Emergency Dentist

A severe toothache often signals an underlying problem that needs professional attention.

Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief if suitable for you. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as this can burn the tissue.

Contact our emergency dentist Adelaide team immediately, even if the pain temporarily subsides, the underlying issue likely remains and needs treatment.

It depends on the severity, but we always recommend calling us to be safe. Here's what to do:

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
• Save any fragments if you can find them
• Apply a cold compress to your face if there's swelling
• Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum if the tooth is cutting your tongue or cheek
• Call Dentistry on Unley straight away to see an emergency dentist Adelaide

Even small chips can expose sensitive inner layers of your tooth, making it vulnerable to decay and further damage. A broken tooth deserves prompt attention to prevent complications and preserve your smile.

The first step for any dislodged tooth is to remain calm and find the actual tooth. It's important to be extremely careful when handling a loose tooth, so the roots and tissue fragments on the base remain intact. This ensures the nerves and blood vessels remain healthy so there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.

1. Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (the white part), never by the root
2. Gently rinse the tooth with milk or saline if it's dirty, don't scrub or remove any attached tissue
3. If possible, try gently placing it back into its socket. If you cannot replant the tooth keep it moist by immersing it in milk or saliva, sealing it in plastic wrap, or placing it in the person's mouth next to the cheek.
4. Get to our Unley dental clinic, quickly and safely.

Teeth that are reinserted within 20 minutes have the best chance of surviving. In some cases, the tooth will reattach, but if the inner mechanisms of the teeth are seriously damaged, root canal therapy might be necessary.

Dental infections and abscesses require immediate professional attention and should never be ignored. Signs include:

• Swelling in your face, gums, or jaw
• Severe, persistent pain
• Fever or feeling generally unwell
• A pimple-like bump on your gum

What to do 

1. Call us immediately. Dental infections can spread and become serious. 
2. Rinse with warm salt water to help keep the area clean. 
3. Take suitable pain relief if needed. 
4. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
5. Don't delay - infections won't resolve on their own. 

During your appointment, our emergency dentist Adelaide will address the infection, prescribe antibiotics if needed to ensure you're healing properly.

Absolutely, and we completely understand. Many people feel anxious about dental visits, especially during emergencies when you're already stressed and in pain.

Our emergency dentist Adelaide team is experienced in caring for anxious patients. We'll:

• Listen to your concerns without judgment
• Work at your pace
• Explain everything before we do it
• Provide gentle, compassionate care throughout

For patients who need a little extra support, we also offer happy gas (nitrous oxide sedation) - a safe, gentle option that can make even an emergency appointment feel far more manageable. Administered by our trained dentists, it works quickly to help you feel calm and relaxed, and wears off within minutes once treatment is complete.

Your comfort - physical and emotional - matters to us. Please let us know about your anxiety when you call. Our friendly team at Dentistry on Unley is here to provide guidance, reassurance, and prompt professional care.