Straightening Adult Teeth: Options, Timeframes and What to Expect

6 days ago

A dental emergency is any problem with your teeth, mouth or gums that needs prompt assessment to relieve severe pain, control bleeding, protect a damaged tooth, or manage a possible infection. Most dental problems are not life-threatening, but waiting can make treatment more difficult.

Call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if there is difficulty breathing, swallowing or talking; swelling spreading around the eye or into the neck; severe swelling of the mouth or tongue; or heavy bleeding that will not stop.

A dental emergency is an urgent problem involving the teeth, mouth or gums that requires prompt assessment to manage severe pain, bleeding, swelling, infection or dental trauma.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Problem	Typical Urgency	What to Do
Knocked-out adult tooth	Urgent	Contact an emergency dentist immediately
Severe toothache	Urgent assessment may be needed	Call a dental clinic for advice
Facial or gum swelling	Urgent	Seek dental advice promptly
Swelling spreading to the eye or neck	Medical emergency	Call Triple Zero (000)
Difficulty breathing or swallowing	Medical emergency	Call Triple Zero (000)
Heavy bleeding from the mouth	Medical emergency	Call Triple Zero (000) or attend emergency
Broken tooth with pain or sharp edge	Urgent	Contact a dentist promptly
Lost filling or crown without pain	Usually non-life-threatening	Contact a dentist for advice and repair

What to Do if a Tooth Is Knocked Out or Broken

A knocked-out adult tooth needs urgent action. The faster it is assessed, the better the chance of saving it. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back into the mouth.

If an adult tooth is knocked out

Find the tooth if you can.
Pick it up by the crown, which is the white part you normally see.
Do not touch the root.
If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline. Do not scrub it.
If possible, gently place it back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth.
If it cannot go back in, store it in milk or the person’s saliva.
Get to a dentist straight away.

If a tooth is chipped or broken

Rinse the mouth gently with water.
Find the broken fragment if you can.
Store the fragment in milk or sterile saline.
Use a cold compress wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling.
Avoid chewing on that side.
Contact a dentist promptly.

Do	Do Not
Hold a knocked-out tooth by the crown	Touch the root of the tooth
Store it in milk or saliva	Wrap it in tissue or let it dry out
Seek urgent care for an adult tooth	Reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth
Save broken tooth fragments	Scrub or soak the tooth
Use a cold compress for swelling	Apply aspirin directly to teeth or gums

Managing Severe Toothache, Swelling or Bleeding

Severe toothache

Pain that is severe, persistent or worsening should be assessed promptly, especially when it keeps you awake, prevents you from eating, or worsens when biting. Pain relief may help for a few hours, but it does not treat the cause.

Swelling

Swelling around a tooth, the gum, cheek or jaw can indicate infection or trauma and needs urgent dental assessment. Swelling spreading towards the eye, the floor of the mouth or the neck requires emergency medical care.

Bleeding

For minor bleeding after an injury, apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth for ten minutes without lifting it to check. Heavy bleeding, bleeding that does not stop, or bleeding running down the throat needs urgent medical care.

While waiting for care: Do not use leftover antibiotics. Do not apply aspirin directly to your tooth or gums. Do not try to lance or squeeze a swelling yourself.

When to See an Emergency Dentist

Situation	Where to Seek Help	Why
Knocked-out adult tooth	Emergency dentist immediately	Prompt action may help save the tooth
Broken or loose tooth after trauma	Emergency dentist	The tooth and surrounding tissues need assessment
Severe toothache	Emergency dentist	May indicate decay, infection or pulp damage
Facial or gum swelling	Emergency dentist urgently	Infection or trauma may require treatment
Swelling spreading to the eye or neck	Triple Zero (000) or emergency department	The airway may be at risk
Difficulty breathing or swallowing	Triple Zero (000) or emergency department	The airway may be at risk
Heavy uncontrolled bleeding	Triple Zero (000) or emergency department	Medical assessment is required

What Can You Do Before Your Emergency Dental Appointment?

Hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek.
Eat soft foods and chew on the other side.
Rinse gently with water if debris is in your mouth.
Rest with your head propped up.
Take pain relief only as directed on the label or by a clinician.
Keep any lost crown, filling or tooth fragment.
Bring a list of medicines, allergies and medical conditions.
Write down when the problem started and what makes it worse.

How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Emergencies

Attend regular dental check-ups.
Have decay, cracks and loose restorations treated early.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth daily.
Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard for contact sports.
Do not use your teeth to open packaging, cut tape or crack ice.
Ask about a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth.
Get ongoing pain, swelling or sensitivity checked early.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency can include severe tooth pain, facial swelling, a knocked-out adult tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, trauma to the mouth, a broken tooth causing pain, or signs of infection. Airway symptoms, swelling into the neck or around the eye, and heavy bleeding are medical emergencies requiring Triple Zero (000).

Should I go to hospital for a toothache?

A hospital is appropriate if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe swelling, heavy uncontrolled bleeding, serious facial trauma or chest symptoms. For most toothaches, swelling around a tooth, broken teeth and dental infections, an emergency dentist can provide the definitive dental treatment.

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it briefly if dirty, gently place it back in the socket if possible, or store it in milk or saliva. Contact an emergency dentist immediately. Do not place a knocked-out baby tooth back into the mouth.

Can I take antibiotics for a dental emergency?

Only take antibiotics when prescribed by an appropriate clinician. They are not a home treatment for toothache and do not replace treating the source of an infection. Do not use leftover medication from a previous illness.