If you have tooth pain, swelling or a dental injury, contact your local Experteeth clinic for advice and to check appointment availability. Your dentist will assess your needs and discuss suitable treatment options.
Images are for illustration only. Treatment depends on individual assessment.
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly and may involve tooth pain, a broken tooth or a knocked-out tooth. Prompt dental assessment can help identify the problem and guide appropriate care. Treatment options and outcomes depend on the nature of the problem and your individual circumstances.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Some dental problems need immediate attention, while others can be assessed at the next available appointment. Contact a dentist promptly if you experience:
Severe or persistent toothache: Pain that affects your daily activities or sleep should be assessed.
A knocked-out adult tooth: Seek dental care immediately. Handle the tooth by the crown, avoid touching the root, and keep it moist in milk if it cannot be put back into position. Do not reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth.
A broken or cracked tooth: Contact a dentist, particularly if there is pain or the damage follows an injury.
A lost filling or crown: Arrange a dental assessment. The urgency depends on pain, sensitivity and the extent of the damage.
Swelling or signs of infection: Facial or gum swelling, particularly with fever or feeling unwell, needs urgent assessment.
Call 000 if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. Seek immediate medical care for uncontrolled heavy bleeding or a serious facial injury. Do not wait for a dental appointment or an online enquiry response.
What to Expect at an Emergency Dental Clinic
Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, examine the affected area, and recommend X-rays if needed.
Depending on the findings, treatment options may include:
Temporary treatment or a filling to manage a damaged tooth or lost restoration.
Root canal treatment where appropriate for an inflamed or infected tooth.
Tooth extraction where a tooth cannot be restored or another option is unsuitable.
Referral if further assessment or care is needed.
Your dentist will explain suitable options, relevant risks, costs and follow-up needs. The first appointment may focus on the immediate problem, with further visits needed to complete treatment. Pain relief and recovery vary between patients.
Why Prompt Assessment Matters
Some dental problems can worsen without treatment. Prompt assessment can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate timing and type of care. Even if pain settles, an underlying problem may still need attention.
Images are for illustration only. Treatment depends on individual assessment.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Emergencies
Not all dental emergencies can be prevented, but the following steps may help reduce your risk:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth.
Wear a suitable mouthguard during contact sports.
Avoid biting hard objects or using your teeth to open packaging.
Attend dental check-ups at intervals recommended by your dentist.
Getting Help
If you have an urgent dental concern, call your local Experteeth clinic to discuss your symptoms and check appointment availability. Opening hours and available appointments vary between locations.
If the clinic is closed, seek another available urgent dental service. For a medical emergency, call 000 or attend a hospital emergency department.
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