What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an urgent dental problem that causes pain, swelling, injury, bleeding, infection risk, or damage that may worsen without timely care.
Common dental emergencies include severe toothache, dental swelling, broken or chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings, lost crowns, dental abscess concerns, pain when biting, or injury to the teeth or gums.
If you are unsure whether your problem is an emergency, call (905) 309-5757. Our team can help you understand whether you should book an urgent dental visit or seek medical care.
When Should You Call an Emergency Dentist?
Call a dentist as soon as possible if you have pain, swelling, broken teeth, or a dental problem that is getting worse.
You should call for emergency dental care if you have:
- ✓Severe toothache
- ✓Swelling around the gums, jaw, or face
- ✓Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
- ✓Knocked-out adult tooth
- ✓Lost filling
- ✓Lost crown
- ✓Pain when biting
- ✓Bleeding after a dental injury
- ✓Dental abscess concern
- ✓Tooth sensitivity that suddenly becomes worse
- ✓Injury to teeth, gums, lips, or mouth
Do not wait for pain to become severe before calling. Early care may help reduce the risk of further damage.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Some symptoms need medical attention immediately, not just a dental appointment.
Seek urgent medical care or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- ✓Trouble breathing
- ✓Trouble swallowing
- ✓Severe facial swelling
- ✓Swelling spreading toward the eye or neck
- ✓Uncontrolled bleeding
- ✓Serious facial or jaw injury
- ✓Fever with worsening swelling or illness
A dentist can treat many dental emergencies, but serious swelling, breathing problems, uncontrolled bleeding, or major trauma may need hospital-based care first.
Emergency Dental Problems We Help With
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can be caused by decay, infection, cracks, gum problems, bite pressure, or damaged dental work. A dental exam helps identify the cause and the right treatment.
Dental Swelling
Swelling around the gums, jaw, or face may be linked to infection or inflammation. Dental swelling should be checked promptly, especially if it is increasing.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth may cause sensitivity, sharp edges, pain, or risk of further damage. Treatment depends on how much tooth structure is affected.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out adult tooth needs urgent attention. Call the clinic immediately for guidance. The sooner the tooth is assessed, the better the chance of discussing possible treatment options.
Lost Filling
A lost filling can leave the tooth exposed, sensitive, or vulnerable to further damage. Avoid chewing on that side and call the clinic.
Lost Crown
A lost crown can expose the tooth underneath. Keep the crown if you have it and call the clinic for instructions.
Pain When Biting
Pain when biting may be linked to a cracked tooth, high filling, infection, gum problem, or bite issue. It should be checked before the tooth worsens.
What to Do Before Your Emergency Dental Visit
The right step depends on the problem, but the goal is to protect the area and avoid making the damage worse.
Until your appointment:
- ✓Call the clinic and explain your symptoms clearly
- ✓Avoid chewing on the painful or broken side
- ✓Keep a lost crown or broken tooth piece if available
- ✓Rinse gently with warm water if the area feels irritated
- ✓Use a cold compress outside the face for swelling or injury
- ✓Follow medication instructions from your physician or pharmacist if using over-the-counter pain relief
- ✓Do not place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth
- ✓Do not ignore swelling, fever, or symptoms that are getting worse
These steps are not a substitute for dental care. They are only temporary support until the area is assessed.
What Happens During an Emergency Dental Appointment?
Symptom Review
We ask about your pain, swelling, injury, sensitivity, medical history, and when the problem started.
Dental Exam
The dentist checks the tooth, gums, bite, surrounding tissues, and any existing dental work.
X-Rays When Needed
X-rays may be recommended to check the tooth roots, bone support, infection concerns, cracks, or areas not visible during the exam.
Diagnosis and Options
The dentist explains what may be causing the problem and what treatment options may be suitable.
Urgent Treatment Planning
Depending on the issue, treatment may involve a filling, crown assessment, root canal assessment, extraction discussion, medication guidance, temporary repair, or referral if needed.
Cost and Coverage Review
Before treatment begins, our team explains estimated costs and coverage where possible.
Emergency Dentist vs Regular Dental Visit
A regular dental visit focuses on prevention, routine exams, cleanings, and planned treatment.
An emergency dental visit focuses on pain, swelling, injury, broken teeth, infection concerns, or urgent problems that need faster assessment.
If you are not sure which appointment type you need, call the clinic. Our team can help guide you.
Cost and CDCP Information
Emergency dental costs depend on the problem, exam type, X-rays if needed, and the treatment required.
Grimsby Lake Dental accepts CDCP for eligible patients and eligible dental services. CDCP coverage depends on eligibility, treatment type, frequency limits, co-payments, preauthorization, and plan rules.
If you have private insurance, CDCP, or another dental benefit, bring your coverage information to your visit so our team can help review estimated costs before treatment begins.
Related Services
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dental emergency?+
Tooth pain, swelling, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings, lost crowns, dental injuries, and pain when biting may need emergency dental care.
Should I call a dentist for tooth pain?+
Yes. Tooth pain can be caused by decay, infection, cracks, gum problems, or damaged dental work. It should be checked before it gets worse.
What should I do if I break a tooth?+
Call the clinic as soon as possible. Avoid chewing on that side and keep any broken tooth piece if available.
What should I do if a filling falls out?+
Avoid chewing on that side and call the clinic. A lost filling can leave the tooth exposed and sensitive.
What should I do if a crown comes off?+
Keep the crown if you have it and call the clinic for guidance. Do not use household glue to reattach it.
Is facial swelling a dental emergency?+
Swelling can be serious, especially if it is spreading or linked to fever, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing. Seek urgent medical care for severe or spreading swelling.
Can new patients book emergency dental care?+
Yes. Grimsby Lake Dental welcomes new patients with urgent dental concerns.
Does CDCP cover emergency dentistry?+
CDCP may help cover eligible emergency dental services for eligible patients. Coverage depends on eligibility, treatment type, frequency limits, co-payments, preauthorization, and plan rules.
Where is Grimsby Lake Dental located?+
Grimsby Lake Dental is located at 414 Winston Rd, Grimsby, ON L3M 0H2, near Lake Ontario and the QEW.
Call an Emergency Dentist in Grimsby
Have tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth, lost filling, lost crown, or another urgent dental concern? Call Grimsby Lake Dental and our team will help you understand the next step.