Emergency
Dentist

Any condition requiring immediate attention to stop pain, save a tooth, or treat infection. Examples include severe toothache that disrupts sleep or eating, knocked-out or loose teeth, facial swelling with fever, uncontrolled bleeding, and trauma to the mouth or jaw. When in doubt, call — early assessment is safer than waiting.

Most dental practices, including ArtSmiles, operate during standard business hours (our hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday). If you experience a dental emergency outside these hours, call our clinic first thing in the morning for same-day priority booking. For life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Go to hospital if you have difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, rapidly spreading facial swelling, high fever, or significant trauma involving a head injury. For toothache, abscess, broken teeth, or dental pain without airway compromise, a dentist with same-day availability is the more appropriate — and faster — option.

No. Antibiotics can help control the spread of bacteria, but the underlying cause — such as an infected nerve or trapped abscess — remains until it is physically treated. That is why antibiotics alone are never a long-term solution; they are one part of a broader treatment plan that may include drainage, root canal therapy, or extraction.

Yes. If the nerve inside a tooth is infected or severely inflamed, an emergency root canal may be performed on the same day to relieve pain and save the tooth. In some cases, initial stabilisation is completed first and the full procedure is scheduled shortly after.

Fees vary depending on the examination, imaging, diagnosis, and treatment required. An initial emergency consultation with X-rays is typically the starting point. A personalised treatment plan with transparent fees is provided before any definitive procedure begins.

Without the restoration, the underlying tooth structure is exposed to bacteria, temperature changes, and biting forces it was not designed to withstand. While not always immediately painful, the longer the tooth remains unprotected the greater the risk of deeper decay or fracture. Temporary dental cement from a chemist can help in the short term, but a prompt appointment is important.

Emergency treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Local anaesthetic ensures comfort during any procedure. Most patients report significant relief once the source of pressure or infection is addressed.

ArtSmiles is located at Shop 4, 45–49 Nind Street, Southport QLD 4215 — centrally positioned for patients from Bundall, Benowa, Labrador, Surfers Paradise, Ashmore, Main Beach, and the wider Gold Coast. Street parking and public transport access are available nearby.

Yes. ArtSmiles is open Monday to Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Urgent cases are triaged by severity — pain, swelling, trauma, and bleeding receive priority. Calling early in the morning gives you the best chance of a same-day slot.

If your dental emergency occurs after hours, manage pain with over-the-counter relief, apply a cold compress for swelling, and avoid hot or cold foods on the affected side. Call ArtSmiles at 8:30 am the next business day — we reserve same-day capacity each morning for urgent cases so you can be seen promptly. For life-threatening symptoms such as facial swelling spreading to your neck, trouble breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the Gold Coast University Hospital emergency department in Southport without delay.

Yes. A dental abscess can spread into the jaw, neck, or bloodstream if left untreated. Warning signs include increasing swelling, fever, feeling unwell, and difficulty opening your mouth. Prompt treatment — typically drainage, antibiotics where appropriate, and definitive care — significantly reduces risk.

Time is the biggest factor — the periodontal ligament cells on the root surface begin to die within minutes of drying out. Keeping the tooth moist (in milk, saline, or saliva) preserves those cells and gives the dentist the best chance of successful reimplantation. After about 60 minutes outside the socket, survival rates drop significantly.

Yes. When a tooth is too damaged or infected to be saved, same-day extraction may be the safest option to prevent further complications. After extraction, we discuss replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or other solutions tailored to your situation.

Tooth pain rarely resolves on its own. What starts as mild discomfort can progress to irreversible nerve damage or a spreading abscess within days. Early intervention is usually simpler, less invasive, and more cost-effective than treating a condition that has been allowed to worsen.

It depends on the location and depth of the crack. Superficial cracks can often be restored with a crown. If the fracture reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed first. Teeth split below the gum line may not be restorable, and extraction with an implant plan may be recommended.

Absolutely. Emergency care at ArtSmiles is available to both existing and new patients. We perform a structured assessment, explain the diagnosis clearly, and outline your treatment options before proceeding.