The Most Common Dental Emergencies and How to Respond

You’re eating, talking, or just going about your day when suddenly—sharp pain, a broken tooth, or unexpected bleeding in your mouth. Dental emergencies often come without warning and can cause panic. But knowing what to do at the moment can help protect your teeth and health.

At Fine Tooth, we provide fast and gentle care for dental emergencies in Melbourne and Croydon. If you’re searching for an emergency dentist near me, you’re already one step closer to relief.

This guide will help you recognise the most common dental emergencies and what to do before you reach the dentist.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency involves any situation in the mouth that causes:

• Sudden or severe tooth pain

• Injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw

• Swelling or bleeding in the mouth

• Loss of a tooth, crown, or filling

• Signs of infection like pus or fever

Emergencies can range from painful abscesses to trauma from accidents. Even if the issue seems small, early care can prevent bigger problems.

1. Toothache That Won’t Go Away

A lingering or sharp toothache can signal decay, infection, or even a cracked tooth.

Common causes:

• Tooth decay reaching the nerve

• Gum infection

• Abscess

• Trauma to the tooth

What to do immediately:

• Rinse with warm saltwater

• Take over-the-counter pain relief

• Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling

• Avoid hot, cold, or sugary food

When to act:
If the pain lasts longer than a day or worsens, contact an emergency dentist Croydon. You might need a root canal or infection treatment.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

Time is critical if a permanent tooth is knocked out. The first 30–60 minutes are key for saving it.

How to respond:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root

• Rinse gently with water if dirty—do not scrub

• Try placing it back into the socket if you can

• If not, store it in milk or inside your cheek

• Call your dentist immediately

At Fine Tooth, we can often reattach the tooth if you arrive quickly.

3. Broken, Cracked or Chipped Tooth

Cracks and breaks can happen from accidents, hard food, or teeth grinding (bruxism).

Symptoms to look for:

• Sharp edges or missing pieces

• Pain when biting

• Sensitivity to temperature or sweets

First aid tips:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water

• Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling

• Keep any tooth fragments

• Avoid chewing on that side

A dentist can repair small chips with bonding or place a crown for larger damage.

4. Dental Abscess or Infection

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. It can develop inside the tooth or between the gum and tooth.

Symptoms include:

• Severe, throbbing pain

• Swollen face, jaw, or gums

• Fever or bad taste in the mouth

• A small bump (gum boil) near the tooth

What to do:

• Rinse with saltwater

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen

• Avoid touching or pressing the area

• Seek urgent dental care

Ignoring an abscess can lead to serious health risks, including the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

5. Lost Filling or Dental Crown

Losing a filling or crown leaves the tooth vulnerable and may cause sensitivity or pain.

What to do:

• Avoid chewing on the exposed tooth

• Apply dental wax or temporary cement (from pharmacy)

• Keep the area clean

• Save the crown if it came off

Visit your emergency dentist near me to repair or replace the lost restoration. At Fine Tooth, we can secure it temporarily or permanently depending on the case.

6. Object Stuck Between Teeth

Food or foreign objects trapped between teeth can cause swelling, gum pain, and infection.

How to respond:

• Use dental floss gently to remove the object

• Rinse with warm saltwater

• Do NOT use sharp tools like pins or toothpicks

• If the object won’t come out, contact your dentist

Professional tools may be needed to remove the object safely.

7. Broken Braces or Wires

Brackets can snap or wires may poke your cheeks, tongue, or gums, causing pain.

Steps to take:

• Cover the sharp area with orthodontic wax

• Use a cotton ball to protect your mouth

• Do not cut the wire

• Schedule a visit to your dentist or orthodontist

At Fine Tooth, we can offer quick repairs to stop discomfort and prevent further issues.

8. Bleeding or Injured Gums

Minor bleeding may come from brushing too hard or flossing. But if the bleeding is heavy, constant, or results from trauma, it’s an emergency.

What to do:

• Rinse with mild saltwater

• Apply pressure using clean gauze

• Sit upright to slow the bleeding

• See a dentist if bleeding doesn’t stop in 10–15 minutes

Persistent bleeding could also be a sign of advanced gum disease or injury that needs immediate care.

When Should You Call an Emergency Dentist?

Call your dentist immediately if you experience:

• Persistent or intense tooth pain

• A knocked-out or broken tooth

• Facial swelling

• Pus or fever with a toothache

• Bleeding that won’t stop

Delaying treatment can increase your risk of infection or permanent damage.

If you're in Melbourne or Croydon, Fine Tooth offers emergency dentist Croydon services with same-day appointments and experienced care. We're ready to help when you need urgent treatment.

What Happens at an Emergency Dental Visit?

At Fine Tooth, our emergency appointments focus on relieving your pain and fixing the problem quickly.

What we do during your visit:

• Assess your symptoms

• Take X-rays if needed

• Provide pain relief or antibiotics

• Perform urgent treatments like extractions or fillings

• Create a follow-up plan

Our goal is to get you out of pain and back to comfort as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While some emergencies are unpredictable, many can be prevented with proper care.

Tips for prevention:

• Visit your dentist twice a year

• Brush twice a day and floss daily

• W