Not every dental problem is an emergency. But when something goes wrong with your teeth, it can be hard to tell whether you need immediate care, same-day attention, or can wait until Monday.
This guide sorts dental problems into three categories: true emergencies, urgent problems, and things that can wait. Knowing the difference helps you get the right care at the right time and avoids unnecessary trips to the hospital emergency department.
True emergencies: act now
These situations require immediate action. In some cases, that means a dental appointment within the hour. In others, it means the hospital emergency department.
Knocked-out permanent tooth
Time is critical. A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out can often be replanted if treated within 30 to 60 minutes. After that, the chance of saving the tooth drops significantly.
What to do:
- Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the white part). Do not touch the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline. Do not scrub it or use tap water for more than a few seconds.
- Try to place the tooth back into the socket. Bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth in milk (not water) or hold it inside your cheek.
- Get to a dentist immediately. Call Ivy Dental on (07) 3266 7120 or go to the nearest dental clinic.
For a detailed guide, see our page on knocked-out teeth.
Uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth
Bleeding that does not slow or stop after 15 to 20 minutes of firm pressure with a clean cloth needs medical attention. If it is heavy and continuous, go to the hospital emergency department.
Minor bleeding after a tooth extraction or from a cut lip is normal and typically resolves with pressure. Persistent, heavy bleeding is not normal.
Facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck that makes it hard to breathe, swallow, or open your mouth is a medical emergency. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not wait for a dental appointment.
This type of swelling can indicate a spreading infection that requires hospital-level care, including IV antibiotics and possible surgical drainage. Dental treatment follows once the acute infection is managed.
Urgent: see a dentist within 24 hours
These problems are not life-threatening but should not wait for a routine appointment. Same-day or next-day dental care is appropriate.
Severe, persistent toothache
A toothache that is constant, keeps you awake, does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication, or is getting worse over hours rather than improving. This may indicate an infection, an abscess, or nerve involvement.
While waiting for your appointment:
- Take over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen or paracetamol, as directed on the packaging)
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Avoid very hot or very cold food and drink
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gum (this causes chemical burns)
See our guide on tooth pain for more detail on what causes severe toothache and when to call.
Broken teeth, lost fillings, and swelling
Broken or cracked tooth with pain
A tooth that has broken and is causing pain, especially sensitivity to temperature or pressure, should be seen promptly. If the break exposes the inner nerve (you may see a pink or red spot in the centre of the broken area), treatment within 24 hours can improve the chance of saving the tooth.
Cover the broken area with sugar-free gum or dental wax if sharp edges are cutting your tongue or cheek. See our guide on broken teeth for first-aid steps.
Book an emergency appointment at Ivy Dental
Lost filling or crown
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable. The tooth may be sensitive to temperature and pressure. Without protection, the exposed tooth can fracture or develop decay quickly.
What to do:
- Keep the crown if you have it. You can temporarily reattach it with denture adhesive or over-the-counter dental cement (available at pharmacies).
- Avoid chewing on that side.
- See your dentist within a few days. If there is significant pain, aim for same-day.
Abscess or significant facial swelling (without breathing difficulty)
A dental abscess presents as a painful swelling in the gum, sometimes with a visible pus-filled bump. Facial swelling that is localised and not affecting your airway should be assessed by a dentist within 24 hours. Antibiotics alone may not resolve the infection. The source of the infection (usually inside the tooth or under the gum) needs to be treated.
Can wait: book a routine appointment
These problems are real but not time-sensitive. A regular appointment within the next week or two is appropriate.
Mild tooth sensitivity
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet that is brief and resolves on its own is common. It can be caused by enamel wear, gum recession, or a small area of decay. Mention it at your next check-up or book a routine appointment if it is bothering you.
Small chip with no pain
A minor chip on the edge of a tooth that is not causing pain or sharp edges is cosmetic rather than urgent. Your dentist can smooth it or repair it with bonding at a routine visit.
Dull, intermittent toothache
A tooth that aches occasionally but does not keep you awake or worsen over time should be assessed but does not need same-day care. Book an appointment within a week.
A loose or slightly displaced tooth (in adults)
A tooth that feels slightly loose after a minor bump should be assessed, but if there is no significant pain or bleeding, a next-day appointment is usually sufficient. Avoid chewing on it in the meantime.
When to go to the hospital emergency department
Hospital emergency departments are the right choice when:
- Facial swelling is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow
- Bleeding is uncontrollable after 20 minutes of sustained pressure
- You have a jaw fracture (inability to open or close your mouth, visible deformity, severe pain)
- You have sustained facial trauma with multiple injuries
For everything else on this list, a dental clinic is better equipped to help you. Hospital EDs can prescribe pain relief and antibiotics but cannot perform fillings, root canals, extractions, or reimplant teeth. You will likely be told to see a dentist anyway.
Emergency dental care at Ivy Dental
Ivy Dental is open seven days a week at Everton Park and Nundah. Emergency appointments can be booked online at any time. During opening hours, call (07) 3266 7120 for phone triage and booking help. Appointment timing depends on clinical urgency and clinic capacity; same-day care is not guaranteed.
Emergency dental costs vary depending on the treatment required. An emergency examination and X-ray is the starting point, and your dentist will discuss treatment options and costs before proceeding.
Most health funds provide some coverage for emergency treatment. We process claims on-site with HICAPS.
Book emergency dental care online
This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for professional clinical advice. If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call your dentist or health helpline for guidance.
