What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires urgent professional attention. Some dental problems can worsen quickly if left untreated, so recognising when something needs prompt care is important.
Common situations that may be considered a dental emergency include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relief
- A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- A broken, cracked, or fractured tooth
- A dental abscess or signs of infection such as swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop with gentle pressure
- Significant swelling of the face, jaw, or gums
If you are unsure whether your situation requires urgent care, we encourage you to call our Croydon practice so we can help you determine the appropriate next step.
Common Dental Emergencies
While every situation is different, these are some of the dental emergencies we most frequently see at Divine Dental Care:
- Knocked-out tooth — a tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket, often due to an impact or accident. Time is a critical factor in attempting to save the tooth.
- Severe toothache — intense, throbbing, or constant pain in or around a tooth, which may indicate infection, decay, or nerve involvement.
- Broken or chipped tooth — a tooth that has fractured due to trauma, biting on something hard, or weakening from untreated decay. Sharp edges can also injure the tongue or cheeks.
- Lost filling or crown — when a filling or crown comes loose or falls out, the underlying tooth structure is left exposed and may be sensitive or vulnerable to further damage.
- Abscess or infection — a painful, pus-filled swelling near the tooth root or gums that can spread if not treated promptly. Signs may include swelling, fever, and a persistent bad taste.
- Soft tissue injury — cuts, tears, or lacerations to the lips, gums, tongue, or inner cheeks that may require professional assessment to manage bleeding and reduce infection risk.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of a dental emergency can make a meaningful difference. Here are some practical steps to take while you arrange to see a dentist:
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part) — avoid touching the root
- If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline. Do not scrub it or use tap water
- If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place by gently biting on a clean cloth
- If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a small container of milk or holding it inside your cheek
- Aim to see a dentist within 30 minutes — the sooner treatment begins, the more likely the tooth can be saved
Severe Toothache
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to help reduce bacteria and soothe the area
- Use dental floss to carefully remove any food that may be lodged between teeth
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packaging
- Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum — this can cause a chemical burn to the tissue
Broken or Chipped Tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek near the affected tooth to help manage swelling
- If you can find the broken piece, keep it and bring it to your appointment
- Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum to protect your tongue and cheeks
Abscess or Swelling
- Rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day to help draw the infection toward the surface
- Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself
- Seek dental care promptly — untreated infections can spread to other areas of the body
General Tips
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to help reduce swelling and discomfort
- Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks if a tooth is damaged or painful
- Call Divine Dental Care on (03) 9725 8040 as soon as possible so we can advise you and arrange an appointment
Emergency Dental Care at Divine Dental Care
At Divine Dental Care in Croydon, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and painful. We aim to see emergency patients promptly and will do our best to accommodate same-day appointments when available.
When you call with a dental emergency, our team will assess your situation over the phone and provide guidance on what to do until you can be seen. We will work to find the earliest available appointment to address your concern.
Our approach to emergency care focuses on relieving pain, stabilising the affected area, and developing a follow-up treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call us right away on (03) 9725 8040. For life-threatening emergencies involving difficulty breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, call 000 or attend your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
