Question 1

What counts as a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, trauma to the teeth or mouth, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of infection that require prompt professional attention. Common dental emergencies include a knocked-out tooth, a broken or cracked tooth, severe toothache, a dental abscess with facial swelling, and a lost filling or crown exposing sensitive tooth structure. Some situations are not emergencies but may still need attention within a few days — mild tooth sensitivity, a small cosmetic chip with no pain, or a loose orthodontic wire. For teeth that cannot be saved, [tooth extraction](/general-dentistry/tooth-extractions) may be required as part of emergency treatment. When in doubt, call Sienna Smiles on 08 9455 1234 and our team will advise whether you need a same-day appointment. HealthDirect Australia. Dental injury — when to seek help. 2025.

Question 2

What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

Accepted Answer

A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) 2020 guidelines confirm that prompt and correct management is essential — after 30 minutes outside the mouth, most periodontal ligament cells become non-viable. Follow these steps immediately: **Find the tooth** and pick it up by the crown (the white part) — never touch the root. **If dirty, rinse briefly** in milk or under running water for no more than two seconds — do not scrub or wrap in tissue. **Attempt reinsertion** — gently place the tooth back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it. **If reinsertion is not possible**, store the tooth in milk, saline, or inside the cheek (in saliva) — never in water. **Get to a dentist within 30 minutes** — even after this window, treatment may still be possible for up to two hours Baby teeth should not be reimplanted — this can damage the underlying permanent tooth. Still take the child to a dentist for examination. Fouad AF, et al. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: Avulsion of permanent teeth. Dental Traumatology, 2020;36:331-342. HealthDirect Australia. Dental injury — knocked-out tooth first aid. 2025.

Question 3

Should I go to the hospital or a dentist for a dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

For most dental emergencies — toothache, broken teeth, lost fillings, dental abscesses without systemic symptoms — contact your dentist first. A dental practice has the equipment and expertise to diagnose and treat the problem directly. Hospital emergency departments can provide pain relief but typically refer you to a dentist for definitive treatment. Go to hospital or call 000 if you experience: Uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop with pressure. Facial swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing. Suspected jaw fracture. Head trauma with loss of consciousness. Signs of serious infection — high fever, difficulty opening your mouth, swelling spreading to your neck For 24/7 health advice, call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse can help you determine whether you need emergency hospital care or a dental appointment. HealthDirect Australia. Dental injury — when to go to hospital. 2025.

Question 4

How do I manage dental pain at home before seeing a dentist?

Accepted Answer

Australian therapeutic guidelines recommend NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) as first-line treatment for dental pain because they target both pain and inflammation. Paracetamol can be taken alongside ibuprofen for stronger relief — this combination has been shown to be more effective than either drug alone. A suggested approach while waiting for your appointment: **Ibuprofen 400mg** every six to eight hours, taken with food. **Paracetamol 1000mg** every six hours — can be alternated with ibuprofen for continuous relief. **Cold compress** — ice wrapped in cloth, applied to the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. **Warm salt water rinse** — half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargled gently. **Elevate your head** when resting — lying flat can increase pressure and worsen pain Do not place aspirin directly on your gums (causes chemical burns), do not exceed recommended doses of any medication, and do not use alcohol as a painkiller. Always consult your pharmacist before taking any medication, particularly if you are pregnant, have kidney or liver conditions, or are taking other medications. If dental anxiety is contributing to your emergency, [sedation dentistry](/sedation-dentistry) options can be discussed at your appointment. Australian Prescriber. Managing acute dental pain without codeine. 2024. HealthDirect Australia. Toothache and swelling — pain management. 2025.

Question 5

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if handled correctly and treated promptly. The critical factor is how quickly the tooth is replanted or placed in an appropriate storage medium. Research shows that teeth replanted within one hour have significantly better survival outcomes, with HealthDirect noting that it may still be possible to save a tooth up to two hours after injury. The key factors that affect whether a knocked-out tooth can be saved: **Time outside the mouth** — the shorter, the better. Aim for replantation or dental treatment within 30 minutes. **How the tooth is handled** — touching or scrubbing the root damages the cells needed for reattachment. **Storage medium** — milk, saline, or saliva keep root cells viable; water and tissue damage them. **Root development** — teeth with open (immature) root apices have a higher chance of revascularisation in younger patients Baby teeth cannot be reimplanted — attempting to reimplant a baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth developing beneath it. Take the child to a dentist for assessment even if the tooth cannot be saved. Fouad AF, et al. IADT 2020 guidelines for management of avulsed permanent teeth. Dental Traumatology, 2020.

Question 6

Is a dental abscess dangerous?

