Emergency Dental Services

Urgent dental concerns are accommodated as soon as possible, including same-day appointments where available. Appointment availability can vary by centre, so contact your nearest Primary Dental location promptly.

Tooth pain can have many causes including decay, infection, trauma or gum disease. A clinical assessment is important to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment. If pain is severe or worsening, contact your dental clinic as soon as possible. If you have facial swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, a high fever, uncontrolled bleeding or a serious facial injury, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

X-rays are often needed, depending on your symptoms and the dentist’s assessment. X-rays help confirm the cause of pain, infection, or tooth damage and allow the dentist to recommend the safest and most suitable treatment.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Emergency care may include pain relief, infection management, temporary or permanent restorations, drainage where appropriate, stabilising a damaged tooth, or planning follow-up treatment such as a root canal or extraction.

A knocked-out adult (permanent) tooth requires urgent attention. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or saline without scrubbing. If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place, or store it in milk or saliva and contact your dental clinic immediately. Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back in, but have the child seen by a dentist promptly. Prompt treatment improves the chance of saving the tooth.

Yes. Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming. The team will take a calm, supportive approach, explain each step clearly, and prioritise patient comfort throughout treatment.