When should I use 123Dentist for emergency dental care?

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time, and it can be hard to know whether to call a dentist, head to the ER, or wait it out. 123Dentist clinics across Canada are equipped to help with urgent dental problems, often with same-day appointments, so you don’t have to stay in pain or risk your oral health.

This guide explains when you should use 123Dentist for emergency dental care, what counts as a dental emergency, and what to do while you’re waiting to be seen.

---

What counts as a dental emergency?

As a general rule, you should contact a 123Dentist clinic for emergency dental care any time you have:

• Significant pain in your teeth, gums, or jaw
• Trauma or injury to the mouth
• Sudden changes affecting how you bite, chew, or talk
• Signs of infection (swelling, heat, or fever)

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call a clinic and describe your symptoms. The team can help you decide whether you need emergency care, a same-week visit, or home care and monitoring.

---

When to use 123Dentist for emergency dental care

1. Severe toothache that doesn’t go away

Use 123Dentist for emergency care if:

• You have intense, throbbing, or constant tooth pain
• Pain keeps you awake at night
• Over-the-counter pain relievers barely help
• Pain gets worse with hot, cold, or chewing

Severe tooth pain can signal problems like deep decay, an abscess, or a cracked tooth. Prompt treatment can relieve your pain and may save your tooth.

What to do before your visit:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed (if you can safely take it)
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods on the sore side

---

2. Swelling in your face, gums, or jaw

Swelling can be a sign of infection and should never be ignored.

Use 123Dentist for emergency dental care if you notice:

• Swollen gums around one tooth
• Swelling in your cheek or jaw
• A pimple-like bump on the gums that may drain fluid
• Pain when you press on the area or when chewing

These symptoms could indicate a dental abscess, which can spread if not treated. A dentist can diagnose the cause, drain infection if needed, and prescribe antibiotics or perform treatment such as root canal therapy.

Seek urgent medical care (ER or call 911) if:

• Swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow
• You have a high fever and feel very unwell
• Swelling is spreading quickly to your neck or eye area

In these situations, go to the nearest emergency department first, then follow up with a 123Dentist clinic for dental treatment.

---

3. Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies.

Use 123Dentist for emergency care immediately if:

• An adult (permanent) tooth has been completely knocked out of the mouth

Time is critical – seeing a dentist within 30–60 minutes gives the best chance of saving the tooth.

What to do right away:

1. Find the tooth and handle it only by the crown (the part you normally see in the mouth), not the root.
2. If dirty, rinse gently with milk or saline. Do not scrub or use soap.
3. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket, if possible, and ask the person to gently bite on gauze or a clean cloth.
4. If you can’t reinsert it, store the tooth in milk or in the person’s cheek (if they are conscious and old enough not to swallow it).
5. Go to the nearest 123Dentist clinic or call ahead so the team can prepare for your arrival.

For a knocked-out baby tooth, do not try to put it back in. Still contact a dentist as soon as possible to evaluate the area and protect the developing adult tooth.

---

4. Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth

Not every chip is an emergency, but some breaks need urgent care.

Use 123Dentist for emergency dental care if:

• A large piece of the tooth has broken off
• You have sharp edges cutting your tongue or cheek
• There is pain when biting or sensitivity to temperature
• The tooth looks cracked down the middle
• You can see a pink or red spot in the centre of the tooth (exposed nerve)

Prompt treatment can prevent infection, reduce pain, and improve the chance of saving the tooth with a filling, crown, or other restoration.

What to do before your visit:

• Rinse gently with warm water
• Keep any broken pieces in a clean container (sometimes they can be bonded back)
• Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect soft tissues

For small chips with no pain, you may not need same-day care, but you should still book a visit soon to prevent further damage.

---

5. Lost or damaged fillings, crowns, or bridges

Restorations protect your teeth. When they break or come loose, underlying tooth structure is more vulnerable.

Use 123Dentist for emergency dental care if:

• A crown or bridge has completely come off
• A filling has fallen out and the tooth is sensitive or painful
• You are having difficulty chewing because of a broken restoration
• You’re worried you might swallow or choke on a loose crown or filling

Short-term steps:

• Keep the crown or bridge and bring it to your appointment
• Over-the-counter dental cement can sometimes help temporarily hold a crown in place (avoid super glue or other household adhesives)
• Avoid very hard or sticky foods on that side

Even if you are not in pain, it’s important to have the restoration evaluated soon to prevent decay and fractures.

---

6. Soft tissue injuries: lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue

Mouth injuries are common in sports, accidents, and falls.

