When to See an Emergency Dentist in Adelaide: 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Dental pain is never fun—but how do you know if it's an emergency? Some issues can wait a day or two. Others need immediate attention. If you're in Adelaide and unsure about whether to call an emergency dentist, this guide will help you spot the red flags.

Here are 5 clear signs you should never ignore.

1. Severe Tooth Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

A little toothache after something cold might not be urgent. But if you're dealing with throbbing pain that keeps you awake, that's a different story.

Possible causes:

• Tooth infection or abscess

• Cracked or broken tooth

• Deep cavity reaching the nerve

This kind of pain won’t go away on its own. It could be a sign of an infection, which might spread to your jaw or other parts of your body if left untreated.

What to do:
Call an emergency dentist immediately. In the meantime, rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

This is one of the clearest dental emergencies. Whether it’s from a sports injury or an accident, a tooth that’s been completely knocked out needs fast action.

Here's what to do right away:

Time is critical. The sooner a dentist sees you, the higher the chance of saving your tooth.

3. Swollen Gums, Face, or Jaw

Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw could mean a serious infection or dental abscess.

Look out for:

• A pimple-like bump on your gums

• Bad taste or smell in your mouth

• Fever or feeling unwell

These are signs of a bacterial infection, and in some cases, it can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.

What to do:
Contact an emergency dentist Adelaide right away. You may need antibiotics or a root canal to remove the infection.

4. Cracked or Broken Tooth (with Pain or Bleeding)

Not all chipped teeth are emergencies. But if you’ve broken a tooth and you're bleeding, in pain, or the crack is deep, it’s time to call for help.

Emergency signs:

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing

• Bleeding that won’t stop

• A large portion of the tooth is missing

Even if the pain fades, bacteria can enter the cracked area and cause infection later.

Tip: Keep any broken pieces and bring them with you to the dentist.

5. Lost Filling or Crown

Fillings and crowns don’t always last forever. If one falls out, your tooth is suddenly exposed and vulnerable to damage or decay.

While it may not hurt right away, it can become painful or sensitive fast—especially with hot, cold, or sweet foods.

What to do:

• Keep the crown (if it came out) and bring it to your dentist.

• Avoid chewing on that side.

• Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover the exposed area for short-term relief.

Call your dentist as soon as possible to fix or replace the restoration.

Common Dental Emergencies at a Glance

When to Visit Mend Dental in St Morris

Mend Dental offers emergency dental services in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. The team is experienced in handling urgent dental care with compassion and skill.

They can help with:

• Same-day appointments

• Pain management

• Repairs and extractions

• Infections and swelling

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While some accidents are unavoidable, you can lower your risk of emergency dental visits by:

• Brushing and flossing daily

• Visiting your dentist every 6 months

• Wearing a mouthguard during sports

• Avoiding hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels

• Not using teeth as tools (to open bottles or packages!

Final Thoughts

If you’re unsure whether your dental issue is an emergency, it’s always better to be safe and call your dentist. Delaying treatment can turn a small problem into something much bigger (and more painful).

In Adelaide?
Reach out to Mend Dental in St Morris. They’re here to help when you need them most.

Don’t wait—your smile is worth saving!