a dental emergency, please call us at the practice immediately. We will schedule you in for our earliest possible appointment.

We are skilled at handling emergencies and we will take good care of you. We know all too well that dental emergencies happen from time to time, so at Total Dental Care, we always keep some bookings free and available in our diary for same-day emergency dental appointments.

How to Tell If I Have a Dental Emergency

Are you wondering if your dental concern constitutes a true dental emergency? To make that determination, you should ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is your pain severe? Severe pain and bleeding are indications of an emergency.
  • Have you lost a tooth? Prompt treatment can potentially save a tooth.
  • Do you have loose teeth? Even if you don’t have pain, a loose tooth is a serious problem.
  • Do you have an infection? An abscess or serious oral infection in your mouth could be life-threatening, and treatment should not be delayed.
  • Is your mouth bleeding? This is a potential sign of an emergency.

Generally, any dental problem that warrants immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain or save a tooth is considered an emergency.

Below are our tips for dealing with common emergencies, until we get to see you.

What Should I Do If I Have A Toothache?

If you have a painful toothache, something is wrong. You need to make a dentist appointment straightaway. Between now and your appointment take painkillers, but do not exceed the maximum dose. Also, gargle warm water with half a tablespoon of salt— it helps to fight infection-causing bacteria and reduce swelling.

What Should I Do If I Have Knocked A Tooth Out?

If you have knocked a tooth out, take action immediately. The tooth can be saved if you act fast. Here’s what you need to do:

    1. Find the tooth and handle it carefully. Do not touch the root of the tooth.
    2. If the tooth is dirty, wash it in milk. If you do not have milk use water. Do not wipe the tooth as this can damage the tooth.
    3. If the tooth is intact and not broken, try slipping the tooth back into its socket, facing the correct way. Don’t force the tooth back into the socket, it should slip right in.
    4. Keep the tooth moist in a cup of milk. If you don’t have access to milk, place the tooth in the person’s mouth between the gum and the cheek. If this is not an option, keep the tooth moist in a cup of water.
    5. Contact us immediately.

    What Should I Do If I Have Broken A Tooth?

    If you have broken, chipped or fractured a tooth, you need to see a dentist. There is no way to treat it at home. Often small chips do not cause pain. If the injury to your tooth is painful, then here are some tips until we see you:

    • Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks.
    • Avoid eating or biting on the injured side of your mouth.
    • Take painkillers but do not exceed the maximum dose.
    • Gargle warm water with half a tablespoon of salt.
    • Apply a cold pack to the cheek or lips over the broken tooth.

    What If I Have Lost A Filling Or A Crown?

    For different reasons, sometimes fillings or crowns fall out. Although this is not an extreme emergency, it can be painful if the nerve is exposed. If it was a crown that came out, try to find it and bring it to your dental appointment. Contact us for an appointment as soon as possible.

    What If I Have Broken My Bridge or Denture?

    If you have broken your bridge or denture, it can usually be repaired relatively easily. Please resist the temptation to glue them together yourself. Contact us as soon as possible and we’ll repair it for you properly.

    What If I Have a Soft-Tissue Injury?

    Any injuries to the lips, gums, tongue or cheeks can produce pain, swelling and bleeding. If you experience a soft tissue injury, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply direct pressure to the affected area, using damp gauze. To reduce swelling and slow the bleeding, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek or mouth. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 20-30 minutes of ice and pressure contact us as soon as possible.

    Don’t Suffer – Contact Us Today

    No referral is required. Simply make an appointment. Our goal at Total Dental Care  is to give you a beautiful, healthy and confident smile. Call us at the surgery today on (02) 9344 4433, or you can contact us online.
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    * Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.


    Emergency Dental Care Maroubra, Kingsford NSW (02) 9344 4433