Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them — during a meal, while playing sports, or even in the middle of the night. Ignoring sudden pain, swelling or a damaged tooth can lead to serious complications, including permanent tooth loss. In this blog, we'll cover the most common dental emergencies, how to recognise them early, and why prompt treatment plays a critical role in saving your tooth.
What Are Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies are oral health issues that require immediate attention to relieve pain, stop infection, or prevent permanent damage to teeth and surrounding tissues. Unlike minor dental concerns that can wait for a routine appointment, dental emergencies worsen quickly if left untreated.
If you're experiencing severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma to your teeth or gums, it's important to seek urgent dental care rather than waiting it out.
Most Common Dental Emergencies You Should Never Ignore
Severe Toothache or Sudden Dental Pain
Persistent or intense tooth pain often signals an underlying issue such as deep decay, infection, or an abscess. Pain is your body's warning sign — delaying treatment may allow infection to spread to the root or jawbone.
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Acting quickly can mean the difference between saving or losing the tooth.
What to do immediately:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse gently with water if dirty
- Place it back in the socket or store it in milk
- See an emergency dentist within 30–60 minutes
Broken, Cracked or Chipped Tooth
While small chips may not always be urgent, cracks or fractures that cause pain or expose the inner tooth layers require immediate attention. Prompt care can prevent the need for extraction or root canal treatment. Learn more about our crowns & bridges options for restoring damaged teeth.
Swelling, Abscess or Facial Infection
Swelling around the gums, jaw or face often indicates a serious infection. Dental abscesses can spread beyond the mouth and impact overall health if not treated promptly. This type of dental emergency should never be ignored.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown exposes the tooth to bacteria, sensitivity and further damage. While it may seem minor, early treatment helps preserve the tooth structure and avoid complications.
How Prompt Treatment Can Save Your Tooth
Seeking immediate care during dental emergencies can:
- Stop infection from spreading
- Preserve natural tooth structure
- Reduce the risk of tooth loss
- Prevent more invasive and costly treatments
- Speed up healing and recovery
In many cases, early intervention allows dentists to repair rather than remove the affected tooth.
What to Do Immediately During a Dental Emergency
Until you reach an emergency dentist in Murwillumbah, here are some quick steps you can take:
- Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water, avoid chewing on the affected side
- Knocked-out tooth: Store in milk or saline, seek care immediately
- Swelling: Apply a cold compress externally
- Broken tooth: Rinse mouth, save fragments if possible
When to Visit an Emergency Dentist in Murwillumbah
You should seek urgent dental care if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Swelling of the face or gums
- Trauma to teeth or mouth
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, difficulty swallowing)
Same-day appointments can make a significant difference in saving your tooth. Visit our Emergency Dentistry page or contact us immediately.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies are preventable, you can reduce your risk by:
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups
- Treating decay or gum disease early
- Wearing mouthguards during sports
- Avoiding chewing hard objects like ice
Explore our general dentistry services to keep your oral health in top shape.
Why Trust Murwillumbah Dental for Dental Emergencies
At Murwillumbah Dental, we bring:
- Experience: Years of handling urgent and complex dental cases
- Expertise: Modern technology and evidence-based emergency protocols
- Authoritativeness: A trusted local dental clinic serving the community
- Trustworthiness: Compassionate, patient-first care during stressful situations
Our team understands that dental emergencies can be overwhelming, and we focus on fast relief, clear communication, and effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dental emergency wait?
Most dental emergencies should be addressed within 24 hours — some within minutes.
Is tooth pain always an emergency?
Persistent or severe pain usually indicates an underlying problem and should be assessed urgently.
Can emergency dental treatment save a tooth?
Yes, prompt treatment often makes the difference between saving and losing a tooth.