A dental emergency does not wait for a convenient time. Whether you have cracked a tooth at dinner, woken up with a swollen jaw, or had a filling fall out during the workday, you need emergency dental care in Pickering as soon as possible. At Ivory Dental, Dr. Claudia Wood reserves time each day for urgent cases so you do not have to wait days or resort to the emergency room for dental pain.
Here is what qualifies as a dental emergency, what we can treat same-day, and what to do while you are waiting to get to our office.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency
Not every dental problem requires immediate attention. A broken tooth, a severe toothache that does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication, a knocked-out permanent tooth, a dental abscess with facial swelling, heavy bleeding from the mouth, or a loose or displaced tooth from trauma — these are emergencies that need same-day care.
Situations that can usually wait for a regular appointment include a small chip with no pain, a lost filling with no sensitivity, mild sensitivity to hot or cold, or a slightly loose orthodontic wire. If you are unsure, call our office at (905) 839-9663 and describe your symptoms. Our team can advise whether you need to come in right away.
Common Emergencies We Treat Same-Day
Severe toothache: Pain that keeps you from sleeping or eating often indicates an infection or deep cavity reaching the nerve. Dr. Wood can diagnose the cause with an X-ray and start treatment immediately, whether that means a temporary filling, antibiotics for infection, or beginning a root canal.
Broken or cracked teeth: A hard bite on an olive pit, a sports injury, or a fall can crack a tooth. Treatment depends on severity — a small chip may need bonding, while a deep fracture may require a crown or extraction.
Knocked-out tooth: A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out can sometimes be reimplanted if you get to us within 30 to 60 minutes. Handle the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot, keep it in milk or saliva and get to our office immediately.
Dental abscess: A pus-filled swelling at the base of a tooth or along the gumline is a bacterial infection that can spread to the jaw, neck, or brain if untreated. Dr. Wood drains the abscess, prescribes antibiotics, and plans definitive treatment such as a root canal or extraction.
What to Do Before You Reach Our Office
While you are on your way to our emergency dental services in Pickering, these steps can help manage pain and protect the injured area:
For toothache, rinse with warm salt water and take ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum — this causes chemical burns. For a broken tooth, save any fragments, rinse your mouth gently, and apply gauze to stop bleeding. For swelling, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek in 20-minute intervals.
If a crown or filling has come out, you can use dental cement or sugar-free gum as a temporary covering. Avoid chewing on that side. The Canadian Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist within 24 hours of losing a restoration.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies are avoidable, many can be prevented. Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports. Do not use your teeth to open packages or crack nuts. Address small problems — a minor crack, a sensitive spot, a loose filling — before they become emergencies. Regular checkups with Dr. Wood catch these issues early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go to the emergency room for dental pain?
In most cases, no. ERs can provide pain medication and antibiotics but cannot perform dental procedures like root canals, extractions, or restorations. Call Ivory Dental first — we see emergencies same-day during office hours.
How much does emergency dental care cost in Pickering?
Emergency exam and X-ray fees are comparable to a regular visit. Treatment costs depend on what is needed — a simple filling is far less than an emergency extraction or root canal. Most dental insurance plans cover emergency treatment.
Can a dental emergency wait overnight?
If you have uncontrolled bleeding, severe swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, or a knocked-out permanent tooth, seek care immediately — go to the nearest hospital ER if our office is closed. Severe toothache and broken teeth can typically wait until the next morning if managed with pain medication and cold compresses.
Dental emergency in Pickering? Call Ivory Dental right now at (905) 839-9663. Dr. Claudia Wood and our team at 1300 Kingston Road Unit #3 are here to help — same-day appointments available for urgent cases.
