Dental pain usually comes without any warning. When a dental emergency strikes, the worst thing you can do is panic. What you need to do is stay calm, pick up the phone and book an Emergency Appointment with a trusted dentist in Canberra that offers Dental Emergency Services.
Not all dental clinics offer emergency services, so it is always a good idea to have the contact of an Emergency Dentist on hand. Not only will you be in the care of a professional dentist, but he or she will also be trained to handle your situation in a calm and methodical way.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we give priority to patients who are caught in a dental emergency. We understand that it can be a trying situation, particularly if children are involved. However, it is important to stay calm so that you do not overreact or generate unnecessary tension.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery in Canberra, you can find assurance in a team of Emergency Dental Professionals who are trained to handle situations such as the one you’re in. Not only do we provide Emergency Appointments as a matter of priority, but we are also professionally equipped to handle emergency situations and patients who may be in physical pain or under emotional stress.
Whether the dental situation has to do with an injury or accident, sudden pain or trauma, it can be managed in a calm and professional way. Do not delay responding to a dental emergency. If you are experiencing one right now, stay calm and call Molonglo Dental Surgery on 02 6287 1222. We do cater for after – hours emergency. Call 0457 123 000 to book after hours emergency. In the event of a medical emergency, call your treating GP or 000 immediately.
What to do in a Dental Emergency
If you cannot reach us fast enough when a dental emergency strikes – perhaps during an overseas trip or in the middle of the night – the following tips may come in handy to offer temporary pain relief until you receive professional help:
Dental pain
One of the most common dental emergency problems, dental pain is usually caused by tooth decay. The toothaches may also be accompanied by swollen gums or jaw pains. For temporary relief, apply a cold compress outside your cheeks around the affected area. You may also rinse your mouth with a mild salt solution to clean the area.
*Note: If your dental pain comes and goes, do not ignore it as it will only become worse over time.
Fractured or broken teeth
Rinse your mouth with a mild salt solution to clean the area and remove any food debris. You can try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the tooth with a handkerchief or small towel.
If the tooth is completely knocked out, locate the missing tooth, place it in a cup of milk and call a dentist right away. If that is not possible, you can also try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket. Best done by a dentist, it is still possible to save the tooth if it is reinserted within one to two hours of being knocked out.
Objects caught between teeth: Do not attempt to remove the object by force or it may further injure your tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water and if possible, slowly nudge at the object and pull it out gently. If you feel pain when tugging the object, stop pulling immediately.
Air pressure
Some people find that plane travels can exacerbate their dental pain. It is, therefore, a good idea to take pain relief medication in such situations. It also helps to see your dentist as soon as you touch down. You may take advantage of our convenient online booking system to secure your appointment via your mobile device.
The best thing to do in a dental emergency is to pick up the phone and call us straight away on 02 6287 1222. By assessing your situation over the phone, we will be able to advise you on what to do next.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A dental emergency may be classified as any dental issue – related to your teeth, gums, or mouth – that requires immediate professional care. This following are common scenarios that require immediate dental attention: Severe toothaches; knocked-out or broken teeth, persistent bleeding; facial swelling; abscesses; lost fillings or crowns; and trauma from accidents or sports injuries. If you're in severe pain; experience persistent bleeding; or swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, these are issues that suggest the need for emergency dental care.
When a tooth is knocked out, time is of the essence. Once you locate the fallen tooth, remember to handle it only by the crown (the white part you see) – do not touch the root. If it's dirty, you may rinse it gently with water. Do NOT scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, try to attach the tooth back into the socket, carefully biting down on clean gauze to hold it in place. If that's not possible, keep the tooth in a container of milk or between your cheek and gum. Call our Canberra emergency dentist immediately. The tooth has the best chance of survival if it is being re-attached, ideally by a dentist, within 30 minutes after it has been knocked out.
Hospital emergency rooms can help with severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or infections that affect breathing or swallowing. However, they're not set up for most dental emergencies. For issues involving toothaches, broken teeth, or lost fillings, an emergency dentist is your best bet. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we have the specialised tools and expertise to diagnose and treat dental emergencies that fall outside the remit of most ERs.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we do our best to see emergency patients as quickly as possible – often on the same day as your call. When you visit our Canberra practice with a dental emergency, we'll assess your situation and make every effort to ensure that our dentist see you at the earliest opportunity. For severe cases like knocked-out teeth or uncontrolled bleeding, we would prioritise your case so that the dentist can see you immediately.
If you cannot get to a dentist on time, there are a few things you can do to get temporary relief before your appointment: Rinse with warm salt water; take over-the-counter pain meds as directed; or apply a cold compress to your cheek if swelling should occur. You should avoid doing the following: Hot or cold foods and drinks; putting aspirin directly on your gums as it can damage tissue. Remember: Following these advise only offers temporary relief. It is important to get professional care for your dental pain and to find out if there are any underlying causes.
Yes. Our Canberra emergency dentist team is experienced in handling dental emergencies for children of all ages. Kids are especially prone to dental injuries from accidental falls and facial impact. If your child is experiencing any form of dental trauma, call us right away at 02 6287 1222. Our kid-friendly dental team is trained to keep young patients calm during stressful situations.
Some after-hours appointments may attract a call-out fee to cover staff returning to the clinic outside regular hours. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we offer same-day dental appointments in Canberra for urgent cases. This is part of our commitment towards offering affordable dentistry in Canberra.
Even if a broken tooth isn't painful, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Remember: No pain does not mean no problem. A broken tooth exposes inner layers to bacteria, raising infection risk and further damage. Sharp edges can also cut your tongue or cheeks. Receiving prompt treatment from an emergency dentist can mean the difference between a minor injury and a bigger, more expensive problem down the road.
Yes. We understand how dental emergencies can be stressful, especially for anxious or nervous patients. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we offer pre-treatment options like anaesthetics for pain and anxiety relief. Our team practices gentle dentistry from top to bottom. We make every effort to explain everything so that you are kept abreast of the situation every step of the way. Tell us about your anxiety when you visit us. We'll take extra care to make your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.