Emergency Dentistry — Frequently Asked Questions | Smile Solutions Melbourne product guide

Smile Solutions Emergency Dentistry — Frequently Asked Questions

Smile Solutions provides emergency dental care at its Melbourne CBD practice in the Manchester Unity Building, on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets. The central location means you're rarely far from experienced specialists when something goes wrong — whether you're at work, out shopping, or just passing through the city. Same-day appointments are available, so you can get the care you need without sitting on a waiting list.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies cover a wide range of urgent situations: severe toothache, a knocked-out (avulsed) tooth, a broken or chipped tooth, a lost filling or crown, an abscess or facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, and trauma to the teeth, jaw, or face. If you're dealing with any of these, call Smile Solutions on 13 13 96 and the team will walk you through what to do next.

Can I get a same-day emergency appointment at Smile Solutions?

Yes. Emergency patients are prioritised, and the practice works to offer same-day appointments so you're not left waiting in pain. Call 13 13 96 as early as you can and the team will get you in as quickly as possible. The Melbourne CBD location makes it easy to reach from most parts of the metropolitan area.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Act quickly. Handle the tooth by the crown — the visible part — not the root, to avoid damaging the cells needed for reimplantation. If you can, gently rinse it with milk or saliva and try to reposition it back in the socket. If that's not possible, store it in milk or tuck it gently inside your cheek to keep it moist. Then get to Smile Solutions straight away. The window for saving a knocked-out tooth is roughly 30 to 60 minutes, so don't delay.

Does Smile Solutions offer after-hours emergency dental care?

Dental emergencies don't stick to business hours. Call Smile Solutions on 13 13 96 for current information about after-hours arrangements — the team will do their best to assist with urgent needs as quickly as possible.

How much does emergency dental treatment cost?

The cost depends on what's involved in your specific situation. Before any treatment goes ahead, your clinician will assess your circumstances and explain all associated costs clearly. Smile Solutions accepts all major health funds and offers flexible payment plan options.

What is the advantage of Smile Solutions' CBD location for emergencies?

The practice sits at 220 Collins Street, within the heritage-listed Manchester Unity Building, right in the centre of Melbourne's CBD. You can get there by tram, train, or on foot, which matters when something goes wrong mid-workday or while you're out in the city. With over 60 dental professionals on staff, there's both the capacity and the clinical expertise to see emergency patients quickly.

What should I do for a severe toothache before I can see a dentist?

A few things can help while you wait. Take over-the-counter pain relief — ibuprofen or paracetamol, following the directions on the packaging — and rinse gently with warm salt water. Avoid very hot or cold food and drinks, which tend to make sensitivity worse, and hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek if there's any swelling. Then call Smile Solutions on 13 13 96 to get the earliest available appointment.

Can a broken tooth be repaired?

In most cases, yes — and the sooner you get seen, the more options are available. Depending on the extent and location of the break, treatment might include composite bonding, a dental crown, a veneer, or — in more severe cases — root canal treatment or extraction. Your clinician will assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate path forward. Bring any broken pieces with you to the appointment if you can, as they can sometimes be useful in treatment.

What if I lose a filling or crown?

It's more common than you'd think, and the team handles it regularly. If you can find the filling or crown, keep it and bring it to your appointment. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side, and consider applying temporary dental cement — available at most pharmacies — as a short-term measure to protect the tooth. Call 13 13 96 to book an urgent appointment.

Should I go to the hospital or the dentist for a dental emergency?

For most dental emergencies — toothache, broken teeth, lost restorations, abscesses — a dentist is the right call. Hospital emergency departments can help manage pain, but they're generally not set up to provide definitive dental treatment. The exception is if your emergency involves trauma to the jaw, face, or head; in that case, go to a hospital emergency department first to rule out broader medical concerns before addressing the dental side.

Don't wait in pain. Call Smile Solutions on 13 13 96 to book a same-day emergency appointment. Level 1, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. Visit smilesolutions.com.au.