A dental emergency is any problem with your teeth, gums or mouth that needs prompt care to relieve severe pain, manage infection or improve the chance of saving a damaged tooth. Common examples include a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, severe toothache and swelling, but if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, bleeding won’t stop, or you’ve had a serious injury, go to a hospital emergency department or call 000.
This guide explains which problems count as dental emergencies, simple first aid while you arrange care, and when a hospital is the right place to go instead of a dentist.
Go to hospital or call 000 if you have:
- swelling in your face, mouth or neck that affects your breathing or swallowing
- bleeding you can’t control
- facial injuries from an accident, fall or sporting collision, especially with a head injury, loss of consciousness, or a possible broken jaw
- swelling with fever and you’re feeling very unwell
These situations can become serious quickly and need hospital care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.
Common dental emergencies
For problems that aren’t life-threatening but still need prompt attention, a dentist is usually the right first call. These are common dental emergencies that our emergency dentist service in Edgecliff and Castle Hill can assess and treat.
Severe toothache
Throbbing or constant pain that over-the-counter pain relief isn’t settling can be a sign of decay reaching the nerve or an infection. Pain that wakes you at night, or comes with swelling or a bad taste, shouldn’t be left.
Knocked-out adult tooth
This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. The sooner you’re seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Broken, cracked or chipped tooth
A broken tooth may or may not hurt. Even a crack that doesn’t hurt can let bacteria in or break further, so it’s worth having it checked promptly.
Lost filling or crown
A filling or crown that has fallen out leaves the tooth exposed and more likely to break or become sensitive. It’s usually urgent rather than an emergency, unless it’s very painful.
Infection, abscess or swelling
A painful lump on the gum, pus, a bad taste or swelling in the gum or face can point to infection. Dental infections need treatment and don’t clear up on their own. If swelling spreads or affects breathing or swallowing, go to hospital.
What to do right now: simple first aid
| Problem | What to do while you arrange care |
|---|---|
| Toothache | Rinse with warm salt water and call the clinic as soon as possible. Use over-the-counter pain relief only as directed on the packet and if it’s suitable for you. |
| Knocked-out adult tooth | Hold it by the crown (the white part), not the root. Place it in milk or saline and call a dentist immediately. Don’t scrub the root. Baby teeth shouldn’t be put back in. |
| Broken tooth | Keep any fragment, rinse your mouth gently, and avoid chewing on that side until you’re seen. |
| Swelling | Use a cold compress on the outside of your face and call a dentist the same day. Go to hospital if it affects breathing or swallowing. |
| Lost filling or crown | Keep the crown if you have it, avoid chewing on that side, and book in promptly. |
Can you see an emergency dentist in Sydney today?
Our Edgecliff and Castle Hill clinics prioritise emergency patients and can often see you the same day when possible. Both clinics are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, and we’re closed on weekends. Please call first so the team can assess how urgent your problem is and fit you in:
- smilogy Edgecliff: (02) 7256 7055
- smilogy Castle Hill: (02) 8005 4434
You can also book online, but for an urgent problem a phone call is the quickest way to get a same-day appointment where one is available.
What if it happens after hours?
Outside our opening hours, you can leave a message or request a call back, and we’ll contact you the next business day. If your problem can’t wait, or you have any of the warning signs listed above, such as swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding or facial injuries, go to your nearest hospital emergency department or call 000.
How much does an emergency dental visit cost?
It depends on what treatment you need, so there isn’t a single price. Your dentist will explain your options and costs before treatment starts. If you have dental extras, we can claim on the spot through HICAPS so you only pay the gap. See our private health cover page for details.
Can you prevent dental emergencies?
Not all of them, but you can lower the risk. Regular check-ups help spot cracks, worn fillings and early decay before they turn into painful problems, and a custom mouthguard helps protect teeth during contact sport (see do i really need a mouthguard?). If a tooth has become sensitive, our article on what causes sensitive teeth explains common causes.
FAQs
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
A small chip without pain is usually urgent rather than an emergency, but it’s worth booking in soon. A large break, pain or sharp edges cutting your tongue or cheek should be seen as soon as possible.
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, place it in milk or saline, and call a dentist immediately. If you’ve also hurt your head or face, go to a hospital emergency department.
When should I go to hospital instead of a dentist?
Go to your nearest hospital emergency department or call 000 for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, bleeding you can’t control, or facial injuries from an accident.
Are smilogy clinics open on weekends?
No. Both clinics are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Outside those hours, leave a message and we’ll call you back the next business day, or go to hospital if it’s serious.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a registered dental practitioner.