Top 5 Most Common Dental Emergencies and How We Treat Them

Dental emergencies have a way of striking at the worst possible times – right before a weekend, during a family event, or just as you’re heading out the door. Whether it’s sharp pain, swelling, or a knocked-out tooth, these moments can be stressful and sometimes frightening.

Acting quickly matters. Whether it’s an aching molar or a lost filling, urgent care can make the difference between keeping and losing a tooth. That’s why our team keeps appointment slots open daily for urgent care. We aim to make same-day help available whenever possible, because waiting isn’t always an option when you’re in pain.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency includes any issue that causes sudden pain, swelling, or bleeding, or puts your teeth at risk of permanent damage. Think knocked-out teeth, deep decay, cracked enamel, or infections. These issues aren’t just uncomfortable; they can worsen quickly without immediate support.

Five Common Dental Emergencies and Our Caring Approach

1. Severe Toothache - When a toothache hits hard, it’s not just an annoyance; it’s a red flag. Common culprits include deep decay, exposed nerves, or an infection inside the tooth. In some cases, trauma or a cracked tooth might be the source.

Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as it may irritate soft tissues. Instead, rinse with warm salty water and apply a cold compress to the cheek. At our clinic, we’ll do a thorough assessment to pinpoint the cause and determine how deep the damage goes. We’ll walk you through each step to get you out of pain as quickly as possible.

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth - A chipped tooth may not always seem urgent, but the severity matters. If the break exposes the tooth’s inner layers or causes pain, it’s time to call us. Keep the broken piece moist in milk or saliva and bring it along to your appointment. Until you’re seen, avoid biting down on hard foods and try covering any jagged edges with sugarless gum to protect your mouth.

We typically use tooth-coloured bonding, crowns, or veneers for repairs. For small chips, a quick polish or minor reshaping might be all that’s needed. Bigger breaks may require more involved work, but we’ll always aim for the most natural-looking, durable result.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth - This is one of the most urgent emergencies we see. If a tooth is knocked out, you’ve got the best chance of saving it within the first 60 minutes, and every minute counts. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse off dirt with milk or saline, and if you can, try to place it back into the socket. Otherwise, keep it moist in milk or tucked inside your cheek. Never scrub or dry out the tooth.

Our team will work swiftly to reimplant the tooth and stabilise it. If that’s not possible, we’ll talk through replacement options like dental bridges or implants. Either way, our focus is on getting you smiling again with confidence.

4. Lost Filling or Crown - When a filling or crown falls out, your tooth becomes vulnerable to temperature sensitivity, further decay, and infection. Even if you’re not in pain, it’s still an urgent issue. We can reuse your original crown if you bring it in safely, and if you contact us promptly, we’ll aim to replace your filling or crown the same day.

Try placing sugarless gum or temporary dental cement from a pharmacy over the exposed area until your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side to reduce pressure.

5. Abscess or Infection - Abscesses can be hidden but serious. Signs include swelling, intense pain, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth. Left untreated, the infection may spread to other areas of your body, becoming a medical emergency. Avoid heat packs and don’t try to pop the area, as this can worsen the spread. Rinse gently with salty water and see us as soon as you can.

We’ll assess whether the infection needs draining and may prescribe antibiotics to bring it under control. In some cases, a root canal is the best way to preserve the tooth and clear the infection at its source.

Why Choose Our Same-Day Care?

When a dental emergency strikes, you need more than just an appointment; you need someone who can help without delay. That’s where Smile Dental Studios Tarneit comes in.

We set aside appointment times each day specifically for dental emergencies, because we know they don’t follow a nine-to-five schedule. Whether it’s a cracked tooth during lunch or a sharp pain late in the day, we’re here for you.

How to Book an Emergency Appointment

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait and hope it gets better. Fast care makes a difference. Call us now on (03) 9117 6800 or use our online booking form to secure your same-day spot. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve seen us before, we’ll fit you in as quickly as possible and walk you through the next steps.