Use 123Dentist for emergency dental care if:

• Bleeding from gums, tongue, cheeks, or lips doesn’t slow after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure
• You have a cut that may need sutures
• Teeth feel loose, chipped, or out of position after the injury
• You have debris embedded in the gums or soft tissues

Dentists can help control bleeding, clean and assess wounds, and check for damage to teeth or bone.

Go to the ER or call 911 if:

• Bleeding is heavy and won’t stop
• There is suspicion of a broken jaw or facial bones
• The person is dizzy, confused, or may have a head injury

---

7. Possible broken or dislocated jaw

A suspected jaw fracture or dislocation is both a dental and medical emergency.

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty closing the mouth or bringing teeth together normally
• Pain when moving the jaw
• Swelling or bruising around the jaw joint
• Teeth that suddenly don’t fit together properly

In these cases, go to the nearest emergency department first. After medical evaluation and stabilization, a 123Dentist clinic can help with any follow-up dental care, such as checking for damaged teeth or bite issues.

---

8. Dental emergencies with braces or other appliances

If you wear braces or other dental appliances, issues can become urgent if they cause pain or interfere with normal function.

Use 123Dentist for emergency dental care if:

• A wire is poking into your cheek, gums, or tongue
• A bracket or band has broken or come off
• A retainer or appliance has cracked and is irritating your mouth
• You’ve experienced trauma to teeth with braces on

Temporary relief measures:

• Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp brackets or wires
• If a wire is long and you cannot reach a dentist right away, you may gently bend it back with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser
• Do not try to cut wires yourself unless instructed by a dental professional

---

When to choose a 123Dentist emergency visit vs. a hospital ER

It can be confusing to decide where to go. Use this guide:

Use 123Dentist for emergency dental care when:

• You have tooth pain, broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns
• You have swelling limited to the mouth or jaw without breathing or swallowing trouble
• You’ve chipped or broken a tooth or had a tooth knocked out (and can safely travel)
• You have a mouth injury but no signs of serious head trauma or broken facial bones

Go to the hospital ER or call 911 when:

• You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling is spreading quickly or affecting your eye, neck, or throat
• You have a serious head injury, loss of consciousness, or heavy bleeding
• You suspect a broken jaw or major facial fracture
• A child or adult is extremely ill, with high fever and weakness, along with dental symptoms

After hospital care, 123Dentist can provide follow-up dental treatment as needed.

---

How 123Dentist handles emergency appointments

While each clinic may have its own procedures, many 123Dentist locations:

• Reserve time each day for urgent or emergency cases
• Offer same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible
• Can advise you over the phone about immediate steps to take before you arrive

When you call, be ready to:

• Describe your symptoms (pain level, swelling, bleeding, trauma)
• Share how long the problem has been going on
• Mention any medications, allergies, or existing conditions

This helps the team prioritize your care and plan the appropriate treatment.

---

What to expect during an emergency dental visit

During an emergency appointment at a 123Dentist clinic, the team will typically:

1. Assess your symptoms and medical history
2. Take any necessary X-rays or scans to locate the problem
3. Relieve pain and stabilize the situation (for example, medication, temporary restoration, or drainage of infection)
4. Explain your treatment options, including costs and next steps
5. Schedule follow-up care if more extensive treatment is needed

The first goal is to get you out of pain and address any urgent health risks. Long-term solutions can sometimes be completed in later appointments, depending on the situation.

---

Tips to reduce your risk of dental emergencies

While not every emergency can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

• Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
• Treating small issues (like minor cavities or cracks) before they worsen
• Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports or high-impact activities
• Avoiding chewing ice, hard candies, or non-food objects
• Not using your teeth to open packages
• Following care instructions for restorations, implants, and orthodontic appliances

Good daily oral hygiene and routine dental care can catch many problems early, before they turn into emergencies.

---

How the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) fits in

If you’re eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), it may help cover some emergency dental services, depending on the specific treatment and your coverage details.

To make the most of CDCP benefits:

• Confirm your eligibility and apply through the official CDCP process
• Ask your 123Dentist clinic whether they accept CDCP patients
• Bring your coverage information to your emergency appointment

The clinic team can help you understand which emergency treatments are covered and what out-of-pocket costs you might expect.

---

If you’re unsure, contact 123Dentist

Any time you’re wondering, “Is this a dental emergency?” it’s worth reaching out. Use a 123Dentist clinic for emergency dental care when you have:

• Significant pain
• Swelling or signs of infection
• Trauma to teeth or mouth
• Lost or damaged restorations causing discomfort or difficulty eating

When in doubt, call a clinic, describe your symptoms, and follow their guidance. Acting quickly can protect your health, save teeth, and help you get relief as soon as possible.