Quick answer: A dental emergency is a sudden oral health problem that needs prompt attention to relieve pain, prevent further damage, manage infection or protect a tooth. Common examples include severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, a dental abscess, a damaged filling or crown, and swelling around the gums or face.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Melbourne, Richmond & Springvale Dental Group provides emergency dental services at its Springvale and Abbotsford clinics. Same-day appointments are available for many urgent dental problems, subject to appointment availability. Call Springvale on (03) 9558 5756 or Abbotsford on (03) 9428 9102.
A severe toothache late at night, a chipped tooth during the weekend or a knocked-out tooth after a sporting accident can happen without warning. Knowing what to do while arranging dental care can help minimise further damage and get you the appropriate treatment sooner.
This guide explains what counts as a dental emergency, what you can do before seeing a dentist, when to seek hospital care, and where to find emergency dental care in Springvale and Abbotsford, VIC.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is generally an unexpected dental problem requiring prompt assessment or treatment.
RS Dental Group identifies several situations that may require emergency dental care, including:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- A knocked-out tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A dental abscess
- A loose or chipped tooth
- A lost or damaged filling or crown
- Swollen gums or facial swelling
- Persistent bleeding from the gums or mouth
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require an urgent appointment, contact the clinic and explain what has happened. The dental team can advise you about the next available appointment and appropriate next steps.
Experiencing a dental emergency? Contact Richmond & Springvale Dental Group to discuss your symptoms and appointment availability.
Dental Emergency First Aid: What to Do Before You See a Dentist
The appropriate first-aid response depends on the type of dental emergency. The following steps can help while you’re arranging professional dental care.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires urgent attention. RS Dental Group advises acting quickly because prompt treatment can improve the chances of saving the tooth.
- Carefully locate the tooth.
- Hold it by the crown, rather than the root.
- Gently rinse the tooth with clean water if it is dirty.
- If possible, carefully place the tooth back into its socket.
- If you cannot replace it, keep the tooth in milk.
- Contact an emergency dentist immediately and arrange urgent treatment.
Important: If a child has knocked out a baby tooth, do not attempt to put it back into the socket. Contact a dentist for advice.
Severe Toothache
Severe or persistent toothache may be associated with problems such as infection, a cracked tooth or an abscess.
While arranging dental care:
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Carefully clean around the affected tooth.
- If you use an over-the-counter pain reliever, follow the product directions and seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure whether it is suitable for you.
- Do not place aspirin directly against your gums.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek if appropriate.
- Contact a dentist for an assessment rather than relying on pain relief alone.
Persistent toothache should be assessed because treating the underlying dental problem is important.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth can cause pain, sensitivity and increase the risk of further problems.
Until you can see a dentist:
- Rinse your mouth gently with clean water.
- Keep any broken pieces of tooth and bring them to your appointment.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek if swelling occurs.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- Contact a dentist for an assessment as soon as possible.
Your dentist can determine the extent of the damage and discuss suitable treatment options.
Dental Abscess or Facial Swelling
A dental abscess is an infection that requires professional assessment and treatment. RS Dental Group lists dental abscesses and swollen gums or face among conditions that may require urgent dental care.
Contact a dentist promptly if you experience:
- A painful swelling around a tooth or gum
- A bad taste associated with an infected tooth
- Increasing dental pain
- Swelling around the gums, jaw or face
If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical attention rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost or damaged filling or crown can expose the underlying tooth and cause sensitivity or discomfort. RS Dental Group identifies lost or damaged fillings and crowns as dental emergencies that may require prompt care.
Until you’re seen:
- Keep the crown if you still have it.
- Bring it with you to your dental appointment.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- Keep the area clean.
- Contact your dentist to arrange an assessment.
When Should You Go to a Hospital Emergency Department?
Many dental emergencies can be assessed and treated by an emergency dentist. However, certain symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Seek emergency medical care if you have serious facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing.
For dental problems such as severe toothache, broken teeth, lost fillings, abscesses and other urgent dental concerns, contact an emergency dentist for advice and appropriate treatment.
Emergency Dental Care Near You in Springvale, VIC
If you’re searching for an emergency dentist in Springvale, Springvale Dental Group provides emergency dental services and reserves emergency slots for urgent care. The clinic also offers same-day appointments for many urgent dental problems.
Springvale Dental Group
Address: 23 Balmoral Ave, Springvale VIC 3171
Phone: (03) 9558 5756
Opening hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 am–6:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am–6:30 pm
- Sunday: Open by appointment
Springvale Dental Group specifically provides Sunday dental appointments by arrangement, including emergency dental care.
If you’re experiencing an urgent dental problem, call the clinic and explain your symptoms so the team can advise you about the next available appointment.
