Emergency Dental Services in Hong Kong: What to Do When Clinics Are Closed

 

Dental pain doesn’t wait for office hours — and when an emergency strikes after hours in Hong Kong, knowing what to do can save your smile and your sanity. Whether it’s a cracked tooth, lost filling, or sudden swelling, here’s a practical guide to handling dental emergencies when most clinics are shut.

Step 1: Don’t Panic — Assess the Situation

First, stay calm. Some issues, like minor discomfort or a chipped tooth, can wait until morning. Others — like bleeding that won’t stop, a knocked-out tooth, or facial swelling — need faster action.

Step 2: Know What’s Urgent (and What’s Not)

Urgent:

Knocked-out or loose adult tooth

Sudden swelling in face or gums

Trauma or bleeding that won’t stop

Severe pain or fever

Non-urgent (can wait):

Lost filling or crown

Mild toothache

Small chip

Minor gum bleeding

Step 3: Immediate Actions at Home

Tooth knocked out? Gently rinse and place it in milk or saliva. See a dentist within 30 minutes if possible.

Pain/swelling? Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Avoid hot foods.

Bleeding? Apply pressure with sterile gauze.

Avoid taking aspirin directly on the tooth — it can burn gum tissue. Opt for over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen, if needed.

Step 4: Where to Go When Clinics Are Closed

Hong Kong has several options for emergency dental support after hours:

1. Public Hospital Emergency Rooms

Some public hospitals, such as Queen Mary Hospital or Prince of Wales Hospital, have dental or maxillofacial departments.

Note: Wait times can be long, and you may be referred elsewhere unless it’s life-threatening.

2. 24-Hour Private Clinics (Limited Availability)

Clinics like St. Paul’s Dental Centre occasionally offer emergency call services.

Always call ahead — some may redirect to affiliated doctors.

3. Private Hospital Dental Departments (Daytime Only)

Adventist, Canossa, and Gleneagles have dental centres, but emergency slots may only be available during working hours.

Step 5: What to Prepare in Advance

Have a dental emergency kit ready at home:

Gauze

Clove oil (for temporary pain relief)

Saline rinse

Emergency numbers for nearby dental clinics

Also, save the numbers of at least two dental clinics that offer urgent care and know their operating hours.

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies are scary — especially late at night — but knowing your options in Hong Kong can make a big difference. Prioritize your health, know what to treat at home, and get to a professional as soon as possible.