Emergency dental appointments
An emergency dental appointment is a focused visit to find out what's causing your pain or damage and get you comfortable. Call Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows on (03) 9022 4442 first. Same-day appointments are usually available.
What is emergency dental appointment?
An emergency appointment isn't a full check-up. It's built around one problem: the tooth that's hurting, the filling that fell out, the swelling that turned up overnight. Dr Fatima Kurnaz or one of our dentists will look at that area closely, take an x-ray if it's needed to see what's going on under the surface, explain what they've found in plain language, and then deal with the urgent part. Often that means relieving pain on the day, for example by removing an inflamed nerve, placing a temporary filling, smoothing a sharp broken edge or re-cementing a crown that has come loose. Sometimes the right fix needs a longer appointment, so we stabilise things first and book the rest. You'll hear the options and the fee before anything starts. The most useful thing you can do is ring before you drive in. We'll ask a few quick questions, give you first aid advice if you need it, and find you the soonest time. We're open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm. We don't offer after-hours cover, so if swelling is spreading, you're struggling to breathe or swallow, or bleeding won't stop, go to your nearest hospital emergency department or call 000.
When might you need emergency dental appointment?
Toothache that keeps you awake or stops you eating
Pain that throbs, lingers after something hot or cold, or wakes you at night often means the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed. Getting it checked early gives you more options for keeping the tooth.
A broken, cracked or chipped tooth
A small chip with no pain can usually wait for the next available appointment. A bigger break, a sharp edge cutting your tongue, or a tooth that hurts when you breathe in needs to be seen sooner.
A knocked-out adult tooth
This is the most time-sensitive dental emergency. Hold the tooth by the white part, keep it in milk, and call us straight away. See the knocked-out tooth page for the full first aid steps.
Swelling in your gum, face or jaw
Swelling usually means infection. Mild swelling in the gum needs an appointment soon. Swelling that is spreading, or that affects breathing or swallowing, needs a hospital emergency department now.
A lost filling or crown
If it isn't painful you usually have a little time, but the tooth underneath is more likely to break or decay, so book in within a few days. If it's sensitive or sharp, call us today.
Pain or bleeding after an extraction
Some oozing and soreness is normal for a day or two. Pain that gets worse after day three, or bleeding that won't settle with firm pressure, is worth a call.
What happens, in short
You call us
Tell us what happened and when. We'll give you first aid advice for the trip in and find the soonest time.
We find the cause
A focused examination of the problem area, and an x-ray if we need to see the root or bone. Then we explain what we've found and what the options are, with fees.
We deal with the urgent part
Where it's possible on the day, we relieve the pain or protect the tooth. If the full fix needs more time, we stabilise things and book it in.
You leave with a plan
What to expect over the next few days, when to call us, and what the next appointment is for.
What does it cost?
An emergency consultation is from $65. Any x-rays or treatment on the day are explained and priced before we start, and HICAPS lets you claim your health fund rebate on the spot.
You get a written, itemised quote with item numbers before any treatment starts, so you can check it with your health fund. Health funds · Payment options
Can I get a same-day emergency appointment?
Usually, yes. Same-day appointments are usually available, so call us as early in the day as you can on (03) 9022 4442.
If we can't fit you in the same day, we'll give you the soonest time and tell you how to manage until then. If your situation sounds like a hospital emergency, we'll tell you that too.
Are you open after hours or on Sundays?
No. We're open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm, and closed Sundays and public holidays.
Out of hours, go to a hospital emergency department or call 000 if you have spreading swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that won't stop, or an injury to your face or jaw. For anything else, call us when we open.
When don't you need an emergency appointment?
A tiny chip with no pain, mild sensitivity that comes and goes, or a small food trap can usually wait for a regular appointment in the next week or two.
If you're not sure, ring us and describe it. It's a short call, and there's no charge for asking whether something can wait.
Will it hurt?
We numb the area before doing anything that could be uncomfortable, and we check in with you as we go.
If you're nervous, tell us when you call. You can ask us to stop at any time, and we'll explain each step before we do it. The what to expect page walks through the appointment in detail.
Symptoms that can lead here
More about emergency dental appointment
Other questions people ask
Should I take pain relief before I come in?
If you normally take over-the-counter pain relief and it's safe for you, you can take it as directed on the packet. Check with a pharmacist if you're unsure. Never put aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue.
Can sporting injuries to teeth be prevented?
Many of them, yes. A custom-fitted mouthguard absorbs and spreads the force of a knock to the face, which is what stands between an accident and a broken front tooth. It has to be worn at training as well as on game day, which is where most people come unstuck.
Will I need antibiotics?
Not usually. Antibiotics don't fix the cause of most tooth pain. They're used when an infection is spreading or you're unwell with it, alongside treating the tooth itself.
Can I just walk in?
Please call first. It means we can find you the soonest time and have the right set-up ready, rather than you waiting in pain.
Can children have an emergency appointment?
Yes. Children are seen for dental emergencies too. If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, many services can be bulk billed, so bring their Medicare card.
Can I claim it on my health fund?
If you have extras cover that includes general dental, you can usually claim part of the consultation and treatment. We claim it on the spot through HICAPS, so you only pay the gap.
Can I bring someone with me?
Of course. If you're in a lot of pain or feeling shaky, it's a good idea to have someone drive you home.