What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is a problem that requires prompt assessment to relieve pain, reduce complications or help preserve a tooth. Severe pain, infection, prolonged bleeding and dental trauma should not be ignored.

In Montreal, contact a dental clinic as soon as a concerning symptom appears. Only an examination can identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

When should you contact a dentist quickly?

Seek prompt dental advice if you have:

• severe or persistent tooth pain, especially pain that disturbs sleep;
• swelling of the gums, face or jaw;
• an abscess, drainage or a persistent bad taste;
• a broken, displaced or knocked-out tooth;
• heavy or prolonged bleeding;
• a damaged filling, crown or restoration accompanied by pain;
• significant pain after dental treatment.

Tooth decay may progress without symptoms at first. When pain begins, the problem may already be more advanced, so it is best not to wait until it becomes unbearable.

When is medical emergency care needed?

Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency department if swelling interferes with breathing or swallowing, an infection appears to be spreading quickly, major trauma affects the face or jaw, or heavy bleeding cannot be controlled.

What can you do while waiting?

• Rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek if there is swelling or trauma.
• Avoid chewing on the painful side.
• Keep any tooth or broken fragment and bring it to the appointment.
• Follow a healthcare professional’s advice regarding medication.

Do not place aspirin directly on a tooth or gum, and do not attempt a home repair.

What if a permanent tooth is knocked out?

Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly and gently without scrubbing. If it cannot be placed back easily, keep it in milk and contact a dentist or emergency service immediately. Never reinsert a baby tooth.

Why is a dental examination important?

Similar pain can have different causes, including deep decay, nerve inflammation, infection, a crack, gum disease or trauma. A dentist can examine the mouth and, when indicated, take X-rays to establish a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

Antibiotics do not necessarily replace treatment of the underlying dental cause. A clinical assessment remains essential.

Emergency dentist in Old Montreal

Les Dentistes du Vieux-Port de Montréal welcomes patients from Old Montreal, Griffintown, Cité du Multimédia, downtown Montreal, Ville-Marie and other Montreal neighbourhoods. If you have pain, swelling, a broken tooth or another urgent concern, contact our team. We will explain the next step and check appointment availability.

Frequently asked questions

Can a toothache go away on its own?

Pain may decrease temporarily even when the cause remains. Persistent or recurring pain should be assessed.

Is a painless broken tooth urgent?

It may not always require immediate treatment, but it should be evaluated to reduce the risk of further damage, sensitivity or soft-tissue injury.

Can I wait with facial swelling?

Swelling may be related to an infection and can worsen. Contact a dentist promptly. If breathing or swallowing is affected, seek emergency medical care.

Request an appointment

For a dental emergency in Montreal, contact Les Dentistes du Vieux-Port so our team can assess the situation and guide you toward the appropriate next step.