Emergency Dentist

Immediate First Aid for Dental Emergencies

If you or someone is experiencing a dental emergency, please call us immediately on (08) 9622 1245. Prior to arriving at our clinic at 59 Duke Street, Northam WA 6401, the steps below will help manage pain, control bleeding, and improve the chances of saving your tooth.

KNOCKED OUT TEETH

Action must be taken within 30–60 minutes for the highest chance of success.

• Locate the Tooth: Find the tooth and pick it up only by the crown (the white chewing surface). DO NOT touch the root or scrub the tooth.
• Re-implant the Tooth (adult teeth only): If possible, a tooth that has come out should be placed back in the empty socket, or in the mouth between the teeth and the cheek wall. Gently rinse it with the patient’s saliva or cold milk. Carefully try to place it back into its socket. Bite down gently on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place.

If re-implantation fails, keep the tooth moist at all times. Store it in:

• Cold milk
• A container with the patient’s saliva
• NEVER use plain water, as this can damage the root cells.
• Don’t attempt to re-implant a baby tooth.

CHIPPED, CRACKED, OR BROKEN TEETH

• Rinse: Rinse your mouth immediately with warm water to clean the area of any debris.
• Control Bleeding: If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure to the area with a small piece of clean gauze or a cold, moist tea bag for 10 minutes.
• Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold compress (a pack of ice wrapped in a cloth) to the outside of the cheek or lip near the injury to minimise swelling and pain.
• Save Fragments: Collect any broken tooth pieces and bring them with you to the appointment, stored in milk or water.

SEVERE TOOTH PAIN OR ABSCESS SWELLING

• Clean: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove any food particles. You may use a mild salt water solution (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to soothe the area.
• Floss: Gently use dental floss to remove any food that may be caught between your teeth.
• Medication: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like paracetamol. Avoid placing aspirin or ibuprofen directly on the gum, as this can chemically burn the tissue.
• Swelling: If swelling is present, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.

CROWNS OR FILLINGS THAT HAVE FALLEN OUT

• Retrieve: Find the crown or filling and keep it in a safe place.
• Clean: Gently clean the inside of the crown and the tooth itself.
• Temporary Reinsertion (Crowns Only): If the crown fits back onto the tooth easily, you can try to temporarily fix it using a small amount of dental cement (available from chemists), or denture adhesive.
• DO NOT use super glue or other household glues.
• Protect: If you cannot replace the crown, or for a lost filling, cover the sensitive area of the tooth with a piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax (if available) to reduce sensitivity.