Preston Dentist Guide: What to Do if You Have a Dental Emergency

Many people in Preston and surrounding suburbs will experience a dental emergency at some point, whether it involves themselves or their children. Dental emergencies can include broken teeth, lost restorations, sudden swelling, dental pain, or damage to appliances such as braces or dentures.

If a dental emergency occurs, it is important to contact us as soon as possible. Our team prioritises urgent care and has extensive experience in assessing and managing dental emergencies.
Knowing what to do at the moment the issue occurs can also make a meaningful difference in your outcome. Below is a clear guide to help you identify a dental emergency and understand the steps you can take before you reach the clinic.

How to Tell if You Have a Dental Emergency 

The first question to ask is whether the situation is urgent. Some issues require same-day assessment, while others can wait with temporary home care until the clinic reopens.

Urgent attention is recommended if you experience:

• A loose or knocked-out permanent tooth
• Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
• Injury to the jaw
• Swelling, particularly when accompanied by pain
• Severe or persistent toothache

If any of the above symptoms occur, contact Supreme Dental Preston immediately for advice.

Keep Your Dentist’s Number Handy

In any dental emergency, time matters. Having our phone number saved allows you to reach us quickly for guidance and to arrange appropriate care. Our team understands how stressful emergencies can be and will support you with clear, calm instructions.

Emergency Dental Care at Supreme Dental Preston

We provide assessment and treatment for a range of urgent dental concerns, including:

• Children’s dental emergencies
• Dental abscesses or suspected infections
• Lost or broken crowns, fillings, inlays/onlays, or dentures
• Dental pain or toothache
• Knocked-out teeth
• Soft tissue injuries (tongue, cheek, or lip)

What You Can Do in Specific Dental Emergencies

Broken Tooth

• Avoid chewing on the affected side
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
• Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed
• Apply a cold compress to the cheek (avoid placing ice directly on the skin)

Knocked-Out Tooth (Permanent Tooth Only)

• If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it
• Hold it in place by biting gently on clean gauze or cloth
• Handle the tooth only by the crown (top), not the root
• Rinse the tooth briefly with clean water if dirty, avoid scrubbing or applying cleaning agents
• If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist in milk, saline, or saliva
• Seek urgent dental care, as the chance of saving the tooth decreases with time

Severe Toothache

• Avoid chewing on the sore tooth
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as recommended
• Rinse with warm salt water to ease discomfort

Lost Filling or Restoration

• Do not attempt to repair the tooth yourself
• Avoid eating on the affected side
• Keep the area free of food debris by gently rinsing
• Use a cold compress for discomfort (never apply ice directly to the skin)
• Temporary pain relief may help until the tooth can be treated

Injured Soft Tissue

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water
• Apply firm, gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth
• Use a cold compress near the injured area to reduce swelling

Facial Swelling (Possible Infection or Abscess)

• Swelling may indicate infection and should be assessed promptly
• Remain upright; avoid lying flat, even during sleep, use extra pillows if needed
• Stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen symptoms

Oral Bleeding

• A small amount of bleeding when brushing or flossing may indicate gum inflammation; book an appointment for assessment.
• For bleeding after trauma or dental treatment, keep your head elevated and apply gentle pressure with gauze.

Consider Preparing a Dental First Aid Kit

A small dental first aid kit can be helpful during unexpected situations. Useful items include:

• Cotton balls for protecting soft tissue from sharp edges
• Tea bags for mild bleeding control
• Orthodontic wax for covering sharp brackets or wires
• Temporary toothache drops for short-term relief
• Topical anaesthetic for minor soft-tissue irritation
• Clean gauze for compresses

Here When You Need Us

Supreme Dental Preston is conveniently located on Murray Road, between St Georges Rd and High St, with easy access to public transport. Same-day emergency appointments are available when possible.

Call (03) 9478 7708 or visit us at 243 Murray Road, Preston.