In pain or had an accident? Call us as early as you can and we'll do our best to see you the same day. Our first job is simple — get you comfortable and out of pain.
A dental emergency is stressful, and pain has a way of arriving at the worst possible moment. If you call us, our aim is to see you the same day wherever we can. We'll ask a few quick questions to understand how urgent it is, give you advice for the meantime, and prioritise getting you out of pain first — the detailed treatment plan can wait until you're comfortable.
If you've knocked out a tooth or you have significant swelling, don't wait for a convenient moment. Call us straight away on (02) 9389 2570.
The single most useful thing you can do in a dental emergency is pick up the phone early. Even before you get here, we can talk you through first aid for your particular problem, whether that's saving a knocked-out tooth or easing a bad toothache. Ring us on (02) 9389 2570 and we'll take it from there.
Not every dental problem is an emergency, but several genuinely need prompt attention:
A lost filling, a lost crown or mild sensitivity is usually uncomfortable rather than dangerous — but it's still worth booking in quickly so a small problem doesn't turn into a bigger one.
One important exception: if facial swelling is spreading, or is affecting your breathing or swallowing, or you feel very unwell with a fever, treat it as a medical emergency and go to a hospital emergency department.
A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the few truly time-critical emergencies: the sooner it's back in place, the better the chance of saving it. While you're on your way to us:
If a child knocks out a baby tooth, don't try to reinsert it — call us for advice, because reimplanting a baby tooth can harm the adult tooth developing underneath.
Toothache is the most common reason people call in pain, and it can come from decay, a cracked tooth, an exposed nerve, an abscess or a gum problem. While you arrange to be seen, rinsing gently with warm salty water, keeping the area clean and using over-the-counter pain relief (as directed) can take the edge off. But ongoing toothache is a signal, not something to wait out — if it's severe, keeping you awake, or coming with swelling or fever, you should be seen promptly.
This ranges from a minor chip to a painful fracture. Rinse with warm water, save any pieces you can find, and hold a cold compress against the outside of your face to ease swelling. If a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or cheek, a little dental wax or even sugar-free gum over the edge can be a temporary fix until we see you.
Swelling of the gum or face can point to a dental abscess — a pocket of infection. This is one to take seriously rather than wait out, because it won't clear up on its own and needs treatment. Pain relief and salt-water rinses may ease the symptoms, but they don't deal with the infection itself, so call us promptly.
Usually not dangerous, but the exposed tooth can be sharp and sensitive. Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and hold on to a lost crown if you can — it can often be re-cemented. Book in promptly so we can protect the tooth before it breaks further.
An emergency is stressful at the best of times, and doubly so if you're already anxious about the dentist. We use gentle, comfort-focused techniques — including our computer-controlled Wand system for genuinely comfortable numbing — to make an urgent visit as easy as it can be. Getting you out of pain comes first; everything else can follow.
The best dental emergency is the one that never happens. A cracked tooth, an abscess or a lost filling is often a sign of something that's been building quietly for a while, so once you're comfortable, I'll always look at why it happened — because addressing the cause is what stops the next emergency. Regular check-ups are the simplest insurance there is.
We never want cost to stand between you and the care you need. We accept all health funds, with HICAPS claiming on the day so you only pay the balance — and flexible payment plans are available, just ask our team. CBHS members can also ask about in-practice claiming for routine exams, cleans and X-rays.
Call us as early as you can on (02) 9389 2570 and we'll do our best to see you the same day. For a knocked-out tooth or significant swelling, contact us straight away rather than waiting.
Practical, honest guidance from Dr Brendan Quill on the topics that matter for your care.
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