Quick guide: what to do right now
- Control the urgent issue
- Bleeding: apply firm, continuous pressure with clean gauze for 10–15 minutes.
- Swelling: use a cold compress on the outside of the face (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off).
- Pain: take over‑the‑counter pain relief as directed on the label. Avoid aspirin if there’s active bleeding.
- Call for same‑day care
- Most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist. Ask for an urgent or same‑day appointment.
- If you’re unsure where to go, we can help you find an option that suits your timing, location and budget.
- Go to hospital or call 000 if any of these apply
- Spreading facial swelling, fever or you feel unwell with a dental infection.
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth.
- Suspected broken jaw, facial trauma or uncontrolled bleeding.
- Do not do these
- Do not apply heat to a swollen area.
- Do not put aspirin on gums or a tooth.
- Do not delay care if symptoms are worsening.
Adelaide options: dentist vs hospital
For people searching “what to do in a dental emergency Adelaide”, the first choice is where to go:
- See a dentist urgently for severe toothache, broken/cracked tooth, lost filling or crown, wisdom tooth pain, broken denture, or a tooth that’s been knocked out.
- Go to an emergency department (e.g. Royal Adelaide Hospital) or call 000 for life‑threatening symptoms, suspected jaw fracture, uncontrolled bleeding, or rapidly spreading facial swelling with fever.
If you’re eligible for public dental care, SA Dental can advise on urgent appointments. Their central contact is 1300 008 222. For private after‑hours care, many Adelaide CBD and inner‑suburb clinics offer late and weekend openings.
Problem‑specific steps
Knocked‑out adult tooth (avulsion)
- Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
- If dirty, gently rinse for 1–2 seconds with milk or saline. Do not scrub.
- Reinsert into the socket if you can and bite on cloth to hold it in place. If you can’t, place it in milk or saliva (not water).
- See a dentist immediately—best outcomes are within 30–60 minutes.
Get help finding the nearest open dentist
Severe toothache or abscess
- Use a cold compress for swelling and take pain relief as directed.
- Rinsing gently with warm salt water can help keep the area clean.
- Urgent dental assessment is important—delays can worsen the infection.
Related pages: Tooth pain, Root canal, Tooth extraction
Broken or cracked tooth, lost filling or crown
- Keep any fragments. Avoid chewing on that side.
- If a crown comes off, keep it safe and bring it to your appointment.
- These need prompt assessment to prevent further damage or sensitivity.
Wisdom tooth pain
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
- Use pain relief as directed and arrange a same‑day dental review if swelling or difficulty opening your mouth develops.
Learn more: Wisdom teeth
Dental trauma in children
- For a baby tooth that’s been knocked out, do not reinsert it—see a dentist urgently.
- For an adult tooth in a child, follow the knocked‑out tooth steps above.
How Adelaide clinics triage emergencies
Clinics prioritise by symptoms and risk. You’ll usually be offered the first available time if you have:
- Severe, unrelenting pain or night pain
- Swelling, fever, or spreading infection
- Trauma, fracture, or a knocked‑out tooth
- Uncontrolled bleeding or dry socket after extraction
At an urgent visit you can expect a focused exam, X‑rays if needed, immediate relief (e.g. temporary dressing, drainage, extraction, or the first stage of root canal), and a plan for definitive treatment.
Emergency dental costs in Adelaide
Prices vary by clinic, time of day and complexity. Typical private fees in SA:
- Urgent exam/consult: $60–$150
- X‑ray (each): $40–$70
- Temporary dressing/medication: $80–$180
- Simple extraction: $200–$350
- Surgical or wisdom tooth extraction: $350–$650+
- Initial root canal stage for pain relief: $250–$600 (full treatment $900–$1,600+ depending on the tooth)
- After‑hours surcharge: varies by clinic
Private health extras may reduce out‑of‑pocket costs. Eligible patients can access public care through SA Dental. If you need help comparing options or planning costs, ask below.
What to bring and how to prepare
- Photo ID, Medicare card, and private health card (if you have extras cover).
- A list of medications, allergies and medical conditions.
- Any dental X‑rays, splints, or appliance parts.
- Transport and support if you may receive sedation.
What to ask at your urgent appointment
- What’s the likely diagnosis and how urgent is it?
- What are my immediate and definitive treatment options?
- What will it cost today, and what is the likely total cost?
- How will pain and infection be managed over the next few days?
- When should I return, and what symptoms would mean come back sooner?
Confidential local help
We help Adelaide residents understand urgent next steps, compare options, and connect with appropriate clinics—private or public pathways where eligible.
This site is an information and referral platform. It is not a dental clinic. If symptoms are severe, call 000 or attend hospital immediately.