What counts as a dental emergency
A dental emergency is anything that needs attention sooner than a routine booking: pain that stops you eating or sleeping, an injury to the teeth or mouth, or an infection that is causing swelling. Some problems are clearly urgent, while others can safely wait a day or two once the discomfort is under control.
If you’re not sure which category you fall into, call anyway. A quick conversation with our team is often enough to work out how soon you need to be seen and what will help until then. We’d always rather hear from you early than have a small problem turn into a bigger one.
- Toothache that is severe, constant or keeps you awake
- A tooth that has been knocked out, pushed out of place or broken
- Swelling of the gum, face or jaw linked to a tooth
- Bleeding after an extraction or other treatment that won’t settle
- A painful, swollen gum around a wisdom tooth
- A lost crown or filling that leaves the tooth sore or sharp
- A broken denture you rely on to eat
Signs you need a hospital, not a dentist
Some situations need emergency medical care before dental care. Go to your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000, if you or the person you’re helping has:
- Swelling that affects breathing, swallowing or the eye
- Bleeding you can’t control with firm pressure
- Facial trauma along with other injuries, a possible broken jaw, or any loss of consciousness
- A high fever with facial or dental swelling, or feeling very unwell
How we prioritise your call
When you phone, our team will ask a few short questions to understand what has happened and how you’re coping. We’re listening for the details that change how quickly you need to be seen: a knocked‑out adult tooth, swelling that is spreading, bleeding, a high temperature, or pain that over‑the‑counter relief isn’t touching.
Based on your answers, we’ll find the earliest suitable time and give you first‑aid advice for the hours in between. If anything you describe sounds like it needs hospital care, we’ll tell you straight away. Calling as soon as we open gives us the most room to fit you in, though we can’t promise a particular time.
Have these ready when you phone
A little information helps us make the right call quickly, especially if you’re ringing on behalf of a child or another family member.
- When the problem started and whether it followed an injury
- Where it hurts, what makes it worse, and what you’ve already tried
- Any swelling, fever, bad taste or bleeding
- Medicines you take, including blood thinners, and any allergies
- Relevant health conditions, such as diabetes, a heart condition or pregnancy
- Your health fund card, or CDBS or DVA details, if you’d like to claim
What happens at an emergency appointment
Emergency visits focus first on relief. Your dentist will examine the area, usually take a digital x‑ray, and explain what they find in plain terms before doing anything. Treatment on the day might be a dressing, a temporary repair, draining an infection, or occasionally removing a tooth that can’t be saved. Local anaesthetic is used whenever it’s needed, and if you feel anxious, tell us and we’ll go at your pace.
Once you’re comfortable, we’ll talk through the options for fixing the problem properly, which is often done at a follow‑up appointment. Emergency treatment usually falls under general dental cover on most extras policies, and we’ll explain any follow‑up costs before going ahead.
If we’re closed
We’re open Mon–Fri 9am–6pm and Sat 9am–1pm, and closed on Sundays and the main public holidays. Outside those times:
- For advice at any time: call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department for swelling that affects your breathing, swallowing or eye, bleeding you can’t control, a high fever with facial swelling, or a head injury.
- Knocked-out adult tooth: put it back in or keep it in milk as described on our knocked‑out tooth page, then go to a hospital emergency department straight away. Don’t wait for us to open.
Hospital emergency departments can manage pain, infection and injuries, but they generally don’t provide dental treatment such as fillings or root canals. Call us on 08 9447 1514 when we next open, and bring any discharge notes or prescriptions with you.
Common questions
What if a crown or filling falls out?
Keep the crown if you have it and call us. If there’s no pain it may not be urgent, but it should be checked soon so the tooth isn’t damaged further. Avoid chewing on that side, and don’t try to glue a crown back on yourself.
My denture has broken. Can you help quickly?
Call us and describe the break, and bring all the pieces with you. Many cracks and broken teeth on dentures can be repaired, though some need to be sent away. Please don’t try superglue, as it can make a proper repair harder.
I’m still bleeding after having a tooth out. What should I do?
Fold a clean piece of gauze or a damp tea bag, place it over the socket and bite firmly for 20 to 30 minutes without checking. Sit upright and avoid rinsing or spitting. If bleeding continues despite firm pressure, call us during opening hours, or go to an emergency department if it’s heavy or after hours.
Do I need to be an existing patient?
No. Call us whether or not you’ve been to us before, and we’ll do what we can to help. If you’re new, we’ll ask for some basic health details when you arrive.
Should I see a GP or pharmacist first?
A pharmacist can recommend suitable pain relief, and a GP can help if you feel unwell or need antibiotics for a spreading infection. Neither can treat the tooth itself, so it’s worth calling us at the same time.
What if I’m travelling or away from Perth?
Find a local dentist where you are, or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice. Once you’re home, we’re happy to review any temporary treatment you had and finish it off.