Dental Emergency in Sydney's Inner West — What To Do

A dental emergency rarely comes with a warning. Whether it's a cracked tooth at dinner, a knocked-out tooth at sport, or a sudden severe toothache in the middle of the night — knowing what to do in those first critical minutes can make a real difference to the outcome. This guide is for residents of Leichhardt, Newtown, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, and the broader Inner West.

Common Dental Emergencies — and What To Do

Knocked-Out Tooth

This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. The sooner you act, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part) — not the root
2. If dirty, gently rinse with milk or saline — do NOT scrub or use tap water
3. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if you can, and hold it in place by biting gently on a soft cloth
4. If you can't reinsert it, store the tooth in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum — not in water
5. Call your dentist immediately. Time is critical — the tooth has the best chance of surviving if replanted within 30 minutes

Cracked or Broken Tooth

A cracked tooth may or may not be painful depending on how severe the fracture is.

1. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
2. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling
3. Avoid chewing on the affected side
4. Call your dentist — a cracked tooth needs assessment quickly, even if it doesn't hurt yet

Minor chips that don't cause pain can usually wait for a regular appointment. Deep cracks that reach the pulp are a dental emergency.

Severe Toothache

A severe, persistent toothache — especially one that wakes you at night or throbs constantly — is a sign that something is seriously wrong. It may indicate an infection or abscess, which needs prompt attention.

1. Rinse with warm salt water
2. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed (ibuprofen often works better than paracetamol for dental pain)
3. Do NOT apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gum — this can cause chemical burns
4. Call your dentist first thing — or go to emergency if swelling develops or you feel unwell

Dental Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of infection around a tooth root or in the gum. Signs include a persistent dull ache or throbbing, sensitivity to temperature, swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, or a visible pimple on the gum.

Abscesses do not resolve on their own and always require professional treatment — typically root canal therapy or extraction, along with antibiotics if needed. Call your dentist urgently. If you notice significant facial swelling or feel feverish, go to hospital emergency.

Lost Crown or Filling

Losing a crown or filling isn't usually a medical emergency, but it does need attention — the exposed tooth can be sensitive and is more vulnerable to damage.

1. Keep the crown safe if you still have it — your dentist may be able to re-cement it
2. If the tooth is sensitive, dental wax or sugar-free gum can temporarily protect the area
3. Call your dentist and book an appointment as soon as possible

Soft Tissue Injuries (Lip, Cheek, Tongue)

Cuts or lacerations to the soft tissues of the mouth can bleed significantly. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth. Most minor soft tissue injuries resolve with first aid. If bleeding doesn't stop after 15–20 minutes of continuous pressure, or if the injury is deep or gaping, go to hospital emergency.

Finding an Emergency Dentist in the Inner West

If you need emergency dental care in Leichhardt, Newtown, Marrickville, or the surrounding Inner West suburbs, Smiles On Norton should be your first call. We do everything we can to see emergency patients on the same day.

• Phone: (02) 9569 6661 — call first thing in the morning for same-day availability
• Address: 35 Norton Street, Leichhardt NSW 2040
• Hours: Mon–Thu 9:00am–5:30pm, Fri 9:00am–5:00pm, Sat 9:00am–3:00pm

If we can't see you immediately, we can at least assess your situation by phone and advise on whether it's safe to wait, or whether you need to seek hospital care. We'll never leave you without guidance.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Not all emergencies are preventable, but many are. Here are a few simple steps:

• Keep up your twice-yearly check-ups — small cracks and cavities caught early rarely become emergencies
• Wear a mouthguard during contact sport — a custom-fitted guard from your dentist offers significantly more protection than over-the-counter options
• Don't use your teeth as tools — opening packaging, bottles, or biting nails all risk cracking or fracturing teeth
• Avoid very hard foods if you have older fillings, crowns, or fragile teeth
• Treat tooth sensitivity early — it's often a warning sign of something that can be addressed simply before it becomes a bigger problem