What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

If you're in significant pain, something has broken or been knocked out, or you have swelling — that's an emergency. Don't wait to see if it gets better. Dental problems rarely resolve on their own, and most worsen quickly without treatment.

Common emergencies we see and treat same-day:

• Severe toothache:
  Persistent, intense tooth pain is one of the most common reasons people call us. It often signals an infection or abscess that needs prompt treatment — not just pain relief, but addressing the underlying cause before it spreads.
• Dental abscess or swelling:
  A swollen face, swollen gum, or a visible pus-filled lump near a tooth is a dental abscess — a bacterial infection that can spread rapidly if left untreated. This is an urgent situation. Call us immediately.
• Knocked-out tooth:
  Act fast — a knocked-out permanent tooth can sometimes be saved if you get to us within an hour. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently in milk or saline without scrubbing, and keep it moist — in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum — while you call us and head straight in.
• Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth:
  Whether from an accident, a fall, or biting something hard — a broken tooth needs prompt attention, particularly if there is pain or sensitivity, or if the break is significant.
• Lost filling or crown:
  A lost filling or crown leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable. It can cause significant sensitivity and deteriorate quickly without protection. We can replace or temporarily seal it same-day.
• Broken or loose dental work:
  A loose crown, broken bridge, or dislodged veneer — come in and we'll assess and stabilise it promptly.
• Bleeding that won't stop:
  Post-extraction bleeding that continues beyond a few hours, or spontaneous gum bleeding, should always be assessed.
• Dental injury in children:
  A knocked-out or broken baby tooth, or trauma to the mouth in a child, should always be seen promptly — not because baby teeth are necessarily saved, but because the developing permanent tooth underneath may be affected.

When to Go Straight to Hospital

Most dental emergencies are best treated by us — hospital emergency departments are not equipped for dental treatment and wait times can be very long. However, go directly to a hospital if you experience:

• Swelling spreading to your neck, throat, or affecting your ability to swallow or breathe
• High fever alongside dental pain or swelling
• Significant trauma to the jaw, face, or head
• Uncontrolled bleeding that is not responding to pressure

In these situations, call 000 if needed. For everything else — call us first.

What Happens When You Arrive

We understand that coming in for a dental emergency — especially if you're in pain or anxious — is stressful. Our team is experienced in looking after patients in exactly this situation, and putting you at ease is the first thing we do.

When you arrive, you'll be seen as quickly as possible. Your dentist will assess what's happening, relieve your pain, and talk you through what treatment is needed and what comes next. We won't rush you, and we won't do anything without explaining it clearly first.

For patients who are anxious about dental treatment — especially in an emergency situation — we understand, and we will work with you at your pace. Local anaesthetic is used as standard to ensure you are comfortable. For patients with significant dental anxiety, please let us know when you call and we will make additional arrangements to support you.

Emergency Dental Care for New Patients

You do not need to be an existing patient to be seen as an emergency. We welcome new patients who need urgent care — same-day, no questions asked.

If you decide to continue your dental care with us following your emergency appointment, we'd be delighted to have you as a patient. But there's no obligation — we're here to help, regardless.

After Hours — What to Do Outside Our Opening Hours

Our opening hours are:

We are open late every weeknight and through the weekend, which means genuine out-of-hours dental emergencies are rare for most people in the Carnegie area. If something happens outside these hours, please call our number — there is an after-hours message with guidance on managing your situation until we open.

If your situation is urgent and cannot wait, please go to your nearest hospital emergency department.