Emergency Dental Care in Kurri Kurri

Dental emergencies happen. Whether you have severe pain, a cracked tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, we’re here to help. We keep emergency appointments available and provide prompt, effective treatment.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Seek immediate care for:

• Severe toothache — Intense pain may indicate an abscess or infection
• Knocked-out tooth — Quick action can save your tooth
• Cracked or broken tooth — Especially if causing pain or sharp edges
• Loose tooth — From trauma or injury
• Lost filling or crown — Tooth is now sensitive or damaged
• Abscess or swelling — Especially if accompanied by fever (sign of infection)
• Bleeding that won’t stop — Especially after extraction or injury
• Jaw pain or injury — From trauma

If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call us. We can assess and advise.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

This is a true emergency. The tooth may be saved if treated within 30 minutes. Time is critical.

1. Find the tooth — Look for it, but handle it carefully
2. Rinse gently — Rinse under cool running water if dirty, but don’t scrub
3. Replant if possible — If you’re comfortable, try to place it back in the socket, biting down gently on gauze
4. Keep it moist — If not replanted, keep the tooth moist:
   • Place in your mouth next to your cheek, OR
   • Store in milk, OR
   • Use a tooth preservation kit (Save-A-Tooth) if available
5. Call us immediately — Ring 02 4936 2011 and say it’s a knocked-out tooth emergency
6. Go to our office — Come straight in; we’ll see you urgently

Do NOT:

• Let the tooth dry out
• Touch the root surface
• Scrub or clean the tooth with harsh materials
• Place in water (except as transport medium)

Cracked or Broken Tooth

1. Rinse with warm water — Clean the area
2. Apply ice — To reduce swelling
3. Call us — To schedule an emergency appointment
4. Avoid chewing — On that side of your mouth

Severe Toothache

1. Rinse with warm water — Clean the area
2. Use dental floss — Gently remove any trapped food
3. Take pain relief — Paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed
4. Apply ice — To the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes
5. Call us — To schedule an emergency appointment

Do NOT use:

• Oil of clove (too harsh and may damage tissue)
• Aspirin directly on the gum

Abscess or Facial Swelling

An abscess (pus pocket) is a serious infection. Seek treatment urgently.

1. Call us immediately — 02 4936 2011
2. If fever or severe swelling — Seek urgent medical care (see after-hours contacts below)
3. Take pain relief — If comfortable
4. Do not squeeze — Never attempt to pop an abscess yourself

Lost Filling or Crown

1. Remove the temporary filling — If it’s very loose
2. Protect the tooth — Cover with temporary material or sugar-free gum if available
3. Avoid hard foods — On that side
4. Call us — To schedule a replacement appointment (usually urgent within 24 hours)

Bleeding After Extraction

1. Bite down firmly — On gauze for 15-20 minutes
2. Apply ice — To the outside of your cheek
3. Avoid rinsing or spitting — For the first 24 hours
4. Stay upright — Elevation reduces bleeding

Light bleeding is normal. If bleeding continues heavily after 20 minutes of pressure, contact us.

Our Emergency Services

During Business Hours: Call us immediately on 02 4936 2011. We keep emergency appointments available and will see you urgently.

After Hours: If it’s after hours, contact:

• Maitland Hospital (Emergency Department): 02 4939 2248
• Cessnock Urgent Care (Urgent Care Centre): 02 4013 5757
• Heal (24-hour dental helpline): 1300 660 221

These services can provide emergency pain relief and stabilisation until you can see us.

Emergency Appointment Costs

Emergency appointments are charged at our standard rates for the treatment provided. We accept multiple payment options including payment plans through Zip, Afterpay, and Denticare.

Prevention is Best

Most dental emergencies are preventable:

• Regular check-ups — Catch problems before they become emergencies
• Good home care — Brush and floss daily to prevent decay and gum disease
• Avoid hard foods — Don’t chew ice or hard candy on your teeth
• Wear a mouthguard — During contact sports
• Address problems early — Don’t ignore tooth pain or sensitivity

Tooth Preservation Kit

For active families, a tooth preservation kit (Save-A-Tooth or similar) is a worthwhile investment. These kits are specifically formulated to preserve knocked-out teeth until you can reach dental care. Protect your teeth during sport with a custom mouthguard.

After Emergency Treatment

Once the immediate emergency is handled, you may need follow-up treatment such as root canal therapy, a dental crown, filling, or extraction. For knocked-out teeth that cannot be saved, dental implants provide the most natural permanent replacement.

In a dental emergency? Call us immediately on 02 4936 2011. For after-hours emergencies, contact Maitland Hospital (02 4939 2248), Cessnock Urgent Care (02 4013 5757), or Heal (1300 660 221).

We’re here to help when you need us most.