Should I go to the ER or a dentist?

Go to ER (000) if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling affecting the eye or neck, fever with spreading infection, jaw fracture, severe facial trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding. See a dentist urgently for severe toothache, dental abscess, broken or cracked teeth, lost fillings/crowns, knocked-out tooth, or orthodontic wire injuries.

What do I do for a knocked-out adult tooth?

Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. If dirty, gently rinse in milk or saline for a few seconds—do not scrub. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and bite gently on cloth to hold it in place. If you cannot reinsert, store it in milk or in saliva (inside your cheek if safe) and get to a dentist within 60 minutes.

How can I relieve toothache at home safely?

Use over‑the‑counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed (if suitable for you). Rinse with warm salt water, keep food away from the sore side, and use a cold compress for swelling. Avoid aspirin on the gum, clove oil on exposed nerves, or heat—these can worsen damage. Arrange an urgent dental visit; pain relief alone is temporary.

What will an emergency dentist do?

They will diagnose the cause (exam, X‑rays if needed), provide immediate pain relief, drain infection if present, start treatment such as temporary dressing, root canal, splinting a traumatised tooth, repairing a broken tooth, or extracting non‑restorable teeth. They will also outline costs, recovery, and follow‑up.

How much does an emergency dental visit cost in Australia?

Costs vary by clinic and treatment. A problem‑focused exam and X‑ray may be $100–$250. Relief of pain with a temporary dressing $150–$350, simple extraction $200–$350, surgical extraction $350–$650+, initial root canal visit $350–$700, and antibiotics (if required) extra. Private health extras may reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.

Can I get public or children’s emergency dental care?

Public dental clinics prioritise emergencies for eligible patients—check your state or territory program. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) may cover eligible children for some emergency care in participating clinics. If you have private health extras, your cover and annual limits will affect costs.

Dental Emergency: What to Do | When to Call a Dentist Fast

Q: What to do in a dental emergency?

If there is trouble breathing, facial swelling spreading to the eye/neck, fever with malaise, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. For severe toothache, swelling, trauma, or a knocked-out tooth, call a dentist for an urgent appointment. Manage pain with paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the label (if suitable for you), keep the area clean, use cold compresses for swelling, and avoid heat. See a dentist promptly to treat the cause, not just the pain.

If this feels dangerous, act now

Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have:

Swelling that is spreading to the eye, cheek, or neck
Trouble breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth
Fever with facial swelling or you feel very unwell
Severe facial trauma or a possible broken jaw
Bleeding that you cannot control after 20–30 minutes of firm pressure

For all other urgent dental problems, a same-day or next-day dentist visit is usually the safest path.

Ask for urgent dental help

What to do in a dental emergency: quick actions

Taking the right steps in the first minutes can protect teeth and reduce complications.

Severe toothache or abscess

Call a dentist for an urgent appointment—painkillers do not cure infection.
Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the label (if suitable for you). Avoid aspirin on the gum.
Rinse gently with warm salty water; keep food away from the sore side.
Use a cold compress on the face for swelling. Avoid heat.

Knocked-out adult tooth (avulsed)

Handle by the crown only. Do not touch the root.
If dirty, rinse for a few seconds in milk or saline. Do not scrub or dry.
Reinsert into the socket immediately if you can and bite gently on cloth.
If you cannot reinsert, store the tooth in milk or saline and see a dentist within 60 minutes.

Broken, cracked or chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth gently and save any broken pieces.
Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your cheek/tongue.
See a dentist promptly—early repair protects the nerve and reduces costs.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the area clean; avoid chewing on it.
Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth for a short time.
Book a dentist to replace or re-cement—exposed teeth can deteriorate quickly.

After-extraction bleeding

Fold clean gauze or a tea bag and bite firmly for 20–30 minutes without checking.
Keep your head elevated, avoid rinsing/spitting and skip hot drinks or alcohol.
If bleeding continues, contact your dentist or go to emergency.

Braces wire or appliance injury

Use orthodontic wax over sharp wires. If a wire is sticking out, use clean tweezers to guide it flat if safe.
Call your orthodontist/dentist for a repair appointment.

Get step‑by‑step help for your situation

How to decide urgency

Think in three levels:

Immediate: danger signs above—hospital care now.
Urgent (same/next day): severe pain, swelling, abscess, broken tooth with sensitivity, lost crown with exposed tooth, knocked-out/loose tooth.
Soon (within days): mild toothache, chipped tooth without pain, lost filling with no sensitivity.

Delaying urgent issues can turn a small repair into root canal or even extraction. When unsure, it’s safer to be seen.

Ask a clinician to triage your symptoms

Treatment options you may be offered

Pain relief and temporary dressing to calm the tooth
Drainage and antibiotics if there is a spreading infection
Definitive care: fillings/bonding, root canal therapy, crown, splinting after trauma, or extraction if not restorable

Good care balances relief today with a plan that protects the tooth long term and fits your budget.

Discuss options and likely costs

Costs, insurance and public pathways (Australia)

Emergency fees vary by clinic and complexity. Common ranges:

Problem exam and X‑ray: $100–$250
Temporary relief/dressing: $150–$350
Simple extraction: $200–$350; surgical extraction: $350–$650+
Initial root canal visit: $350–$700 (full treatment costs more)

Private health extras can reduce out‑of‑pocket fees. Public dental clinics prioritise emergencies for eligible patients. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule may help eligible families. Learn more on our Emergency Dentist Cost page.

Check your options and rebates

What to ask at an urgent dental appointment

What is the likely diagnosis and how confident are you?
Is this urgent, and what happens if I delay?
What are my treatment options now and later?
What are the costs today and the total likely cost?
What should I expect over the next few days, and when should I be reviewed?

Get help preparing for your visit

Related guides

Confidential help

If you need help understanding the next step, comparing options or finding a clinic that suits your situation, you can send a confidential enquiry below.

This site is not a dental clinic. It is an information and referral platform designed to connect people with relevant dental help.

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