Dental Emergencies: What to Do Before You See a Dentist

oralexperts group
Aug 2
3 min read

Oral Experts Group – Range Dental & Southtown Dental | Toowoomba

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them — whether it’s a chipped tooth from a fall, sudden swelling, or a filling that comes loose during dinner. Knowing how to respond in those first few moments can make a big difference in managing pain, preventing complications, and improving treatment outcomes.

At Oral Experts Group, with trusted clinics in Toowoomba’s Range Dental and Southtown Dental, we’ve put together a guide on what to do during common dental emergencies — and when you should contact us for urgent care.

✅ 1. Knocked-Out Tooth

What to do immediately:

Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
Rinse it gently with milk or saline — do not scrub or use soap.
If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place by gently biting down on a soft cloth.
If reinserting isn’t possible, store it in milk or saline and bring it with you.

Why it matters:

Time is critical — seeing a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes improves the chances of saving the tooth.

📞 Contact Oral Experts Group immediately. Our teams at Range Dental and Southtown Dental are equipped to handle dental trauma.

✅ 2. Broken or Chipped Tooth

Initial steps:

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
If there’s bleeding, apply gauze with gentle pressure.
Use a cold compress on the outside of your face to reduce swelling.
Collect and store any broken fragments in a clean container.

When to act:

Even minor chips should be assessed to rule out internal damage or sharp edges that could injure the tongue or cheek.

✅ 3. Lost or Loose Filling or Crown

At-home care tips:

Avoid chewing on the affected side.
If a crown has come off, clean it and attempt to place it back temporarily using over-the-counter dental cement (available at pharmacies).
Do not use glue or other non-dental adhesives.

Why see a dentist soon:

An unprotected tooth can become sensitive or more prone to decay. Prompt dental attention can prevent further complications.

✅ 4. Dental Abscess or Swelling

Watch for:

Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face
Persistent pain or throbbing
Pus discharge or foul taste

What to do:

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce bacteria.
Do not press or pop the swelling.
Avoid applying heat.

When to act:

An abscess can be a sign of infection that may spread if not treated promptly. Contact Southtown Dental or Range Dental in Toowoomba for same-day advice or care.

✅ 5. Toothache or Sudden Pain

First response:

Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any food debris.
Use paracetamol for relief (as per recommended dosage).
Avoid aspirin directly on the gums.

Why it needs attention:

Toothaches can signal cavities, cracks, or even infections. Even if the pain subsides, it’s important to have it assessed by a dental professional.

✅ When to Visit the Dentist Immediately

Seek urgent dental care if you experience:

Persistent or severe bleeding
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Visible swelling in the face or jaw
Intense, constant pain that doesn’t improve with basic care

At Oral Experts Group, we aim to see emergency cases as promptly as possible and guide you through what to do while you wait for your appointment.

🏥 Emergency Dental Care in Toowoomba

Whether you’re in Rangeville, Cranley, South Toowoomba, or surrounding areas, our clinics at Range Dental and Southtown Dental are here to assist with timely, professional care.

✅ What to bring for your emergency visit:

Your Medicare card or private health insurance details
Any dental appliances involved (e.g. a crown or chipped fragment)
Details about what happened and when

📞 Book an Emergency Dental Appointment

If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, don’t wait. Contact Oral Experts Group today and we’ll help you get the care you need — with as minimal discomfort and delay as possible.