Emergency Dental Treatment

Get out of pain fast.

We understand the stressful nature of emergency dental problems, and so we aim to relieve your pain as fast as possible once you contact our practice.

Our dentists will efficiently discuss your treatment options and proceed to stop the pain, whether it is a chipped tooth or a painful toothache.

A Guide to Emergency Dental Treatment

How Your Dentist Can Help When You're in Pain

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone. Common reasons include:

Severe toothache from deep decay reaching the nerve (pulp) of the tooth
A cracked, chipped, broken tooth, or lost filling, from injury or biting on something hard
A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth from a fall or accident
Infection or abscess causing swelling, pain or pus
Wisdom tooth pain from impaction or infection

If you have facial swelling, fevers, heavy bleeding or trauma, you should seek same-day emergency care

How we diagnose your problem

When you visit for an emergency, your dentist will:

Take a thorough history of your pain and symptoms
Examine your teeth, gums and surrounding tissues
Take X-rays to see the extent of any damage or infection
Test the tooth to assess if the nerve is healthy, inflamed or has died

This helps determine the right treatment to get you out of pain as quickly as possible.

Treatment options

Your dentist will discuss the best options for your situation. These may include:

Fillings and Repairs

If a tooth is chipped, cracked or broken but the nerve is not affected, your dentist may be able to repair it with a filling or bonding material. A crown (cap) may be recommended later to protect a weakened tooth.

Pulp Extirpation (First Stage Root Canal Treatment)

If the nerve inside your tooth is badly inflamed or infected (a condition called irreversible pulpitis), the most effective way to relieve your pain is a procedure called pulp extirpation.

Tooth Extraction (Removal)

A tooth that is severely broken or fractured below the gum line
Advanced decay that cannot be repaired
A tooth with extensive infection that cannot be treated with root canal therapy

Wisdom Tooth Treatment Wisdom teeth (third molars) often cause problems because there is not enough room for them to come through properly. Emergency treatment for a painful wisdom tooth may include:

Antibiotics if there is an infection around the gum (pericoronitis)
Cleaning and irrigating the area around the partially erupted tooth
Pain relief medication
Extraction of the wisdom tooth, which may require a minor surgical procedure if the tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gum or bone)

Managing pain at home

While waiting for or recovering from your dental appointment:

Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed (e.g. ibuprofen and paracetamol taken together can be more effective than either alone)
Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks on the affected side
Rinse gently with warm salty water

What to expect after treatment

Some discomfort after emergency dental treatment is normal and usually settles within a few days. Contact your dentist if you experience:

Increasing pain or swelling after 48 hours
Fever or feeling unwell
Heavy or persistent bleeding
Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth

Important Reminders

Emergency treatment focuses on getting you out of pain and managing any infection.
Follow-up appointments are important to complete your treatment and protect the tooth long-term
Your dentist will discuss all available options with you and help you choose the best plan for your situation

At MedCentral Dental, We Accept All Health Funds!

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Get in touch

Call Now: (03) 9887 2403

Dr Raymond AU

Principal Dentist

Speaks English and Vietnamese

Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.

With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.

Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.

Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Dr Emily Pow

Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.

She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.

Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.

She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.

In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.

Dr Lilian Phu

Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.

Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.

In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.

Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.