What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem in the mouth that needs prompt attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding or give a damaged tooth the best chance of being saved. Common examples include:
- a knocked-out adult tooth
- a chipped, cracked or broken tooth
- severe or throbbing toothache
- swelling of the gum, face or jaw
- a lost filling or crown causing pain
- an injury to the lips, tongue or cheeks
Some situations need a hospital rather than a dentist. Call 000 if someone has trouble breathing, talking or swallowing, heavy bleeding running down the throat, or severe swelling of the mouth or tongue (healthdirect).
What should you do if an adult tooth is knocked out?
Time matters when a permanent (adult) tooth is knocked out. Healthdirect recommends these steps (healthdirect):
- Find the tooth and hold it by the crown, the white part you normally see. Avoid touching the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it quickly in warm water. Don’t scrub it or let it soak.
- Try to put it back in its socket if the person is conscious and able, then bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If you can’t put it back, keep it moist in a little milk or saliva so it doesn’t dry out.
- See a dentist straight away. Aim to get there within 30 minutes; it may still be possible to save the tooth up to 2 hours after the injury.
What about a knocked-out baby tooth?
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back in, because doing so can damage the adult tooth forming underneath. Rinse your child’s mouth with salt water, press gently on any bleeding with clean gauze and call a dentist for advice (healthdirect). Our children’s dentistry page explains how we look after younger patients.
What should you do about a chipped or broken tooth?
If part of a tooth breaks off, find the piece if you can and keep it in milk or sterile saline, then bring it with you to the dentist (healthdirect). Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to help with swelling. Avoid chewing on that side until the tooth has been checked, even if it doesn’t hurt, because a crack can extend over time.
How can you manage toothache until your appointment?
Toothache is often a sign of decay, a cracked tooth or infection, and it usually needs dental treatment rather than waiting it out. While you arrange an appointment:
- rinse with warm salty water
- clean gently around the sore tooth, including with floss, in case food is trapped
- take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet, if it’s suitable for you
- use a cold compress on the cheek for swelling
See a dentist promptly for toothache (healthdirect). If facial swelling comes with fever, or with difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek urgent medical care.
Where can you get help near Mortlake?
During opening hours, call AMK Dental Clinic on (02) 9739 6525. Tell us what happened and when, so we can advise you and find the next suitable appointment. Our emergency dentist page has more detail.
Outside opening hours, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222, available 24 hours a day. For a serious injury or any of the warning signs above, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department. Concord Repatriation General Hospital, on Hospital Road in Concord West, is close to Mortlake.
How can you lower the risk of dental injuries?
A custom-fitted mouthguard is one of the most useful ways to protect teeth during contact sport, and it’s worth wearing at training as well as games. Regular check-ups also help pick up weakened teeth and large fillings before they break.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
How quickly should I see a dentist after knocking out a tooth?
As soon as possible. Healthdirect advises aiming to reach a dentist or hospital within 30 minutes of an adult tooth being knocked out, although it may still be possible to save the tooth up to 2 hours after the injury. Keep the tooth moist in a little milk or saliva on the way, and call AMK Dental Clinic on (02) 9739 6525 so we can advise you.
Should I put a child's knocked-out baby tooth back in?
No. Healthdirect advises not to put a knocked-out baby tooth back in, because this can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Rinse your child's mouth with salt water and apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if it is bleeding. Then call a dentist for advice, as the area and neighbouring teeth should still be checked.
When should I go to hospital instead of a dentist?
Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is trouble breathing, trouble talking or swallowing, heavy bleeding that won't stop, or severe swelling of the mouth, tongue or face. These can be signs of a serious injury or spreading infection. Concord Repatriation General Hospital has an emergency department close to Mortlake.