Toothaches and dental emergencies

Getting you out of pain fast is our top priority.

We diagnose the source of your pain and manage your pain promptly. Many people say there is nothing worse than a toothache! Some women have even compared the pain of a toothache to childbirth and said they’d rather go through childbirth again! Now, that is saying something.

For dental emergencies, please contact us on (03) 9459 4297 for a prompt appointment. If you’re not sure whether your problem is urgent, we’ll advise whether you need to be seen straight away.

Once we’ve assessed the problem, we’ll explain the cause, your treatment options and the costs so you can decide on the next step.

What happens when you call

  • 1

    Call (03) 9459 4297 and tell us what’s happened.

  • 2

    We’ll advise whether you need to be seen urgently and offer the earliest available appointment.

  • 3

    Your dentist will examine the area and take an X-ray if needed to identify the problem.

  • 4

    We’ll focus on relieving your pain and explain your treatment options and costs before proceeding.

Nervous about the dentist? Read about our approach

Dental emergencies we treat

Call us if you have severe or persistent pain, a damaged tooth, swelling or bleeding.

Toothache

Severe or persistent pain, pain when biting, or sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers. We’ll assess the cause, help relieve the pain and explain your treatment options.

Broken or chipped tooth

From a small chip to a tooth broken in a fall or while eating. Bring any broken pieces with you. We’ll assess the damage and discuss options for repairing or protecting the tooth.

Knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth needs immediate attention. The best chance of saving it is to see a dentist as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes. Call us straight away and follow the steps below.

Swelling and infection

Swelling of the gum or face can indicate a dental infection requiring prompt treatment. Contact us as soon as possible. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, call 000.

Lost filling or crown

A lost filling or crown can leave a tooth exposed, sharp or sensitive. Keep the crown and bring it with you. We’ll check whether it can be refitted or needs replacing.

Wisdom tooth pain

Pain or swelling around a wisdom tooth can occur as it comes through or if the surrounding gum becomes infected. We’ll assess the problem, manage your discomfort and discuss whether further treatment is needed.

What to do in a dental emergency

Knocked-out adult tooth

  • 1

    Find the tooth and pick it up by the white crown, not the root.

  • 2

    If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or saline. Don’t scrub it.

  • 3

    If the person is conscious and it’s safe to do so, gently place the tooth back into its socket, facing the correct way. Bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.

  • 4

    If you can’t put it back, don’t force it. Keep the tooth in milk so it doesn’t dry out.

  • 5

    Seek emergency dental care immediately, ideally within 30 minutes.

Baby teeth are different. Never put a knocked-out baby tooth back into its socket, as this can damage the adult tooth underneath. Contact a dentist promptly.

When to go to hospital

Call 000 immediately if:

  • 1

    Swelling affects your breathing or swallowing.

  • 2

    A head injury has caused loss of consciousness, confusion or significant drowsiness.

Go to an emergency department urgently if:

  • 1

    Facial swelling is spreading towards your eye or neck.

  • 2

    You have facial swelling with a high temperature and feel very unwell.

  • 3

    You think your jaw may be broken.

  • 4

    Bleeding is severe or won’t stop with firm pressure.

The nearby emergency department is at Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg. The emergency entrance is off Burgundy Street.

Why families choose Burgundy Street Dental Clinic

Clear treatment advice

We explain what needs attention, what can be monitored, and the expected costs before treatment begins.

Continuity of care

Dr Susma Pawar and Dr Ben Casella see their own patients, providing consistency across check-ups and ongoing treatment. They work as a team, so if your dentist is away the other can see you.

Appointments for urgent dental problems

We keep appointment time available each day for toothaches and other urgent dental problems. Call early and we will do our best to see you the same day.

Your dentists

Dr Susma Pawar

Dr Susma Pawar

Principal Dentist, BDS (Adel)

Dr Ben Casella

Dr Ben Casella

Dentist, BDS (JCU, Qld)

Both dentists are registered with the Dental Board of Australia through Ahpra.

Emergency dental questions

Answers to common questions about toothaches, dental injuries and urgent appointments.

