Dental emergencies are often caused by accidents. Knowing a few simple steps can help until you can see a dentist.
Do
- Stay calm and assess the situation.
- Apply first aid: apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding, rinse with warm water and use a cold compress for swelling.
- Keep a knocked-out adult tooth moist: hold it by the crown, not the root, and store it in milk.
- Call for advice: contact the practice for an emergency appointment, even if the problem seems to have settled.
Don’t
- Scrub or handle the root of a knocked-out tooth.
- Place aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum.
- Ignore swelling or pain that keeps getting worse.
When to go to hospital
Go to a hospital emergency department or call 000 for facial fractures, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding or other serious injuries.
Read more about what to do in a dental emergency. Book online.
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- Macquarie Park Emergency Dentist: What to Do After Hours
- Toothache Relief: What to Do Until You See a Dentist
- What to Do in a Dental Emergency
This article is general information only and does not replace advice from your own dentist. Whether a treatment is suitable for you can only be decided after an examination. All dental treatment carries risks, and results vary from person to person.