What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Perhaps it was a middle-of-the-night toothache that woke you up or a broken tooth due to playing sport. When something goes wrong with your teeth, it’s not always clear if you need to power through or pick up the phone. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you figure out what really counts as a dental emergency – and when it’s time to get urgent dental care in Hervey Bay or the surrounding suburbs.

Here’s a look at the most common situations that should have you calling us straight away.

Pain That Won’t Let Up

Toothaches happen. But if you’re struggling to sleep, and regular painkillers aren’t cutting it, that’s a red flag. Persistent, throbbing pain may point to an infection, a deep cavity, or inflammation in the nerve. Waiting it out could make things worse and more costly to fix.

A quick rinse with warm water and a cold pack on your cheek can help in the short term, but don’t delay reaching out. We can often see you the same or next day.

Swelling, Bleeding, or Signs of Infection

Facial swelling, especially if it’s warm or tender, can signal an abscess or infection. Left untreated, these can spread to other areas of your body, so don’t ignore them. The same goes for bleeding in the mouth that won’t stop, particularly after dental work.

Not sure if that sore on your gum is normal? If it’s been lingering for more than three weeks, it’s important to come in so we can take a closer look.

Knocked-Out or Broken Teeth

Lost a tooth while playing footy or from a trip and fall? That’s definitely an emergency. The faster we can see you, the better the chance we can save it. Keep the tooth in milk and bring it with you if reinserting it doesn’t work.

Cracked or broken teeth – especially if they’re sensitive to air or touch – can mean the nerve is exposed. That’s not something you want to leave overnight. We’ll clean the area, reduce the pain, and guide you through the next steps, whether that’s a crown, root canal, or something else.