What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Knowing whether your situation is urgent saves time when pain or anxiety makes it hard to think clearly. The following all qualify as dental emergencies where you should call us immediately:
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Severe, persistent toothache that is not responding to over-the-counter pain relief
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Tooth knocked out completely — time is critical, there is a window to reimplant
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Significant crack or break, especially with visible nerve exposure or bleeding from the gum
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Dental abscess — swelling, fever or a visible gumboil near a tooth indicates spreading infection
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Broken crown, bridge or denture causing pain or leaving a sharp edge
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Lost filling leaving a sensitive or sharp cavity exposed
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Facial swelling associated with tooth pain
If you have facial swelling spreading toward your eye or throat, or you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing, go directly to Middlemore Hospital Emergency Department. Spreading dental infections are a medical emergency, not just a dental one.
​How to Handle a Dental Emergency Before You Arrive
Call us first — always. While you are waiting, these steps protect the tooth and manage discomfort.
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Knocked-Out Tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently with clean water but do not scrub. If possible, reinsert it into the socket immediately and bite gently to hold it in place. If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth in milk or between your cheek and gum. Get to us within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Toothache or Abscess
Take ibuprofen or paracetamol at the recommended dosage. Rinse with warm salt water to reduce gum inflammation. Do not place aspirin directly against the tooth or gum — it can burn the tissue. Avoid hot, cold or sweet food and drink. Call us straight away if you develop fever or facial swelling.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Rinse with warm water. If the broken piece is intact, store it in milk or saliva and bring it. Avoid biting on the Chipped tooth. A small piece of dental wax from a pharmacy can cover a sharp edge temporarily.
Lost Filling or Crown
Temporary dental cement from most pharmacies can reseat a lost crown and protect an exposed cavity.
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Emergency Dental Treatment We Provide
When you arrive, our team assesses your situation immediately. We prioritise pain relief first, then identify the underlying cause and discuss options clearly before proceeding with anything. Our full range of dental services is available for follow-up care after your emergency is resolved.
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Emergency extractions — same-day removal when a tooth cannot be saved or infection risk is high
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Urgent root canal treatment — removing infected or exposed nerve tissue to relieve pain
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Crown, bridge or veneer recementation — same-visit repair for displaced restorations
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Emergency fillings — temporary or permanent protection for an exposed cavity or broken tooth
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Dental abscess drainage — relieving pressure from localised infection, with antibiotic prescription where appropriate
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Tooth reimplantation — for knocked-out teeth brought in promptly with the root intact
We also offer IV sedation for patients who experience high dental anxiety. If you are in pain and anxious, tell our team when you call — we will plan your appointment accordingly.
This is a short-term fix only. An exposed cavity left for weeks develops decay rapidly and requires more extensive treatment when you do come in.
Expert Dental Surgery and Services
We aim to make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible, offering modern facilities, flexible treatment plans, and sedation options for nervous patients. Whether you’re in Botany, Manukau, or the surrounding South Auckland area, Southern Care Dental is here to support your smile – day or night.
Our dental services include:

Dental Check Ups
& Cleaning

Fillings

Root Canals

Crowns & Bridges







