Dental Emergency FAQ - What to Do in a Dental Crisis

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that requires urgent treatment to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, save a tooth, or treat a serious infection. Common dental emergencies include a knocked-out tooth, a badly broken or cracked tooth, severe toothache that does not respond to pain relief, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, significant facial swelling, and a loose or dislodged tooth from trauma.

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?

Act fast - the best chance of saving a knocked-out permanent tooth is reimplantation within 30 minutes. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part you can see in the mouth), not the root. Gently rinse it with milk or saline if it is dirty - do not scrub it. Try to place it back into the socket and hold it in place by biting gently on a clean cloth. If you cannot reimplant it, store it in milk (not water) and get to Smile Solutions or your nearest dental practice immediately.

What do I do if I break a tooth?

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area. If you can find the broken fragment, store it in milk - it may be possible to bond it back. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid biting on the broken tooth and contact Smile Solutions as soon as possible. If the break is severe and you can see pink or red tissue, this is the nerve and requires urgent attention.

I have a severe toothache - is that an emergency?

A severe toothache that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relief, keeps you awake at night, or is accompanied by swelling or fever should be treated urgently. Rinse with warm salt water, take appropriate pain medication, and contact Smile Solutions or your nearest Core Dental practice for an emergency appointment. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum - this can cause chemical burns.

What should I do if a filling or crown falls out?

A lost filling or crown is not always an emergency, but the exposed tooth may be sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. Keep the crown if you have it - you may be able to temporarily place it back with denture adhesive or toothpaste. Avoid chewing on that side and book an appointment within a day or two. If there is significant pain, contact Smile Solutions for an urgent visit.

What if I have facial swelling or a dental infection?

Facial swelling can indicate a serious dental infection (abscess) that requires prompt treatment. If the swelling is spreading, you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or you develop a fever, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For swelling that is localised around a tooth, contact Smile Solutions urgently. Dental infections can become serious quickly and should never be ignored.

Is there after-hours emergency dental care?

Smile Solutions operates during business hours at the Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne CBD. For after-hours emergencies, the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne provides emergency care. You can also contact your nearest Core Dental practice for extended hours availability. Save Smile Solutions' contact details in your phone so you have them ready when you need them.

Where should I go for a dental emergency in Melbourne?

Head to Smile Solutions in the Melbourne CBD (Manchester Unity Building, corner of Collins and Swanston Streets) during business hours. If you are closer to a Core Dental location, they can also provide emergency treatment. For emergencies outside business hours or involving airway compromise, severe swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to a hospital emergency department.

What should I do before I arrive at the dentist?

Stay calm. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. For a knocked-out tooth, follow the reimplantation steps above. Take appropriate pain relief if needed - ibuprofen is generally effective for dental pain. Bring any tooth fragments or dislodged restorations with you. If possible, call ahead so the team can prepare for your arrival.

How much does an emergency dental visit cost?

Emergency visit fees vary depending on the treatment required. An initial emergency assessment covers diagnosis and immediate pain relief. Further treatment (such as a filling, extraction, or root canal) will be quoted before proceeding. Smile Solutions provides transparent pricing, and the team will discuss costs and options with you before any treatment begins. Visit directory.smilesolutions.com.au for contact details and to arrange urgent care.