Accepted Answer

A dental abscess is an infection that can become serious if left untreated. While most abscesses are manageable with dental treatment and, where indicated, antibiotics, untreated infections can spread to the floor of the mouth, neck, and surrounding tissue planes. The most critical complication is Ludwig's angina — a rapidly progressing infection of the floor of the mouth. Over 90% of Ludwig's angina cases originate from dental infections, particularly lower molar teeth. Without treatment, this condition can obstruct the airway. Seek urgent care (call 000) if you experience: Swelling spreading to your eye, neck, or under your tongue. Difficulty breathing or swallowing. High fever with uncontrollable shaking. Inability to open your mouth. Rapid deterioration in how you feel If you notice facial swelling with a toothache, contact Sienna Smiles on 08 9455 1234 for a same-day assessment. Early treatment of a dental abscess prevents it from progressing to a more serious condition. StatPearls / NCBI Bookshelf. Ludwig Angina — pathophysiology and management. 2024. Cleveland Clinic. Ludwig's angina — causes, symptoms, and treatment. 2024.

Question 7

What do I do with a broken or chipped tooth?

Accepted Answer

A broken or chipped tooth needs professional assessment even if it does not hurt — invisible cracks can extend into the root and may not be detectable without X-ray imaging. Immediate steps to take: **Save any broken fragments** — place them in milk or saline and bring them to the dentist. **Rinse your mouth** with warm water to clean the area. **Apply a cold compress** to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. **Cover sharp edges** with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum to protect your tongue and cheeks. **Do not try to fix the tooth at home** — superglue and other household adhesives are not safe for oral use Call Sienna Smiles on 08 9455 1234 for a same-day emergency appointment. Treatment depends on the severity — a small chip may require bonding or a [dental filling](/restorative-dentistry/dental-fillings), while a large fracture may need a [crown](/restorative-dentistry/crowns-and-bridges) or [root canal treatment](/restorative-dentistry/root-canal-treatment). SA Dental. Dental emergency first aid — broken teeth. 2024.

Question 8

How much does an emergency dentist cost in Perth?

Accepted Answer

Emergency dental costs in Perth vary depending on the nature of the emergency and the treatment required. At Sienna Smiles, emergency consultations (including assessment, diagnosis, and X-rays) are $80 to $120. Emergency extractions range from $250 to $500, and temporary restorations from $150 to $300. Across the broader Perth market, typical emergency dental pricing includes: Emergency consultation: $80–$400 depending on the practice and scope of assessment. Simple extraction with X-rays: $250–$500. Composite filling: $180–$320. Root canal (front tooth): $950–$1,200. Root canal (molar): $1,400–$1,650 At Sienna Smiles, all costs are confirmed in writing before any treatment proceeds. Health fund rebates may apply — we are a preferred provider for HBF, HCF, and NIB with HICAPS on-site. Payment plans are available through Afterpay and Fund My Dental. Pricing is indicative only and varies depending on individual circumstances. Emergency Dentist Perth. The cost of a dental emergency — Perth pricing guide, 2025.

Question 9

My filling or crown fell out — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

A lost filling or crown exposes the underlying tooth to sensitivity, bacteria, and further decay. While not always immediately dangerous, it should be addressed within one to two days to prevent the situation from worsening. Steps to take before your appointment: **Save the crown** if it has come off completely — bring it to the dentist, as it can sometimes be re-cemented. **Temporary dental cement** is available from pharmacies (such as Dentemp) — apply it to the inside of the crown and place it back over the tooth. **Clove oil** on a cotton ball can provide short-term relief for an exposed tooth, though HealthDirect recommends consulting a professional before use. **Avoid chewing on the affected side** until the tooth is repaired. **Do not use superglue** — household adhesives are not safe for oral use Call Sienna Smiles on 08 9455 1234 to book an appointment. If the exposed tooth is causing significant pain or you notice swelling, request a same-day emergency appointment. Depending on the assessment, a new [dental filling](/restorative-dentistry/dental-fillings) or [crown](/restorative-dentistry/crowns-and-bridges) may be recommended. HealthDirect Australia. Toothache and swelling — lost fillings and crowns. 2025.

Question 10

Do I need antibiotics for a toothache?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are not routine treatment for toothache. HealthDirect states that antibiotics are not commonly used for toothache unless there is visible mouth swelling indicating infection. Australian therapeutic guidelines recommend antibiotics only as an adjunct to dental treatment when there are signs of systemic involvement, progressive infection, or immunocompromise. The first-line treatment for dental pain is ibuprofen and paracetamol — this combination targets both pain and inflammation more effectively than antibiotics, which do not relieve pain directly. Antibiotics address the infection, but the source of a dental infection (typically a decayed or damaged tooth) must be treated by a dentist for the problem to resolve. If you have a toothache with facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, contact Sienna Smiles for a same-day assessment. Your dentist will determine whether antibiotics are indicated based on your clinical presentation, and will provide the definitive treatment (such as drainage, root canal, or extraction) needed to resolve the underlying cause. HealthDirect Australia. Toothache and swelling — when antibiotics are used. 2025. Australian Prescriber. Management of dental pain in primary care. 2024.

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