Important safety notice
If you have facial swelling affecting vision, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, high fever with spreading infection, or jaw fracture/major facial trauma, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
What to do right now
- Severe toothache or swelling: Take over‑the‑counter paracetamol and/or ibuprofen as directed (if safe for you). Use a cold compress. Do not place aspirin on the gum. Seek same‑day dental care.
- Knocked‑out adult tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown, gently rinse if dirty, reinsert into the socket and bite gently on cloth. If you cannot reinsert, store in milk or saliva. See a dentist within 60 minutes.
- Broken tooth/filling or sharp edge: Keep any pieces, avoid biting on that side, cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar‑free gum. Book a dental assessment within 24–48 hours.
- Bleeding after an extraction: Fold clean gauze or a damp tea bag and bite with firm pressure for 20–30 minutes. If bleeding continues, contact your dentist or go to hospital.
- Suspected infection (abscess): Do not apply heat or attempt to drain. Rinse gently with warm salty water. Seek urgent dental assessment, especially if swelling is increasing.
How urgent am I?
- Immediate (go now or call 000): Spreading facial swelling, eye involvement, fever with systemic symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, trauma with broken jaw or dislodged teeth you cannot reposition.
- Same day (book today): Severe or worsening pain, localised swelling, dental abscess, pain disturbing sleep, dry socket, knocked‑out or loose adult tooth, broken tooth with pain.
- Soon (within 24–72 hours): Lost filling or crown without pain, chipped tooth, mild gum swelling, broken retainer, minor post‑op concerns.
Where to go for dental emergency help in Australia
- General dentist: Most practices reserve urgent appointments daily. Ask for a same‑day emergency visit.
- After‑hours or weekend dentist: Larger clinics and some metropolitan centres offer extended hours. Surcharges may apply.
- Hospital emergency department: Best for severe infection, uncontrolled bleeding, facial trauma or when you cannot access a dentist and symptoms are escalating.
- Public dental services: State and territory clinics may provide urgent care to eligible patients (health care/Pensioner Concession Card holders, and children via CDBS). Wait times vary.
If you are unsure which option suits your situation and budget, send an enquiry. We can help you decide and connect you with appropriate care.
Typical costs and cover in Australia
- Emergency exam and triage: commonly $60–$150
- X‑rays (if needed): commonly $35–$70 each
- Pain relief or temporary dressing: commonly $80–$250
- Simple extraction: commonly $180–$350; surgical extraction can be higher
- Root canal to relieve pain: first visit commonly $350–$650 (total course is more)
- After‑hours surcharges may apply in evenings/weekends
Medicare generally does not cover routine dental for adults in private clinics. Private health extras may contribute to urgent care, depending on your policy. Eligible children may access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Public dental services can offer emergency care to eligible patients.
What help usually involves
Dental emergency help focuses on quick relief, accurate diagnosis and a realistic plan for the tooth and gums. Depending on your case, your visit may include:
- Assessment and diagnostic X‑rays if needed
- Pain control planning and temporary stabilisation
- Drainage of infection where appropriate
- Definitive treatment planning (e.g., extraction or root canal)
- Advice on recovery, review timing and cost estimates
The goal is to control pain and infection quickly while choosing an option that suits your health, preferred outcome and budget.
What to have ready
- When your symptoms started and how they have changed
- What makes it worse or better (e.g., hot/cold, biting, lying down)
- Any swelling, fever, trauma or recent dental work
- Recent X‑rays or quotes (if you have them)
- Any health conditions, medicines and allergies
- Whether cost, anxiety or lack of insurance affects your decision
Questions worth asking at an appointment
- What is the most likely diagnosis and how certain is it?
- Is this urgent or likely to worsen if delayed?
- What are my treatment options and which do you recommend first?
- What is the immediate cost and likely total cost?
- What should I expect over the next few days and when do you want to review me?
Confidential help
If you need help understanding your next step, comparing options or finding a clinic that suits your timing and budget, you can send a confidential enquiry below. Our Australian team connects people with relevant dental help.
This site is an information and referral platform and not a dental clinic. If your symptoms are severe or life‑threatening, call 000 or attend hospital immediately.
Frequently asked questions
- Will a hospital treat toothache? Hospitals usually manage serious complications (e.g., severe infection, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding). They may provide pain relief or antibiotics and refer you to a dentist for definitive treatment.
- Do antibiotics fix dental pain? Antibiotics can help if there is spreading infection, but they do not cure the source of most tooth pain. Definitive dental treatment is usually required.
- What pain relief is best? If safe for you, alternating or combining ibuprofen and paracetamol as directed can be effective. Always follow the label and your GP or pharmacist’s advice.
- Can I get emergency public dental care? Eligible patients (e.g., health care/Pensioner Concession Card holders) may access urgent public dental services, though availability varies by state/territory.
- Is a broken filling urgent? If you have pain, sensitivity or a sharp edge cutting your cheek or tongue, book same day or next day. If comfortable and stable, a short delay may be reasonable.
Related pages
More help: Tooth pain, Root canal, Tooth extraction, Wisdom teeth, Gum disease.