Emergency dentist in Australia: what to do

Last reviewed: 31 October 2026

This is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your health, speak to a registered health practitioner. If you have trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing, have a lot of blood going down your throat, have a very swollen mouth or tongue, or have swelling around your eye or neck, call 000 or go to a hospital emergency department.

When to call 000 or go to hospital

Healthdirect says to call 000 or go to an emergency department if you have:

• trouble breathing, talking or swallowing;
• a lot of blood going down your throat; or
• a very swollen mouth or tongue.

Healthdirect also lists swelling around the eye or neck as a reason to seek emergency care. A hospital emergency department may be able to help if you cannot reach a dentist.

When to see a dentist as soon as you can

Healthdirect says you should see a dentist if:

• toothache lasts more than two days, or does not improve with pain-relief medicines;
• you also have a fever, trouble swallowing or pain when you bite; or
• you have swelling in your cheek or jaw.

While you wait for an appointment, healthdirect lists self-care measures for toothache and gum swelling. Do not place aspirin on the gum (Queensland Government).

A knocked-out tooth

Time matters. Healthdirect says to aim to reach a dentist or hospital within 30 minutes, and that it may still be possible to save an adult tooth up to 2 hours after the injury. Healthdirect and the Queensland Government give these steps:

• Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root.
• If you cannot put an adult tooth back in, keep it in a little milk or saliva so it does not dry out (healthdirect).
• Do not replant a baby tooth.
• Get dental or hospital care straight away and follow the advice you are given.

Finding a dentist after hours

Arrangements for emergency patients differ between practices. Healthdirect lists after-hours health services, and says the Australian Dental Foundation runs an Emergency Dental Hotline for after-hours advice (0407 111 117 at the time of writing; check the healthdirect page for the current number). You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Public dental services in your state or territory may also offer emergency care for eligible people. Check your state or territory health department website.

Using this directory to find an emergency dentist

Dentist Near Me lists dental practices across Australia. Some listings are placed under the Emergency dentist category. A listing in that category does not show that a practice is open now or has an appointment free. Always phone the practice first and say it is an emergency. Ask:

• Can you see me today, and when?
• What will it cost, and can I get a written estimate?
• What do I need to bring?

Costs for emergency care vary by practice and treatment. See our guide to dental costs and payment options.

General information, not medical or dental advice. Speak to a registered dental practitioner about your situation.