What to do in a dental emergency

Unfortunately, not all dental treatments can be scheduled in advance. Dental emergencies often catch us off guard, striking when we least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden toothache that’s keeping you up at night or an accident that results in a missing tooth, it can be a stressful situation. Knowing you have a Brisbane emergency dentist ready to help can make all the difference. 

At The Practice, our emergency dentists provide fast, compassionate care when you need it the most. We understand how stressful it is to have an unexpected dental problem and are here to help. We prioritise same-day appointments for emergency cases so you don’t have to suffer longer than necessary. 

Some of the emergency dental problems that could occur include: 

A knocked-out tooth

If you’ve had an accident and knocked-out an adult tooth, time is of the essence. Here are the steps you should take for the best chance of saving the tooth: 

• Handle the tooth with care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root to protect the delicate cells needed for reinsertion.
• Gently clean the tooth: Rinse the tooth with water or saline if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub it.
• Reinsert the tooth if possible: Try placing the tooth back into its socket. If you can’t, keep it moist in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum until you can see a dentist.
• Take immediate action: Call us immediately. Seeing a dentist within an hour significantly improves the chances of saving the tooth.

If it’s a baby tooth that has been knocked out, there’s no need to reinsert it. While this isn’t an emergency, a dental assessment is important to ensure no fragments remain and the surrounding teeth are unaffected.

Cracked tooth

If you crack a tooth from biting down on something too hard or in an accident it can cause sensitivity, sharp pain when chewing or discomfort when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. You’ll need to act quickly to stop it from getting worse. 

What to do if you crack a tooth: 

1. Rinse Your mouth: Use warm water to clean the area and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Control swelling: Apply a cold compress to your face near the affected area to minimise swelling and reduce discomfort.
3. Protect the tooth: If the tooth is sharp or jagged, cover it with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax to prevent it from cutting your tongue or cheek.
4. Avoid pressure: Don’t chew using the cracked tooth until you can see a dentist. Stick to soft foods and avoid hot, cold, or sugary items that may worsen sensitivity.
5. Seek immediate help: Call an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Cracks can worsen if left untreated, leading to infection or tooth loss.

Severe toothache

Toothaches feel different for everyone and can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. In the most severe cases, this could indicate an underlying issue such as an infection. 

If you’re experiencing swelling, especially if it spreads to your neck or airway, this could be life-threatening. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention at our clinic or your nearest hospital.

In the meantime, you should rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relief, and avoid chewing on the affected side until your appointment.

Why choose The Practice for emergency dental care in South Brisbane?

Our emergency dentists at our West End dental clinic are here for you when you need them the most. 

• We triage appointments and prioritise emergencies.
• Experienced team: Our skilled dentists are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, from knocked-out teeth to severe swelling.
• Compassionate care: We’ll help ease your stress and guide you through every step of your treatment.

For after-hours emergencies involving severe swelling or trauma, your nearest hospital emergency department is the best option for urgent care.

Still have questions? Here are some answers to some of the most common questions our dental patients ask:

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency typically involves severe pain, swelling, a knocked-out tooth, or trauma to the mouth. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call and seek advice.

Can I prevent dental emergencies?

While accidents happen, maintaining regular dental check-ups, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding hard objects can help reduce the risk of emergencies.

How do I book an emergency appointment at The Practice West End?

Simply call us at 07 3733 3223. Our friendly team will guide you through the process and get you in as soon as possible.

Don’t wait – We’re here to help! 

Delaying treatment for a dental emergency can lead to complications, so don’t wait. If you’re in pain or dealing with an urgent dental issue, contact The Practice in West End, South Brisbane, today. 

Our team is here to provide the care you need, when you need it most. Call us at 07 3733 3223 for compassionate, professional emergency dental care.