Toothache, a knocked-out tooth or a broken filling. Here's exactly what to do in the first hour, and when to call us.
Published 13 October 2026
In a dental emergency, call Dentist @ Burswood on (08) 9361 2796 first. We ask a few quick questions, then tell you whether you need to be seen straight away, within two days or within a week. While you wait, the steps below help protect your tooth and ease the pain. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem with your teeth, gums or mouth that needs care soon to ease pain, stop bleeding or save a tooth. Common examples include:
Severe toothache that stops you sleeping or eating
A knocked-out adult tooth
A chipped, cracked or broken tooth
A lost filling or crown that hurts
Swelling in your face or gum, which can be a sign of a dental abscess
Bleeding that won't stop, for example after an extraction
A broken denture
If you're not sure whether it's urgent, call us anyway. We'll assess you over the phone.
Step 1: call us before you come in
Calling first means we can make time for you. Same-day appointments are offered when available. Dentist @ Burswood is open Monday to Wednesday 8am to 5:30pm, Thursday 8am to 6:30pm, Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 3pm. Read more about emergency dental care.
Knocked-out tooth: act within the hour
A knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of being saved if it goes back in quickly, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour.
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root.
If it's dirty, rinse it briefly in milk. Don't scrub it.
Gently push it back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
If you can't put it back, keep it in a small container of milk and bring it with you.
Call (08) 9361 2796 and come straight in.
Never put a baby tooth back in. It can damage the adult tooth growing underneath. Keep your child comfortable and call us. Read more about a knocked-out tooth.
Toothache: ease the pain until your visit
Rinse with warm salty water.
Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food.
Take pain relief as directed on the packet.
Hold a cold compress against your cheek if it's swollen.
Avoid very hot, cold or sweet food on that side.
Don't put aspirin directly on your gum, as it can burn. Toothache is often caused by decay, a cracked tooth or an infection, so it's worth getting checked even if the pain settles. See toothache treatment.
Chipped, cracked or broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any pieces of tooth in a clean container. Hold a cold compress against your face if it's swollen. If there's a sharp edge, cover it with sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek, and chew on the other side until you've been seen. Learn about chipped and broken tooth repair.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it and bring it to your appointment. Don't try to glue it back with household glue. If the tooth is sensitive, avoid hot and cold food and chew on the other side. A lost filling leaves the tooth open to decay, so book in soon even if it doesn't hurt.
Swelling or a dental abscess
Swelling in your gum or face, a bad taste or a throbbing pain can be signs of a dental abscess, which is an infection. Call us the same day, as an abscess won't go away on its own. Don't apply heat to the swelling. If the swelling spreads, or affects your breathing, swallowing or vision, go to your nearest hospital emergency department straight away.
Bleeding after an extraction
Bite firmly on a clean, folded gauze pad for 20 to 30 minutes. Keep your head raised and avoid rinsing, spitting or drinking through a straw. If the bleeding is heavy or doesn't slow down, call us.
Broken denture
Keep all the pieces and don't try to glue them yourself, as this can make a proper repair harder. Bring the denture and the pieces with you. See broken denture repair.
When to go to hospital instead
Go to your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000, if you have:
Swelling that affects your breathing, swallowing or vision
A serious injury to your face or jaw
Bleeding you can't control
A head injury, even if a tooth was also damaged
What if it happens on a Sunday?
Dentist @ Burswood is closed on Sundays. Use the first aid steps above, then call us when we open on Monday at 8am on (08) 9361 2796. For anything severe, go to a hospital emergency department.
How to prevent a dental emergency
Wear a custom mouthguard for contact sport.
Don't chew ice, pens or hard lollies, or open packets with your teeth.
Keep up regular check-ups and cleans, so small problems are found early.
Need help now?
Call Dentist @ Burswood on (08) 9361 2796, or book online if it's not urgent. We're at Suite 1, 107-109 Orrong Road, Rivervale, inside the MedPoint Professional Centre, with free on-site parking.
Need help now?
Dentist @ Burswood is a dental practice in Rivervale, open six days a week with gentle, unhurried care for Burswood, Rivervale, Victoria Park, Lathlain, Belmont, East Perth, Kewdale and Carlisle.