What we treat in a dental emergency
Dental emergencies come in many forms. The most common situations we see include:
- Toothache: severe, persistent, or throbbing pain, especially with sensitivity to heat or pressure
- Chipped or broken tooth: from a fall, impact, or biting down on something hard
- Knocked-out tooth: time-sensitive; the faster you reach us, the better the outcome
- Lost filling or crown: especially when the exposed tooth is sensitive or painful
- Dental abscess: swelling, throbbing pain, fever, or a visible pimple on the gum near a tooth
- Soft tissue injury: cuts or lacerations to the lips, tongue, cheek, or gums
- Dental trauma: loosened or displaced teeth following an impact
If what you're experiencing isn't on this list but it's causing significant pain or worry, call us. We'd rather reassure you unnecessarily than have you wait when something needs attention.
What to do before you arrive
A few things you can do at home while you make your way to us:
For a knocked-out tooth: Pick it up by the crown only (not the root. Rinse very gently if it's dirty. Reinsert it into the socket if you can and bite down gently on clean gauze to hold it. If you can't reinsert it, keep it in a small container of milk or tucked between your cheek and gum to keep it moist. Do not let it dry out. Call us immediately) 905-737-0600.
For pain and swelling: An over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken as directed) can take the edge off while you travel to us. A cold compress on the outside of your jaw (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) can help reduce swelling. Do not apply heat. Do not put aspirin or any medication directly on the gum tissue.
For a lost crown or filling: If the exposed tooth is sensitive, dental wax (available at pharmacies) can provide temporary coverage. Clove oil on the area may help with pain. Come in as soon as possible, an unprotected tooth can worsen quickly.
For a bleeding injury: Apply firm, gentle pressure with clean gauze or a cloth. If bleeding doesn't slow after 20 minutes of consistent pressure, go to the emergency room.
Call us for same-day care
For dental emergencies during office hours, call 905-737-0600. Tell us what's happening and we'll arrange to see you the same day whenever possible. Getting you out of pain and stabilizing the situation is the immediate goal, any further treatment can be planned properly once we've had a chance to assess what's needed.
What happens at an emergency visit
We'll start with a focused exam (X-rays if needed) to understand what's happening and why. Once we have a clear picture, we'll explain your options in plain language and agree on a course of action together. For situations like an abscess or severe toothache, this often means treatment at the same visit. For more complex situations, we may provide immediate relief and then schedule a follow-up for the definitive work.
After the emergency: next steps
Once the urgent issue is addressed, we'll discuss the longer-term plan. A cracked tooth may need a crown. An infected tooth may need a root canal. A broken restoration may need to be replaced with something more durable. We'll lay out the options clearly so you can make an informed decision about what comes next. Learn more about crowns and bridges if a restoration is part of what's needed.
A note on prevention
Most dental emergencies don't come entirely out of nowhere, they often start as a small crack, a failing filling, or an infection that's been slowly developing. Regular check-ups catch these issues while they're still straightforward to treat. The best emergency is the one that doesn't happen.
If you're not currently a patient, an emergency visit is also a natural starting point for establishing ongoing care. We'll make you feel welcome and unhurried, even when the circumstances are stressful.