FAQs

Toothache is usually a sign that something isn’t quite right and shouldn’t be ignored, even if the pain comes and goes. It can be caused by several things, including tooth decay, infection, a cracked tooth or irritation around the gums.

What should I do if I have a toothache?

Gently floss around the area and rinse with warm salt water in case food has become trapped around the tooth. If the pain continues, contact our team so we can arrange an appointment and determine what’s causing it.

When should I seek urgent care?

If you have severe pain, facial swelling, fever, feel unwell, have swelling that is spreading, or bleeding that won’t stop, seek urgent medical or dental care. Severe or spreading symptoms may require assessment at a hospital Emergency Department.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, call our friendly team on (08) 8295 2607 and we’ll help arrange the appropriate appointment.

If you chip, crack or break a tooth, contact our team so we can assess the damage and advise you on the best next step. Even if the tooth isn’t painful, it’s still a good idea to have it checked.

If a piece of your tooth has broken off, keep it if you can and bring it with you to your appointment. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid chewing on the affected side.

What if there is swelling or bleeding?

A cold compress held against the outside of your cheek may help with swelling and discomfort. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. If bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop, seek urgent medical attention.

What if it’s only a small chip?

Small chips aren’t always an emergency, but they should still be assessed by a dentist. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, treatment may be relatively simple and can help protect the tooth from further damage.

If you’ve chipped, cracked or broken a tooth, call our friendly team on (08) 8295 2607 and we’ll help arrange an appropriate appointment.

A knocked-out adult tooth is a dental emergency, and acting quickly can improve the chance of saving the tooth. Contact us immediately so we can arrange urgent care and let you know what to do.

What should I do if an adult tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth carefully by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it’s dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue.

If possible, carefully place the tooth back into its socket, making sure it is facing the correct way. If you can’t put it back in place, keep the tooth moist in your own saliva or milk and bring it with you. Do not store the tooth in water or allow it to dry out.

What if my child knocks out a tooth?

If it is an adult tooth, follow the steps above and contact us immediately. If it is a baby tooth, do not try to put it back into the socket, as this may damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Contact us so we can assess your child as soon as possible.

If you or your child has knocked out a tooth, call us immediately on (08) 8295 2607.

If a tooth has been knocked loose, moved out of position or partially pushed from its socket, contact us as soon as possible. Prompt treatment may improve the chance of stabilising and saving the tooth.

What should I do straight away?

Try not to wiggle, push or move the tooth with your tongue or fingers. Avoid biting or chewing on the affected tooth and contact our team for an urgent appointment.

A cold compress held against the outside of your cheek may help reduce swelling and discomfort while you’re waiting to be seen.

How is a dislodged tooth treated?

Your dentist will carefully examine the tooth and surrounding tissues to assess the extent of the injury. Depending on the damage, the tooth may be gently repositioned and stabilised with a splint while it heals.

Further treatment may sometimes be required, and your dentist will explain this after assessing the tooth.

If you have a loose or partially dislodged tooth following an injury, call us as soon as possible on (08) 8295 2607.

If a filling falls out or begins to break down, it’s important to have the tooth checked. The exposed area may feel sensitive, and leaving it untreated can allow the tooth to become further damaged.

What should I do if I lose a filling?

Keep the area clean by gently brushing and rinsing your mouth, and try to avoid chewing on the affected tooth until you can see us. You may also find the tooth is more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

Can I temporarily fill the tooth myself?

Temporary dental filling material is available from some pharmacies and may help protect the area until your appointment. However, this is only a short-term solution and the tooth should still be assessed by a dentist.

Your dentist will examine the tooth to determine why the filling was lost and recommend the most appropriate way to restore and protect it.

If you’ve lost or broken a filling, call our friendly team on (08) 8295 2607 and we’ll arrange an appropriate appointment.

If your dental crown has fallen out or feels loose, please contact us as soon as possible so we can assess the tooth and the crown. If the crown has come out completely, keep it somewhere safe and bring it with you to your appointment. In some cases, the existing crown may be able to be re-cemented, while in others a replacement or further treatment may be required.

What Should I Do If My Crown Falls Out?

Keep the crown clean and safe and avoid trying to reattach it yourself. Until you can see us, take care when eating and try to avoid chewing on the affected side, particularly hard or sticky foods.

Please do not use super glue or other household adhesives to try to secure the crown. These products are not designed for use in the mouth and may damage the tooth or crown.

If the tooth is sensitive or uncomfortable, let our team know when you call so we can advise you and arrange an appropriate appointment.

If your crown has fallen out or feels loose, please call us on (08) 8295 2607 so our team can help. You can also book an appointment online.

A dental abscess is an infection that can develop around the root of a tooth or in the gums. It requires prompt dental treatment, as the infection can spread to surrounding tissues if left untreated.

What Are the Symptoms of a Dental Abscess?

Symptoms can include persistent or severe toothache, pain when biting or chewing, swelling or redness of the gums, sensitivity to hot or cold, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Some people may also develop facial swelling, swollen glands, fever or generally feel unwell.

How Is a Dental Abscess Treated?

Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the infection. Your dentist will examine the area and may recommend treatment such as draining the infection, root canal treatment or, if the tooth cannot be saved, removing the affected tooth.

Antibiotics may be prescribed in some circumstances, particularly if there are signs that the infection is spreading or you are feeling unwell. Antibiotics alone do not remove the underlying cause of a dental abscess, so dental treatment is still important.

When Should I Seek Urgent Help?

Please contact us promptly if you think you may have a dental abscess. If you develop significant or rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or become seriously unwell, seek urgent medical attention.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a dental abscess, call Jetty Road Dental Clinic on (08) 8295 2607 so our team can arrange an appropriate appointment.

Injuries to the lips, cheeks, gums or tongue can sometimes bleed quite heavily, even when the injury itself is relatively minor. Most bleeding can be controlled with gentle, continuous pressure.

What Should I Do to Stop the Bleeding?

Gently rinse your mouth with water so you can see the injured area clearly.

Using clean gauze or a clean cloth, apply firm, continuous pressure directly to the area for around 15–20 minutes. Try not to keep removing the gauze to check the wound, as this can disturb the clot and cause bleeding to start again.

A cold compress held against the outside of the mouth or cheek may also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

What Should I Do If the Bleeding Won’t Stop?

If bleeding is heavy, does not slow or stop after 15–20 minutes of continuous pressure, or the injury is deep or significant, seek urgent medical attention. Continue applying pressure while you seek help.

You should also seek urgent medical attention if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing, significant facial swelling, or you are concerned the injury may be serious.

For less serious injuries to the mouth, or if you are unsure whether dental treatment is required, call Jetty Road Dental Clinic on (08) 8295 2607 and our team can advise you on the next step.