More questions about the practice

We keep designated appointment times available for dental emergencies and do our best to see patients promptly. Call (03) 9459 4297 as early in the day as you can.

Severe or persistent toothache, a knocked-out or broken tooth, facial swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, or a lost filling or crown causing pain. If you’re unsure, call us and we’ll advise whether you need to be seen urgently.

Yes. Toothache can settle even when the underlying problem remains. An examination can help identify the cause and whether treatment is needed.

Contact us promptly. If a baby tooth has been knocked out, don’t try to put it back in, as this can damage the adult tooth underneath. Your child should have a dental assessment to check for other damage. If there’s a significant head injury, seek medical attention first.

No. New patients are welcome, including for emergency appointments. Just let us know it’s your first visit when you call.

The cost depends on the examination and treatment needed. We’ll explain the costs before proceeding. If you have eligible private health extras cover, you can claim on the spot through HealthPoint.

Related services

Root canal therapy

Treatment that may help save a tooth with an inflamed or infected nerve, a possible cause of severe toothache.

Root canal therapy

Tooth extractions

When a tooth is too badly damaged or infected to save, extraction may be recommended. We’ll explain your options before proceeding.

Tooth extractions

Anxious about dentistry?

If you’re nervous about dental treatment, let us know. We’ll explain each step and work with you to make your appointment as comfortable as possible.

Anxious about dentistry?

In pain? Call us now

The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.

Will Qu profile picture
Will Qu
3 months ago
I drive across town to see Ben, who is really friendly and a great dentist.
Alley H profile picture
Alley H
3 months ago
Our whole family see Dr Ben and we couldn't recommend him more highly. He is kind, non-judgmental and thorough. Special mention that he completely won over my neurodiverse 11-year-old son, and his words sum Dr Ben up best: “Why would I trust anyone else?!” Thank you thank you 🥹
T S profile picture
T S
1 year ago
Burgundy street dental are simply wonderful! Lucky I was referred by a friend and former retired staff member many years ago so I would never go anywhere else so to the bestest practice manager ever Grace,Thankyou ! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by Tilly at the front desk ..so welcoming, kind, and helpful. The main star of the show however is dentist Ben- absolutely incredible and thorough and understanding, especially if you’re someone who gets a bit nervous at the dentist. Ben always does an amazing job and his attention to detail is second to none. It’s always a smooth visit and I really appreciate his care and professionalism . Everyone here is fantastic and although I’ve moved location I still travel almost 2 hrs to get here and I genuinely wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Yiyi Wang profile picture
Yiyi Wang
1 year ago
Dr. Susma is kind, smart, a good communicator and she managed to sort out a gum issue I had for years within few visits. I was shocked that none of the 3-5 dentists I’ve worked with in the past had ever worked with me proactively in solving my problem. She is also very good at educating me on how things work so I know what to focus on in my busy schedule.
Sadi Street profile picture
Sadi Street
2 years ago
Ben and his team were great, everyone was so friendly and provided great service. Thank you!
Robbie Lee profile picture
Robbie Lee
3 years ago
Saw Dr Susma for a stubborn baby tooth in my teenage son which needed to be extracted. Dr Susma and team were professional, efficient and very mindful of a nervous teenager needing to have a tooth extracted. Excellent care was provided including clear instructions on post extraction care and I am happy to recommend this dental practice!
Jenna profile picture
Jenna
4 years ago
I had my second visit this year with Dr Ben today and again, was so blown away by the level of patient care provided by both Ben and the staff at the clinic. Ben is gentle and kind and very thorough and keeps you informed of all that he is doing and what he is seeing during the check-up. Winnie his dental assistant was also very friendly and attentive and the super lovely Tahlu on reception was a pleasure to deal with. I used to loathe going to the dentist, literally racking up years in between visits, but now that I have found such empathic Dentists in Dr Susma and Dr Ben, I find I'm quite happy to go in and get work done. Thank you again for creating such a pleasant environment Dr Susma and team. 🙂
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Level 1, 124 Burgundy St, Heidelberg. Two minutes from Heidelberg station.