Dental Emergencies

Dental Pain? Call Us Immediately

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, fast action makes all the difference. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or any dental emergency, call us immediately on (03) 8838 8820. We prioritise emergency appointments and will do everything we can to see you on the same day.

Common Dental Emergencies

We treat a wide range of dental emergencies, including situations that require urgent attention to relieve pain, prevent infection, or save a tooth. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the outcome.

  • Severe toothache — persistent or throbbing pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter painkillers
  • Broken or cracked tooth — from trauma, biting on something hard, or an accident
  • Knocked-out tooth — a tooth that has been completely dislodged, requiring immediate action
  • Lost filling or crown — leaving the tooth exposed, sensitive, or painful
  • Dental abscess — a painful infection that can cause swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth
  • Soft tissue injury — cuts or lacerations to the gums, tongue, or cheeks

What to Do Before Your Appointment

While you're waiting to see us, there are steps you can take to manage your emergency and improve the chances of a successful outcome:

  • Knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root). Rinse gently with milk or saline, and try to place it back in the socket. If that's not possible, store it in milk and get to us within 30 minutes.
  • Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces if possible.
  • Severe toothache: Rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum.
  • Lost filling or crown: If you still have the crown, try to temporarily place it back with dental cement or toothpaste. Avoid chewing on that side.
  • Abscess: Rinse with warm salt water several times to help draw the infection toward the surface. Seek treatment as soon as possible — abscesses do not resolve on their own.

Priority Same-Day Appointments

We set aside time each day for emergency cases because we know that dental pain cannot wait. When you call, our team will assess the urgency of your situation and schedule you in as quickly as possible. Our goal is to get you out of pain, stabilise the problem, and put together a treatment plan — all in the same visit where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is classed as a dental emergency?

Any situation causing severe oral pain, bleeding, swelling, infection, a knocked-out tooth, or broken/drilled fillings or crowns qualifies as a dental emergency.

Can I go to A&E (Emergency Department) with a tooth problem?

Unless you have a major issue — like a broken jaw, uncontrollable bleeding, or severe swelling affecting breathing — most dental issues are best treated by an emergency dentist.

How much is an emergency dental cost in Australia?

Costs vary by treatment: simple emergency care ($150-$400), emergency extractions ($200-$600), and emergency root canals ($400-$1,500).

Does Medicare cover emergency dental treatment?

Generally, no — Medicare doesn't cover most dental services. However, some Australian states offer public assistance, and children may be covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Can I get emergency dental treatment through public dental clinics?

Yes. In Victoria, for instance, emergency dental care is available to concession-card holders for a $31.50 copayment per visit (maximum $126) and $266 for non-card holders.

Do private health insurance policies cover emergency dental costs?

Many private health extras policies do cover emergency dental services, with rebate rates from 60% to 100%, though it depends on your insurer and plan limits.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Ideally if the whole tooth has been knocked out, the best thing to do is to stick it back into the socket.

What happens during an emergency dental visit?

The dentist will focus on pain relief, infection control, and emergency treatment (like extraction, drainage, or temporary repair).

Are wisdom tooth problems considered emergencies?

Yes. Swollen, painful, or infected wisdom teeth are common reasons for urgent appointments. Removal may cost $300-$700, including sedation/anaesthesia.

Why do dental emergency costs vary so much?

Costs depend on factors like procedure complexity, materials used, whether sedation is required, and the dentist's fees.

Ready for Your Best Smile?

Our friendly team at Whitehorse Dental is here to help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve.