Emergency Dental Care: What to Do When You Have a Toothache, Broken Tooth, or Other Dental Emergencies

3 weeks ago

Dental emergencies often happen when you least expect them – a sharp toothache that wakes you at 2am, a broken tooth after biting into something hard, or an injury during sport or an accident. In moments like these, knowing what to do next can make a big difference to your comfort and the outcome.

At The Reef Dental Centre in Perth, we regularly help patients facing these situations. Whether it’s toothache relief, broken tooth treatment, or another urgent issue, the right care can quickly reduce pain and prevent long-term damage.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common dental emergencies, what to do in the moment, and when it’s time to seek emergency dental care.

Common Dental Emergencies and Symptoms

Here are some of the most frequent reasons people come to us for urgent dental help:

Severe toothache: Sudden or persistent tooth pain, especially if throbbing or keeping you awake at night

Broken or chipped tooth: From biting hard foods, accidents, or sports injuries

Knocked-out tooth: A dental injury where the tooth has come completely out

Lost filling or crown: Which can expose the sensitive area and lead to pain or further damage

Swelling in the gums or face: Often a sign of infection

Bleeding from the mouth: After injury, or persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop

Some dental issues may start mild but worsen quickly; it’s always best to contact your dentist promptly if symptoms appear.

First-Aid Tips for Dental Issues Before Visiting the Dentist

While waiting to see the dentist, here are some first-aid tips to help manage pain and protect your teeth:

For a toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salty water. Take over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen). Avoid applying aspirin directly to the gum.

For a broken tooth: Rinse the area with water. If possible, save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.

For a knocked-out tooth: Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it in water, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or saliva and get to a dentist quickly – time is critical.

For swelling: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling and discomfort.

For bleeding: Use clean gauze to apply gentle but firm pressure to stop bleeding.

These steps can help minimise complications before professional treatment.

When to Seek Immediate Dental Attention

Knowing when to call the dentist urgently is key to protecting your dental health. We recommend contacting an emergency dentist in Perth straight away if:

Pain is severe or getting worse

There is significant swelling of the face, jaw, or neck

You experience fever with a toothache (possible infection)

A tooth is knocked out or broken

Bleeding continues after applying pressure

There is trauma to the mouth after an accident

At The Reef Dental Centre, we keep time available each day for emergency patients, and our friendly team will advise you on the best next steps. If you’re unsure, always call – it’s better to get advice early than wait too long.

How Dentists Handle Emergencies: Procedures and Pain Management

One concern many patients have is “Will it hurt?” Rest assured – modern dental care offers excellent options for managing pain and keeping you comfortable, even in emergencies.

Here’s how we typically handle common situations:

Toothache relief: Diagnosis to find the cause (decay, infection, damage), followed by treatment such as a filling, root canal, or extraction if needed.

Broken tooth treatment: Repairing the tooth with composite resin, a crown, or other suitable material.

Knocked-out tooth: Attempting reimplantation where possible, with follow-up care.

Infection: Draining abscesses, prescribing antibiotics if needed, and planning further treatment.

We also use effective local anaesthetics to manage discomfort and will always talk you through what to expect during your visit. Our goal is to get you out of pain and back to normal as quickly as possible.

Preventing Future Dental Problems

While emergencies can’t always be avoided, there are many ways to reduce the risk:

Regular dental check-ups: Catching small problems before they become big ones

Good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using fluoride toothpaste

Wearing a mouthguard: For contact sports or activities where injuries may occur

Being careful with hard foods: Such as ice cubes, hard lollies, nuts, bones, etc.

Addressing dental issues early: Don’t ignore small chips, sensitivity, or other early symptoms

We encourage all our patients to maintain preventive care. Not only does this support overall oral health, but it also means fewer unpleasant surprises down the track.

Here For You in Any Dental Emergency

When a dental emergency happens, it’s natural to feel worried, but knowing how to respond can really help. By recognising the signs, taking basic first-aid steps, and getting emergency dental care when needed, you can protect your teeth and avoid long-term damage.

If you ever need urgent dental help in Perth, our team at The Reef Dental Centre is here to support you with compassionate, expert care. Don’t hesitate to call – we’ll guide you on the right path to relief and recovery.