Emergency Dental Care Near You in Abbotsford, VIC
If you’re closer to Richmond, Abbotsford, Collingwood or Melbourne’s inner east, Richmond Dental Group provides emergency dental care from its Abbotsford clinic.
Richmond Dental Group
Address: 377 Victoria St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Phone: (03) 9428 9102
The Abbotsford clinic reserves daily emergency slots and offers same-day emergency appointments when possible. Patients experiencing pain may receive priority, with emergency care available for problems such as broken teeth, lost fillings and severe toothache.
Opening hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 am–6:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am–6:30 pm
- Sunday: Closed
If you need urgent dental care in Abbotsford, contact the clinic and explain your symptoms to ask about emergency appointment availability.
What Happens at an Emergency Dental Appointment?
RS Dental Group recommends contacting the clinic first and explaining your dental emergency so the team can prepare for your arrival.
Your emergency appointment may involve:
- Calling ahead: Explain your symptoms and what has happened.
- Prompt assessment: The dental team will assess your condition.
- Diagnosis: Your dentist will determine the likely cause of your dental problem.
- Treatment planning: Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your condition.
- Emergency treatment: Depending on the problem, treatment may include pain relief, a filling, extraction or abscess drainage.
- Aftercare: You’ll receive guidance about caring for the affected area and whether you need further treatment.
RS Dental Group notes that a follow-up appointment may be required depending on the nature of your emergency.
Can You Get a Same-Day Emergency Dentist Appointment?
Yes, RS Dental Group offers same-day dentist appointments for many urgent dental problems, including toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, severe gum pain or bleeding, abscesses, lost fillings or crowns, and wisdom tooth pain. Appointment availability depends on the clinic’s schedule.
The best approach is to contact the clinic as early as possible, explain your symptoms and ask about the next available appointment.
What If You Don’t Have Dental Insurance?
You can still contact RS Dental Group if you don’t have dental insurance.
The clinic’s emergency dental page states that it offers flexible payment options and can discuss your financial situation to help find an appropriate solution.
If you’re concerned about treatment costs, ask about the expected cost and available payment options when you contact the clinic.
RS Dental Group’s same-day appointment information also states that treatment options and costs are discussed before procedures are performed.
What If You Have a Dental Emergency but No Money?
If you’re worried about the cost of emergency dental treatment, tell the clinic when you call.
RS Dental Group states that it offers flexible payment options and can discuss your financial situation.
Ask the team about the expected cost and available payment options before treatment so you understand your options.
What Do I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency at Night?
If you have a dental emergency outside regular clinic hours, contact your nearest RS Dental Group clinic and follow its after-hours guidance.
The Abbotsford clinic states that it provides emergency contact details and guidance for after-hours situations, with urgent care prioritised on the next business day.
If you have a serious medical emergency, such as significant facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care.
What Do I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency on a Weekend or Sunday?
Weekend availability depends on the clinic.
Springvale Dental Group is open by appointment on Sundays and specifically provides Sunday emergency dental care by arrangement.
Richmond Dental Group in Abbotsford is closed on Sundays.
If you need urgent dental care during the weekend, contact your nearest clinic as early as possible and ask about appointment availability.
Is Emergency Dental Care More Expensive Than a Regular Appointment?
The cost of emergency dental care depends on the dental problem and treatment required.
RS Dental Group provides flexible payment options and states that costs and treatment options can be discussed before procedures are performed.
If you’re concerned about the cost, ask the clinic about expected fees and available payment options when booking your appointment.
My Child Knocked Out a Baby Tooth — Is That an Emergency?
A knocked-out baby tooth should be assessed appropriately, particularly if the injury has also affected the gums or surrounding teeth.
Do not attempt to put a baby tooth back into its socket. Contact a dentist for advice about what to do next.
Do I Need a Referral to See an Emergency Dentist?
Contact RS Dental Group directly to discuss your dental emergency and appointment options.
You can contact either clinic:
Springvale: (03) 9558 5756
Abbotsford: (03) 9428 9102
How Can You Prevent a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental emergency can be prevented, but maintaining good oral health can reduce the risk of many common dental problems.
RS Dental Group recommends:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Having regular dental check-ups and professional cleans
- Maintaining a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks
- Avoiding using your teeth to open bottles, crack nuts or chew hard objects
If you notice persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling or another unusual symptom, arrange a dental assessment rather than waiting for the problem to become an emergency.
Don’t Wait Out Severe Dental Pain
Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, but prompt professional care can help address pain, prevent further damage and protect your oral health.
If you’re experiencing severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, a dental abscess, facial swelling, a lost filling or crown, or another urgent dental problem, contact Richmond & Springvale Dental Group.
Contact your nearest clinic, explain your symptoms and ask about the next available emergency dental appointment.
