Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth from a sports accident, or a painful abscess, dental emergencies often take us by surprise. While these situations may feel overwhelming at the time, they require immediate attention to prevent further complications.
At The Smile Collective, we are committed to providing prompt and effective emergency dental care. With same-day, after-hours, and weekend appointments available, our team is here to ensure you receive the care you need when you need it most.
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any unexpected oral health problem that demands urgent treatment to alleviate pain, prevent damage, or protect your teeth.
Some of the most common dental emergencies that we see at The Smile Collective include:
1. Knocked-out tooth
If you’ve lost a tooth due to trauma, acting fast is crucial to increase the chances of saving it.
Pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. Refrain from scrubbing it, and if cleaning is necessary, rinse it gently in milk or saliva – never water. Try to reinsert the tooth gently back into the socket and bite on a clean piece of gauze or cotton. If replanting the tooth proves too difficult, store the tooth in whole milk or between your gum and cheek to prevent it from drying out. Call us immediately and get to one of our dental clinics as soon as possible for emergency treatment.
2. Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
A broken tooth can be painful, particularly if the inner nerves are exposed.
Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Then, book an urgent visit to our clinic so we can restore your tooth promptly.
3. Dislodged crown or filling
Losing a crown or filling can lead to heightened sensitivity and potential tooth damage. If you’ve dislodged a crown, place it in a clean container and bring it with you to your dental appointment, as we might be able to cement it back in place.
Call us for an emergency appointment so we can replace the crown or filling and protect your tooth from further harm.
4. Persistent toothache or infection
A severe toothache should never be ignored, as it may signal an underlying infection.
Try rinsing with warm water and applying a cold compress for temporary relief. If the pain persists, it could be due to an abscess, which is a serious infection that can spread if untreated. Seeking immediate dental attention is essential.
5. Soft tissue injury (to tongue, cheeks, gum, or lips)
Soft tissue injuries, such as punctures or cuts to the tongue, lip, or inner cheek, can cause discomfort and bleeding.
Gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and then apply pressure with a clean piece of gauze or cotton for about 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. When the bleeding eases, you can assess and see how bad the injury is.
If treatment is needed for oral injuries, contact a dentist for an emergency appointment.
When to seek emergency medical assistance
While we can treat most dental emergencies, certain situations require immediate medical care.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
- Significant swelling in the face, jaw, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Inability to open your mouth properly
- Bleeding that won’t stop
These symptoms may indicate a serious condition that requires hospital intervention.
Emergency dental appointments in Melbourne and Mornington
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but our expert team is here to provide urgent care when you need it most. The Smile Collective dental clinics offers same-day, out-of-hours and weekend appointments for dental emergencies and welcomes patients from Mt Eliza, Mornington Peninsula, Oakleigh, Greensborough, Mooroolbark, and Strathmore suburbs.
If you ever have a dental emergency, please call us.
This information is general and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. For personalised advice, consult your dentist.
