Emergency Dental

Dental abscesses can form very quickly and can either be gum related (periodontal abscess) or tooth related (periapical abscess). Both types of abscesses tend to be painful and if left untreated the infection will not resolve on its own. If you are suffering an abscess call your dentist as soon as possible for an emergency appointment.

Before your dental appointment there are a number of things you can do to help relieve some of the pain and discomfort of a toothache. We recommend rinsing the mouth with water and trying to clean out debris from any obvious cavities. Use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped within the cavity (especially between the teeth). If swelling is present, place a cold compress to the outside of the cheek (do not heat). Take pain relief if necessary, using pain medicines that you know you are safe with.

Remember, pain relief tablets do not work if placed directly on the tooth. They must be swallowed as directed. If placed on the tooth, they can cause more trouble (especially aspirin).

If your child knocks out a tooth, following these steps can minimise any long term damage:

1. Act quickly – Find the tooth, make sure it’s clean and hold it by the crown only, not the root.
2. Place the tooth back in position, making sure it’s facing the right way round (if it’s a baby tooth, don’t place it back in.)
3. Get to your dentist straight away
4. If you can’t get the tooth back in position immerse the tooth in milk or saliva to transport to your dentist.

If your child develops a toothache book an appointment with your dentist straight away. In the meantime you can rinse your child’s mouth with salt water, use paracetamol to alleviate pain and if there’s swelling present, use a cold compress. (This does not apply to babies who are teething – see our children’s dental page for more information)

If a tooth is knocked out:

1. Find the tooth and hold it by the crown only, not the root.
2. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk but don’t scrub or soak it. If milk is not available wash the root under cold water for no more than 10 seconds.
3. Place the tooth back in position, making sure it’s facing the right way round. Once positioned gently bite down on soft cloth or tissue, or use your mouthguard to hold it in place.
4. If you can’t get the tooth back in position immerse the tooth in milk or saliva to transport to your dentist.  
5. Get to your dentist as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes. 

Call your dentist as soon as possible to make an appointment and make sure you bring your crown with you. The exposed tooth from under the crown will not be as strong as the crown so don’t wait too long to make an appointment as your tooth could become damaged without the crown protecting it.

In some cases it may not be possible to re-cement the existing crown. Your dentist will advise you on a range of treatment options in this situation and make sure your tooth is protected.

If your broken tooth has been caused by trauma, such as a blow to the face or falling over, call your dentist straight away to make an appointment. In the meantime, try to clean debris from the injured area with warm water. If bleeding apply pressure with a piece of gauze until bleeding stops. To help minimise swelling and relieve pain place a cold pack on the face next to the injured tooth.

Over time constant wear and tear can cause fillings to weaken, chip or crack. When this occurs the seal between the tooth and the filling can become compromised, allowing food particles and decay causing bacteria to further weaken the tooth. The longer lost or cracked fillings are left untreated the most your tooth can potentially become weakened and harder to restore.

Often weakened, cracked or worn fillings are identified by your dentist during regular dental examinations. Your dentist may also recommend taking dental x-rays to see what’s happening below the surface of a filling and will assist in identifying issues not visible to the naked eye.